Few people on this planet have earned the right to be called an “icon.” You need to have pushed your respective art form forward. Innovated despite what anyone else thought. And most importantly, inspired. That’s pretty much the life of Shane McConkey. He was a hero. When he died in 2009, he was still pushing boundaries, having done so in the limelight for over 20 years as a household name in the ski industry. His stature only grew when he added air to the equation and spearheaded skiBASE—a pursuit that eventually lead to his death in 2009.
Shane’s passing left a huge void in the ski industry (he basically changed what skiers ride with his reverse camber pow ski). Beyond his superhero-like ability, Shane was just a genuine human with a gigantic heart. The documentary “McConkey” showcased this to mass audiences several years ago. And thankfully, Red Bull is hosting this gem of a documentary. It’s now free for everyone to watch. And be inspired.
Sherry McConkey, Shane’s widow, understood his inspirational life better than anyone. Together they travelled the world, built a home in Lake Tahoe, and gave birth to a daughter, Ayla. Sherry has shown incredible poise and outstanding character in the aftermath of her husband’s death and has really become an inspiration in her own right. She continues to share his legacy through the efforts of the Shane McConkey Foundation, whose mission is twofold: “to carry on this legacy through random acts of kindness and charitable giving, and to inspire others to make a difference in the world at large.”
We had a chance to chat with Sherry last spring near her home in Lake Tahoe where she co-led a yoga marathon with pro snowboarder Megan Pischke to raise money for breast cancer research. You can’t help but be motivated by this incredible woman.
Editor’s Note: Check out a few highlights from Shane McConkey’s career, below, and watch the documentary here.
