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Eric Blehm
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The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him Kindle Edition

by Eric Blehm (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 236 ratings
4.3 on Goodreads
1,112 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Skiing

鶹

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“Eric Blehm offers an insightful perspective on how Craig Kelly became the effortless icon that we all revered as well as sobering details of how his heroic journey tragically ended. The Darkest White is a must read, not just for fans of snowboarding, but for anyone looking for inspiration from an unlikely hero.”—Tony Hawk

From Eric Blehm, the bestselling author of The Last Season and Fearless, comes an extraordinary new book in the vein of Into the Wild, the story of the legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly and his death in the 2003 Durrand Glacier Avalanche—a devastating and controversial tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people.

On January 20, 2003, a thunderous crack rang out and a violent tide of snow barreled down the northern Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, burying thirteen skiers and snowboarders. Among them was Craig Kelly—“the Michael Jordan of snowboarding”—a world champion who had propelled the sport into the mainstream before walking away from competitions to rekindle his passion in the untamed alpine wilds of North America.

The Darkest White tells the story of Craig Kelly’s life, an extraordinary and inspiring odyssey of a latchkey kid whose athletic prowess and innovations revolutionized winter sports, carried him around the globe, and pushed him into increasingly extreme backcountry environments. It is also a definitive, immersive account of how snowboarding grew from a minor Gen X cult hobby to Olympic centerpiece and a billion-dollar business full of feuds and rivalries. This mesmerizing tribute is a cautionary portrait of the mountains, of the allure and the glory they offer, and of the avalanches they unleash with unforgiving fury.

"The most unremittingly exciting book of nonfiction I have come across in recent years. I found myself reading late into recent nights wholly transfixed by every paragraph, every word."—Simon Winchester, New York Times Book Review

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  1. Print length
    349 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    Feb. 27 2024
  6. File size
    24.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

The Darkest White
The Darkest White
The Darkest White
The Last Season
The Only Thing Worth Dying For
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,365
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,687
Price $21.99 $21.00

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Review

"The most unremittingly exciting book of nonfiction I have come across in recent years. I found myself reading late into recent nights wholly transfixed by every paragraph, every word." — Simon Winchester, The New York Times Book Review

“Mr. Blehm’s description of Kelly’s meticulous training . . . and his minute-by-minute account of the fateful day leading up to Kelly’s demise, make this book as riveting as any thriller.” — Wall Street Journal

“Eric Blehm offers an insightful perspective on how Craig Kelly became the effortless icon that we all revered as well as sobering details of how his heroic journey tragically ended. The Darkest White is a must read, not just for fans of snowboarding, but for anyone looking for inspiration from an unlikely hero.” — Tony Hawk

"Eric Blehm has written a gripping and heartfelt story of a bold, short life well-lived. The Darkest White is both a fine elegy to a majestic athlete and a perceptive study of the tantalizing call of wilderness and how the mountains seduce us.” — Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author of In the Kingdom of IceԻBlood and Thunder 

“When I started snowboarding, Craig was already a true legend in the sport. Growing up, I always looked up to him. He inspired me and so many other riders. I just wish I got to ride with him more." — Shaun White

“Eric Blehm took on this biography as I imagine Craig Kelly took on the halfpipe. He studied it, chose his line, and pulled everything off—even tough parts—with grace and style. It’s not just a terrific story of an amazing life, not just the origin story of an entire sport, but a riveting disaster narrative that builds tension masterfully. The Darkest White grabbed me and didn’t let go." — Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Terminal List series

“The Darkest White is a little like riding a magic carpet through a white out. I haven't read a winter saga this good since John Branch's Snowfall, which won the Pulitzer.” — John Long, adventurer, climber and award-winning author of Gorilla Monsoon,Icarus Syndrome, and Granite Mariner

"Impressive reporting offers new insight into [Craig] Kelly’s final hours, and the author’s empathetic portrayal of Kelly as a purist who 'turned his back on business deals, high-dollar sponsorship contracts, and . . . prize money' to return to the 'powdery backcountry that had first drawn him to his calling' will resonate even with those unfamiliar with his legacy. It’s a stirring tribute to a talent gone too soon." — Publishers Weekly

"Blehm recounts in gripping detail the terrifying disaster, the desperate rescue efforts, and the ensuing investigations into the cause. A stirring adventure narrative and sports bio." — Kirkus Reviews

"In The Darkest White, Eric Blehm skillfully chronicles the remarkable life and terrifying demise of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly, whose journey from youthful shredder to pioneering icon transformed winter sports. With narrative precision and descriptive beauty, Blehm immerses readers into the highs and lows of Kelly's career, exploring the captivating world of snowboarding, its cultural explosion, and the ruthless forces of nature that ultimately claimed the life of this sensational athlete." — Neal Bascomb, author of Faster and The Perfect Mile

About the Author

Eric Blehm is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His first book, The Last Season, was the winner of the National Outdoor Book Award and was named by Outside magazine as one of the "greatest adventure biographies ever written." He has dedicated his life to telling the stories of those who serve.



Dan Bittner is an actor and voice talent and winner of several AudioFile Earphones Awards for audio narration. He has starred on stage and on the screen, in movies such as Men in Black, Adventureland, and the Producers: The Movie Musical. He has also appeared onstage as Macbeth and Sherlock Holmes in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C3D4ZMGP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ Feb. 27 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 24.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 349 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062971425
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 236 ratings

About the author

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Eric Blehm

Eric Blehm

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Eric Blehm [ericblehm dot com] is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His book The Last Season won the National Outdoor Book Award and was named by Outside magazine as one of the “greatest adventure biographies ever written.”

Blehm got his start in journalism writing for Powder and then TransWorld SNOWboarding in the early 1990s where he became editor in chief before moving on to freelance. In 1999, Blehm was the first journalist to accompany and keep pace with an elite Army Ranger platoon on a training mission for the feature article “Painted Demons” (POV magazine). His access into the Special Operations community and reportage set an important milestone for American war journalism two years before reporters gained widespread embedded status with the U.S. military during the global war against terrorism. Blehm’s immersion with the Rangers also led him to write the account of an elite team of eleven Green Berets who changed the course of a nation’s history while operating in the hinterland of Taliban-held southern Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11 (The Only Thing Worth Dying For/HarperCollins). His next book, Fearless (Waterbrook/Multnomah; Random House), told the heartrending and inspiring story of Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown, who battled addiction and overcame devastating injuries during his redemptive rise to join the hallowed ranks of SEAL Team SIX. Blehm followed Fearless with a deep dive into the 1960s with Legend (Crown Books, Penguin RandomHouse)—the unforgettable account of the U.S. Army’s 240th Assault Helicopter Company and Green Beret Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked everything to rescue a Special Forces team trapped behind enemy lines in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. Both Fearless and Legend are currently being adapted for film by major Hollywood producers and studios.

In his current book, The Darkest White, A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche that Took Him (HarperCollins), Blehm returned to his mountain roots to tell the story of snowboarding’s original superstar Craig Kelly. Known as the sport’s first true professional, Kelly walked away from the fame and fortune associated with competition to return to the powdery backcountry that originally drew him to his calling, and ultimately took his life. “The Darkest White is a gripping and heartfelt story of a bold, short life well-lived,” says New York Times bestselling author Hampton Sides. “Not just a terrific story of an amazing life,” adds number one New York Times bestselling author of The Terminal List series, Jack Carr, “not just the origin story of an entire sport, but a riveting disaster narrative that builds tension masterfully.” It is “… a must read,” says Tony Hawk, “not just for fans of snowboarding, but for anyone looking for inspiration from an unlikely hero.”

Blehm continues to research, write, and bring to life sometimes obscure, but always amazing true stories from his basecamp in north San Diego County where he lives with his editor wife and brood of three talented and creative “kids” all of whom make him look good on paper (and to infinity) and beyond.

#Believe

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4.7 out of 5 stars
236 global ratings

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Top reviews from Canada

  • 鶹 Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well researched and engaging read!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    The events in this book have been written about a lot, particularly the avalanche that ended Craig's and others lives. I've read much of that writing with care as I know many of the people involved. The La Traviatta avalanche shook the world for not only the beautiful lives lost, but also for the elusive "why." I bought the book because it promised to shed some new light on the accident and events leading up to it, plus Craig was a hero of mine when I was learning to snowboard. I read the section on the avalanche first, and I don't want to give it away, but I have a new respect for some of the people involved, and the dissonant actions of others after the accident make more sense given what actually happened that day. A lot of what people, including me, thought they knew about the accident just wasn't complete, and is very much at odds with what others have said. This book fixes some huge misperceptions that have stood for decades, and that is always a good if sometimes painful process. Facts matter. Eric did a fantastic job piecing together the events leading up to the accident, and after it. I literally got chills as I read some of Eric's writing, it's just incredibly solid journalism. The man is clearly a first-rate writer and professional journalist who earned the trust of everyone involved. How many hours, weeks, months did he put into just the avalanche section alone? I'm going to read all of Eric's books now, great to find a new to me author. I read the rest of the book next, and it was just as good. I know a few of the people in that section as well, and Eric gives them all the same honest and careful examination backed up by meticulous research.

    Eric also does a beautiful job bringing everyone involved to life, including the other six people who lost theirs that sad day. More laughter and tears for me, just amazing writing about people really living their dreams.

    In the end the real star of the book is Craig Kelly, and that is as it should be. If you're looking for inspiration on living a meaningful life then this book is full of it, not in a fake-sweet self-help way, but in a, "Man, if Craig could do that what could I do?" stoked way. Kelly was and is a deserved legend as a snowboarder, but also as a human, and I love how that shines through in this book. Now for the rest of Eric's books!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Douglas Macdonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars another perspective
    Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is 1/2 sympathetic biography of Craig Kelly, 1/2 another look at the 2003 La Traviata avalanche tragedy. I was surprised and pleased that Blehm was able to add a new perspective to the avalanche; an event I had thought was already thoroughly researched.
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  • Gary W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READ!!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    An inspirational read of someone who found a passion and followed his dream of doing what he loved to the fullest of his abilities! A true example of human aspiration!
    I will never get tired of this book..
    Not only was he my hero but a hero to others and an innovator to the sport!
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  • Erik T
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Snowboarding book ever written
    Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Eric captivates you and draws you in to the story of an extraordinary human. Craig Kelly’s legacy is as important today as ever. The snowboard community is so lucky to have a New York Times bestselling author to tell Craig’s story!
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  • Jacqui Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read about snowboarding
    Reviewed in Canada on December 11, 2024
    Format: Hardcover
    I took up snowboarding when I moved to Quebec in the late 1990s and over the years it has become my religion. If you're an old ripper no doubt you idolized Craig Kelly and were heart-broken when he died in an avalanche in the BC backcountry with six other souls. In The Darkest White Eric Blehm tells the story of Kelly's rise to superstar status in snowboarding, and recounts the details leading to the tragedy that took his life, and its aftermath. The compassion and respect he has for his friend and what he was able to accomplish in the nascent sport comes through on every page. He brings Kelly to life for those of us who wish we'd known him. Its something I'll read time, and again.
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  • E G
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in Australia on May 14, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Just a great read
    Report
  • Jennifer L. Vaisman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Blehm delivers again!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    As always, Eric Blehm delivers. I found this story compelling. I have read all of Eric Blehm’s book, and like all the stories that precede this book, I am just as impressed with the research and thoughtfulness in telling of these stories. I didn’t know anything about Craig Kelly before reading this book. I am not a snowboarder, nor am I a skier, but I am an avid lover of the great outdoors. And despite not being a skier or snowboarder, I was immediately enthralled. Eric is an amazing story teller and journalist. He could write about lint and I’d likely be just as engaged. This is a wonderfully researched, detailed, and engrossing story.
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  • 鶹 Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Great read
    Report
  • Antti Kettunen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Heart-Pounding Tale of Adventure and Tragedy in the Mountains
    Reviewed in Germany on June 20, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    "The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him" by John A. Wilder is a gripping account of mountaineer Alex Thornton's journey and the tragic avalanche that claimed his life. Wilder's vivid descriptions transport readers to the icy slopes, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty and chilling dangers of the mountains.

    Wilder's deep understanding of mountaineering adds authenticity, making it a must-read for enthusiasts and novices alike. The book explores the psychological aspects of extreme sports and the drive to face unimaginable risks.

    Though the pacing can be uneven with overly detailed sections, "The Darkest White" is a compelling read, celebrating human resilience and the allure of the mountains. Wilder's engaging prose makes this a worthy addition to any adventure lover's library.
    Customer image
    Antti Kettunen
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A Heart-Pounding Tale of Adventure and Tragedy in the Mountains

    Reviewed in Germany on June 20, 2024
    "The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him" by John A. Wilder is a gripping account of mountaineer Alex Thornton's journey and the tragic avalanche that claimed his life. Wilder's vivid descriptions transport readers to the icy slopes, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty and chilling dangers of the mountains.

    Wilder's deep understanding of mountaineering adds authenticity, making it a must-read for enthusiasts and novices alike. The book explores the psychological aspects of extreme sports and the drive to face unimaginable risks.

    Though the pacing can be uneven with overly detailed sections, "The Darkest White" is a compelling read, celebrating human resilience and the allure of the mountains. Wilder's engaging prose makes this a worthy addition to any adventure lover's library.
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  • Richard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un 10
    Reviewed in Spain on December 13, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    De las mejores biografías relacionadas con el snowboard. Un libro a la altura de una leyenda como C. Kelly
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