A ski patroller was killed at Squaw Valley today, in a fatal accident during routine avalanche control work. It's a sad day for all skiers but especially those in the Tahoe community, which has been dealt more than its fair share of tragedies in the past. My thoughts are with Squaw's patrollers and the family and friends of the man who died. There's a fund set up for his family here—I've donated. You should, too.

Ski patrollers put their lives on the line to make the mountain safer for all of us. We too often forget to tell them thank you for that.

I recently interviewed a long-time ski patroller at Steamboat named Charlie in a piece for Outside Online called "Confessions of a Veteran Ski Patroller." He's been a ski patroller for 27 years. He's seen it all. He talked to me about everything from mountain lions to gaper day to his biggest powder day and his scariest rescue. Through it all, he still thinks he has the best job in the world. After the news today, I emailed Charlie just to say thank you. Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for your service.