TECNICA/BLIZZARD WILL MISS ARNE BACKSTROM - 6/8/2010

The Tecnica/Blizzard team is sorely missing one of our athletes. Arne Backstrom, 29, passed away Thursday, June 3rd in a fall during a freeskiing mission in Peru.

The loss of Arne is not just a loss to Tecnica/Blizzard, but to the whole ski community. Arne brought something to life that was very rare. A humble, intelligent & incredible athlete and person, Arne's passion for life was something that people looked up to.

As the team here at Tecnica/Blizzard reflects on our time with Arne we have found support in communicating what Arne gave to so many of us. As we correspond with one another - we see a common message of "greatness" that Arne brought to our lives. By thinking about Arne and all that he exudes, we cannot help but want to raise our standards in life.

Please keep reading in honor of Arne Backstrom, our beloved Team Member & Friend,

"His quiet approach. His sly/unassuming smile. His zest to fill his days with adventure. His modesty.
His timely wit. His totally and completely unique attack on life that I will never forget.
If a flake of who he was and what he represented landed on me, I would consider it the greatest blessing."

- Frank Shine, Tecnica/Blizzard Freeride Team Manager

"He was one of the best people I've ever known. I know I haven't been alone in thinking "I want to learn to ski like Arne". I also want to learn to live like Arne did.

Arne was a constant inspiration to everybody and he was my hero.

We all miss you and love you Arne, I hope there are endless powder days wherever you are."

- Robin McElroy - Tecnica/Blizzard Athlete

We had some chimichanga's and scotch last night and had a bunch of laughs and tears. I sat in my garage for a long time today taking-in where we spent our last minutes together getting some gear dialed before his trip and I thought about all of you as well and how much this group of people means to me. I miss you like crazy Arne!

Dana Greenwood - Tecnica/Blizzard Sales Representative

"I cannot even describe to you how much I worshiped Arne.

We are making chimichangas right now, and have Arne's trademark tillamook cheddar and the best salami I could find at the store."

Clem Smith - Tecnica/Blizzard Sales Representative

"We will miss the one and only Arne Backstrom smile. We are honored to have been able to work and ski with Arne. He will always have a special place in our hearts.

Heather Drummond & Megan Burch - Tecnica/Blizzard Marketing

Arne, you will be in our hearts always.
Smiling Back at-cha...

With Love,
Tecnica/Blizzard