Shane McConkey: 15 Years Gone But Still Inspiring As I woke up on Thursday and realized the date, it came to me that it is soon to be 6 years since the world lost a great man. Skiing lost its greatest, most dynamic influence and I lost one of the most motivational people in my life both on and off skis. 6 Years ago to date we lost Shane McConkey to a tragic ski base (skiing combined with base jumping) accident. In this he was pushing the sport; he for the most part created, innovated, and progressed. For many people they can recount exactly what they were doing when life changing events occurred, for me Shane’s death was one of these. Sitting in a college library scrolling through […] SnowBrains | March 26, 2024 3 Comments
J Skis Releases Shane McConkey Inspired Saucer Boy Ski Blades Just in time for the ski season to really get going, J Skis out of Burlington, Vermont, just released a radical new pair of ski blades honoring Shane McConkey. The SB Saucerboy Promodel X-Treme II McConkey x J Skis collaboration was made in a limited edition run, and there are only a few pairs left out of the 300 produced […] Industry News John Cunningham | November 27, 2023 0 Comments
Sherry McConkey Speaks Out About the Traffic in Tahoe, CA A common theme throughout this 2022-23 ski season has been the apparent increase in crowds in and around the mountains. The West Coast of America has been swarmed with tourists and new residents. This rings true in California’s Tahoe and Truckee areas, and Sherry McConkey is speaking out. Sherry McConkey, the widow of Shane McConkey, a beloved, legendary professional skier, […] Industry News Riley McDonald | February 6, 2023 17 Comments
The SnowBrains Podcast #24 | Scott Gaffney – Matchstick Productions Editor, Producer, Filmer, the G in Shane McConkey’s G.N.A.R., Lake Tahoe Surfer, & Badass Freeskier Brought to you by Tamarack Resort & Alta Ski Area “You should not be doing things with the objective of making a social media post about it. Go do things for the experience, not because you get to make a post.” – Scott Gaffney My guest today is Scott Gaffney. Scott is the filmer, director, and editor of the famous […] Podcasts Podcast | December 1, 2021 0 Comments
Utah Attorney Embezzles Millions from McConkey Family Last Thursday, Salt Lake City attorney, Calvin Curtis, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering millions from Glenn McConkey and at least 22 other clients. Glenn McConkey, the mother of the late famous extreme skier Shane McConkey who died during a ski-base jumping accident, suffers from severe Alzheimers and dementia. The family hired Calvin Curtis in 2008 to help […] Industry News Aunika Skogen | November 24, 2021 1 Comment
Scott Gaffney Shares Why This Naked Shane McConkey Jump at Squaw Valley, CA Makes Him Smile View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott Gaffney (@scottgaffski) It’s always fascinating to hear the backstory behind cool images. This one is no exception. Related: Why Shane McConkey & Scott Gaffney Were Great Together | Scott Gaffney Interview: On his Instagram yesterday, Scott Gaffney explained why seeing this image of a butt-naked Shane McConkey again […] SnowBrains | July 23, 2021 2 Comments
VIDEO: Shane McConkey Explains How He Invented the Powder Ski and Changed Skiing Forever Freeskier and base ski pioneer, Shane McConkey has been called the most influential skier of all time. Related: Shane McConkey: Free to Ski This is him explaining his thoughts behind inventing the powder ski when he mounted bindings on a pair of jumping waterskis… Clip from Search For Freedom’s documentary about extreme sports. SnowBrains | March 29, 2021 0 Comments
Happy 51st Birthday, Shane McConkey! | Tribute Video Thanks, Shane. SnowBrains | December 30, 2020 1 Comment