Thursday 28 May 2009

Kommunity news and Lyngen project on line.

We are all now back in Chamonix and its good to be home. We are slowly getting up to speed in the office and are now tending to enquiries and taking bookings for July's Kommunity Summer Camps (18th - 25th July). The usual crew will be in attendance and we are running only the one week this summer so get your place before its too late. The summer camps combine the best of a summer and winter holiday with Snowboarding in the mornings and Summer activities in the afternoons. Bring Snowboard kit, Swimming kit, Biking kit, Climbing kit, Beach Volley, Football and Golfing attire plus anything else you need for the things you like to do Summer or Winter.

I've also finished my Norway report 'The Lyngen Project' which will be hosted in the Library at www.mcnabsnowsports.com (in the articles section) and is also posted here so read on!

Norway - The Lyngen Project

Its quite a strange experience to watch the pink fade of the sunset on the snowy peaks over the fjord, whilst at the same time on the peaks behind me the same pink glow brightens the skyline as the new day arrives.


Its spring time in the Lyngen Alps, time of the eternal sun, complete contrast to the winter months of continuous night, one season favouring hibernation, the other the habits of the insomniac.

The Lyngen Alps are a vast jagged mountain range located some 500km inside the Arctic Circle on the Northern shores of Norway.


The Lyngen Fjord runs deep into the Norwegian land mass, part of a maze of deep water ways and islands that make up the distinctly complicated Norwegian coastline.

This is a vast, rarely explored part of the world. A true wilderness suited more to its local in-habitants the lonely Lynx, the shy Moose, the huge herds of Reindeer and the mythically named but rarely seen Wolverine.

The landscape here is rugged and unique, high peaks soar straight up from the sea whist towering rock faces plunge vertically into the dark icy depths. Huge beautiful looking glaciers fill the higher valleys, whilst lower down wide open featureless snow fields lead towards narrow creeks, bubbling springs and sparse woodland that does a surprisingly good job of concealing the numerous and enormous Moose that apparently hide out on these lower slopes.

We are staying at the purpose built Lyngen Lodge on the Eastern shore of the Lyngen Fjord. A beautiful calm oasis of comfort, warmth and luxury within this wild and often harsh landscape. The lodge was set up by Ski and Mountain aficionado, Graham Austin, an ex Pat BASI ski teacher and UIAGM Mountain Guide who fell in love with the area and had the foresight to see the vast potential on offer.

I am here as part of my “McNab BC Voyager program’ a program designed to take Snowboard and Mountain enthusiasts like myself around the world both near and far on a ‘Voyage of discovery’ in search of new spots, wild adventure, great terrain, big descents and of course dream lines. From Heli-boarding in remote parts of Russia, expedition trips to middle of nowhere Greenland, to simple Backcountry trips to explore some of Europe’s Freeriding Mecca’s, the ‘Voyager’ program has it all.


Joining me on the trip are 6 regular Backcountry devotees, a few of whom have already joined me on other journeys of discovery and adventure such as Greenland and Siberia.

As usual, I have a map, a compass, a back up GPS, altimeter and a mobile phone and a general idea. Along side this we have all the regular BC access and emergency kit. There are no lifts here, no designated runs, no marked itineraries and pretty much no limits beyond what you are physically and mentally capable of doing.


From the windows of the Lodge we gaze across the dark Fjord towards Glaciated valleys and jagged peaks. Huge smooth snowfields stretch out from summit to sea beckoning us to explore. Behind the lodge more soaring peaks fill the skyline offering relatively easy access descents of over 1000m for those that make the effort to hike up there.

We suffer bad weather on our first day of the trip and opt to go out in the Fjord for some fishing. Having never fished I’m pretty sceptical about catching anything and the lures we are using look, to me, more like kids toys than something a fish might want to get hold of. It is noted amongst the group that the worst thing that can come out of the day is that I (McNab) Catch the biggest fish.

Within minutes Carl has hooked a beauty, a Coalfish about as long as my arm. I retaliate with a cod of equal measure and the comp is under way. There doesn’t seem to be much skill involved, this is demonstrated beautifully as Jon hooks a small Cod out by its tail. I get my hook caught on what I think can only be the bottom, my rod is bending in two and I think its game over when suddenly the line starts to move around and I begin to reel in what at first I think can only be a shark, but turns out to be a massive Cod.



It’s the biggest fish I’ve ever seen, (about 10 kilos in weight) and to the disappointment of the team the eventual comp winner by a clear mile.

A great start to the trip I think!

The skies clear towards the evening and the sun shines down all night!


After a down day we are pretty revved up to get stuck in and so with a sense of adventure we opt to head down the Fjord on the Lyngen Lodge boat, ‘The Spirit of Lyngen’ to a near by Peak infested Island. We hop ashore at the local fishing port, a couple of houses and a small peer and seem strangely out of context as we set off with boards on our backs surrounded by bobbing fishing boats and noisy seagulls.

We head up climbing through dense woodland until after about 300m of altitude gain we suddenly clear the tree line and begin to climb the endless snow fields above.


The Peak we are heading for is a little shy of 1200m and takes us about 4 hours from seas to summit.


The views are incredible, 360 degrees of jagged Islands, soaring peaks and deep dark fjords below and endless blue sky.


We pause for lunch on the summit before heading down, it has snowed a little at the top during yesterdays storm and we ride fresh snow for about 500m before it starts to transform, changing to good spring corn snow on the lower slopes. We are heading towards a small bay, further up the coast from where we started and have to bushwhack through the trees in the lower section.


We emerge onto the beach to find the ‘spirit’ waiting for us, moored just off shore and shuttle ourselves and kit on board via the small Dingy tethered to the stern.

Its been a great day, we look back at our tracks as we cruise away. They look bizarre and out of place, 1 zig zag line up and 7 arcing lines spreading out from the summit to the sea surrounded by nothingness.


The weather holds true and over the following few days we explore the surrounding area climbing endless peaks and scoring big descents.


We make a traverse over the peninsula from a drop off at one side up and over into a hidden valley, where we see the recent tracks of a Wolverine, then up and over another ridge to ride down the big slopes behind the lodge to finish at the door.


We find some great riding, big endless slopes, some steeps, some narrows and some fun tree runs. We see the tracks of Lynx up high and of Moose down in the tree line but unfortunately see neither.

Life in the lodge is very pleasant, the evenings are long, the food is excellent and due to the strange night time sun 1am seems like 9pm. (Having just come from Kamchatka 3 days before, with an 11 hour time difference, my jet lag soon reaches insane proportions and I completely lose all track of day or night).

All too soon our trip is coming to an end and we’re planning our Grande-Finale. To finish the week we need something special and I have spied a great looking Glacier and Summit trip from one of our earlier ventures and with Graham’s local knowledge check it out on the map.

With an early start we take the boat far up the Fjord to the Western shore. From here we traverse through sparse woodland, cross a wide flat valley floor and negotiate a wide fast flowing river. The potential for getting wet is high and Nick gets a boot full. Fortunately the weather is mild and with the wet spring snow low down here in the valley his foot is soon no wetter than anyone else’s (why are Snowboard boots not waterproof?).

The trees are small and the woodland sparse, we see fresh evidence of Moose everywhere but as usual see none.


From here the climb begins. We traverse up the far side of the valley heading up to a distant Col far above. This takes about 2 hours, the views are incredible and the going is relatively easy. We arrive at the Col and pass through to breath taking views of the Glacier above and here we stop for lunch. Before us the Glacier gently rises up to a high peak crested ridge. It looks foreshortened but I can see from the map that it is roughly 3km to the top.


We trek gently up the Glacier taking in the ambiance and views all around us.


It is similar in appearance to the Trient Glacier back in Chamonix, maybe a bit larger and surrounded by sea.


The final climb to the ridge is steep and we have to break through the final cornice above to come out on the jagged crest from where, after 5 hours of steady climbing, we can easily reach the waiting summit.


This is our highest point of the week and the peaks around us are spectacular.


Like many snowy coastal regions the sea moist snow seems to stick to near vertical faces and we gaze out imagining possible lines, climbs and descents. From the summit we radio for the boat to come around the peninsula into the fjord behind and then begin our descent.


We ride wide open spring snowfields towards steeper rock cropped ground below where I stop the group and go to check out possible lines. We sneak through some rocky out crops and find a wide steep rolling couloir which we ride one at a time for safety reasons before hitting the crème de la crème of the week.


First tracks for all on the huge open snowfields below.


We can see the boat heading up the fjord far below and follow a halfpipe shaped gully down towards the tree line.

The final bushes and trees are dense but small enough to ride straight through if you’re confident and after the compulsory Commando finish we finally come out by the sea and walk easily along the coastline to rendezvous with the boat.

It has been a spectacular day. The weather has been perfect, the hiking rewarding and the descent breathtaking.

We speed back to the lodge whilst Springer Whales and Porpoise jump and dive in the fjords around us.

The big snowy faces surrounding the Lyngen Fjord show evidence of our passing, our graceful lines carved down the faces like some ancient, mystical scripture.

Our trip and my winter is now over. It has been my final trip of the season and my first time exploring this magical region.


We have hiked, climbed and ridden everyday yet barely scraped the surface of what is possible here and I will be back!

Before leaving the Lodge for our homeward journey we take one last look out over the fjords and peaks, the pink sunlight is slowly leaving the peaks in front whilst the peaks and clouds behind start to brighten in the early morning rays, it is 2am.

Thursday 21 May 2009

Carpe Diem, Forever Onwards!

Some 200 + friends, family, and a who’s who of British Snowboarding, gathered together in Glasgow last Tuesday to pay their respects and say an emotional final fairwell to Keith McIntosh who sadly left our world in a tragic avalanche on the 5th May in Kaunertal.

Amongst the attendees were all of Keith’s original ‘McNab Junior Team’, all now a bit older and studying at Universities and all old enough to raise a glass to their original Snowboard guru, a nice touch, he would have been proud!

During the service we were all given a moment to think back and remember Keith as if playing a movie of our time spent with him. In my mind I saw him clearly standing next to me, looking around over his shoulder at the top of a big untouched powder field, a smile upon his face as we both looked on with excited anticipation at the amazing run waiting below our feet.


I spent one of my best days of the winter strangely enough working for Keith on his Alpine Lines ‘Heli freeride week’ as a BC guide for his end of week Heli day (when the above shot was taken). The day was perfect, the snow amazing and we did the Glacier Midi des Grandes descent, one of my favourites that will from now on will hold very special memories for me.

This is how I’ll remember Keith, the sun shining down, a perfect run waiting, all the time in the world and a big smile upon his face!

A big thanks goes to out all those who gave their support over these past few difficult weeks and offered Mel and Arren their support for the future!

It was agreed by the all Kommunity Coaching contingent present at the service, that we will start a ‘Keith McIntosh memorial Award’ to be presented to the most inspirational Camper (both on and off the snow) every year at the ‘Kommunity Summer Snowboard Camp’.

This year we will be running the Kommunity Camp as usual in Les2Alpes from the 18th to the 25th of July but for 1 week only.

We have had many inquiries over the past few weeks and to those that haven’t heard back and are in need of their summer fix info and also those inquiring already about next seasons course dates I apologise for the delay, I’m sure you can appreciate that we have been otherwise engaged.

If there is one thing I know Keith would have definitely wanted, he’d have wanted us all to carry on and to make the most out of every moment. He’d have wanted us to carry on and to make each day a little better than the last and this is what we intend to do.

We’ll all be back in Chamonix early next week where we’ll have our own quiet memorial day up in the peaks for Keith. Just Mel, Arren and a bunch of his closest friends from the valley on a peak that we know meant a lot to him and a place we’ll always be able to return to whenever we feel the need to be near him.

This whole experience has definitely shown me how fragile our existence really is and how we need to live for every moment and this is what we intend to do.

Carpe Diem!

So, forever onward!

Over the next few weeks we’ll be following the run up to this years Kommunity Summer Camp.

I’ll be posting a few new articles that I’m working on.

A new day begins in Kamchatka.

An article on this years BC Voyager Heli trip to Kamchatka.

Trekking for fresh lines in the Lyngen Alps.

An article on this years BC Voyager trip to the Lyngen Alps, Norway

'A day in the life of a Heli Guide in Kamchatka'

An article I’m finishing off that I started whilst in Kamchatka, ‘A day in the life of a Heli Guide’ giving an inside look at the ins and outs of Heli guiding in Kamchatka.

I also have a Video from the Norway expedition to edit and some great raw footage of deep powder riding from this winters BC courses.

Dog sledding into the middle of Nowhere BC Voyager Greenland 08.

I’m already working on next years calendar of courses and Voyager trips, Iran is looking popular and Greenland too and quite a few have expressed interest in our South America trip to Chile. I’m pretty keen to go back to Norway again aswell as our regular Voyager Heli trips to Russia and maybe a couple of new heli options, so it could be a very busy winter

Lots to do as usual and my summer Guiding season isn’t far off and is already looking pretty full on.

Seize the day!

Neil.

Thursday 14 May 2009

Saying goodbye to a great friend - Funeral service details!

I'll just keep adding new messages to this blog for now, so keep reading through, I just posted a really nice one from Adil Latif, the blind snowboarder that Keith coached up to be the first ever Blind Snowboarder doing a BC Heli drop.

Once again we have received so many kind words about Keith and I’d like to thank you all.

In particular I’d like to thank Dave Seeley who alongside Keith drove our McNab Junior Team program. The two of them where inseparable and through these many messages it is evident that the pair of them have influenced and guided many of our young up and coming riders of the future both on and off the mountain.

I know that through Dave and the rest of the McNab Pro coaching team the work that Keith has started will continue and his name will live on in this way forever!

Keith touched and influenced so many of us in ways that we hardly could have imagined. His passing makes us wake up to our own mortality and shows us how precious this life really is and I know we shall all in time learn something from this experience, celebrate the life Keith led and try to live our lives as fully as he led his.

(Your messages follow this information about Keith’s funeral service, please take time to read them all).

Neil.


I can now release the details for Keith’s funeral service and some wishes from Mel for those who wish to attend.

Anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Keith, are more than welcome to attend the service.

It is requested that only close family send flowers for the service. Cards can be sent to the address below and a ‘Trust Fund’ has been set up for little Arren and donations would be welcome (details below).

Also, Mel is putting together a ‘Memory box’ for Arren and requests that anyone attending brings a photo or a note that details how they knew Keith and anything they'd like Arren to know about his Daddy.


Cards of condolence for those that can’t attend the service can be sent to:

Melanie McIntosh,
11 Eglinton Place
Ayr
KA7 1JQ


Donations to Arren’s trust fund are welcome to:

Bank of Scotland
High Street
Ayr

Acc. No.: 00160927
Sort code: 11-45-28
Arren Stewart McIntosh

Here follow the funeral service details:

The service will take place on Tuesday 19th May at 11.30am (service begins at exactly 11.30am so best to arrive at least 15 minutes before, parking is on site.)

Clydebank Crematorium
Crematorium Lodge,
Great Western Road (next to Erskine Bridge slip road)
Clydebank
G81 4SL

Afterward there will be tea, drinks and sandwiches served at the Boulevard Hotel, Great Western Road, two minutes drive from the crematorium.


Your messages!

Mel, Neil, Ruth,
I just heard and I’m so sorry. I hope over time the hurt of the immense loss can be comforted with the happy memories of the amazing life he lived. I still remember Keith offering to teach me to snowboard and believing in me and not letting me think my blindness would stop me in any way He never took a penny from me and only wanted me to fulfil my dream of snowboarding down a Glacier. in 2007 he made my dream come true. On the video you see Keith saying that he couldn't wait to see the smile on my face... and thats all he did it for to see the smile on my face wow. He was the most genuine man I have ever met and had so much natural talent and its so nice to read that he shared it with so many people. I seen him as a big brother and was looking forward to the day I could see him again to show him how much I had progressed in my riding... he will be always in my mind when I ride and I will share my successes with him Death comes to us all but the good guys always seem to be first in the line... My thoughts with Keith’s family and friends and the big-man himself.
Please let me know if you need my help for anything I will be coming to Glasgow this weekend Adi




Dear Mel & Arren,
What can I say,,,,,,,,,,,, Keith was one of the good guys !!!!
Sorry but I'll not be able to be there on Tuesday, I'm offshore trying to earn some cash to pay for the extra £1200 quid heli time we had in Kamchatka, I'm sure he'd understand..
My thoughts are with you both and the rest of the McNab team.
Al.. (Alan Fielding)




I wanted to say a few words about Keith.
First I would like to say my thoughts are with Mel and Arren and Neil and Ruth. I have been working with Keith since 1995 as the second coach on the McNab junior team. Keith was a true friend who I looked forward to seeing and riding with at every opportunity. I have taken a lot from Keith, just watching how he led his life. A family man with time for everyone who lived life to the full.
I know all the kids on the camps who have met him are better people for the experience.
Its only now I appreciate how much Keith meant to me. I can look back over all the time I have known Keith and say that I only have good memories of him, memories that I will now treasure.
I was riding with Keith in the morning in Kaunertal. We did a few runs and he was so happy, powder in May! We went up the chair discussing the usual things, which lines we had taken, which ones we wanted to do. Now all my lines are for Keith.
A great man who will missed by so many.
Dave Seeley.



Mel, Neil & Ruth,
I wanted to add my condolences to the many wonderful tributes on your website. I met Keith and all of the McNab team on a Kommunity summer camp a few years ago and since then have had the priviledge of riding with Keith at a few Brits. I will always remember the powder day at last years Brits when Keith took a group of us down some lesser known backcountry runs, and the snowball fight he started in the gondola on the way back up. Keith's enthusiasm was infectious, his talent for both teaching and riding inspired many, myself included. I was always impressed that despite only bumping into each other occasionally he would always know my name and ask me questions about my life. He was that kind of person, he always had time for others and no one was unimportant in his eyes. The world will definitely be a poorer place without him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
Emily Spicer




Dear Mel and Neil,
Graham and I were very shocked to read about Keith's death and our thoughts are with you in what must be the most difficult days. It is fantastic that Keith discovered what he really loved and wanted to do and had the courage, initiative and determination to do it and found the right people to support him in his ambitions and dreams. Mel, you must have been determined when you started out in the cubby hole behind the kitchen at the chalet! So many of the tributes to Keith have come from graduates of the youth programme and it is clear that he helped and inspired many young people. One of our memories of Keith is from his videos and how there was footage of the group and then it suddenly turned into 'Keith's world' when he video'd as he was riding and it was a whole lot more exciting than what we'd been doing! This terrible event has made us realise how much we needed to thank Keith and everyone at McNab for having inspired us, guided us so well and kept us 'numpties' safe whilst helping us live our lives a lot more vividly. Please remember this over the next few months. Finally, on a very personal note, Arren and our son Simon are about the same age and thinking about your sad loss has made me realise that through our children we really do live on beyond memories. Best wishes and take care, Helen and Graham



Dear Mel.
So sad to here about your loss. I am honoured to have known Keith. I like to think of him as more than an inspirational teacher, but as a friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Kevin (Calder) and George



Mel/Neil,
really sorry to hear about Keith’s accident. I remember first meeting you and Keith in the McNab kitchen and thinking how friendly you were. I was late down to breakfast on the first day everyone had gone to kit up but Keith had saved me some porridge - said I'd need the energy. All through the week he was helping the group out with kit, packs, bindings, rest stops, board care techniques, no solo lift rides for people. On the slopes people soon realised if you stayed with Keith you'd find some good alternative lines to Neils. Keith inspired so many people to enjoy the mountains as much as he did. My thoughts are with you all.
Martin Watkin



Neil
So very sorry to hear of the tragic loss.
I met Keith for the first time this year on the tech course. We spoke alot about his son as I was expecting our first child who came a few days ago. He was the proudest dad ever and his face lit up every time he spoke about Arren. I expected to be inspired by the course....I did not imagine that I would be inspired by Keith in my future fatherhood. I know he will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to Mel & Arren and all his close family and friends.




Dear Neil
just heard the sad news about Keith - I'm so, so sorry for you and for Mel and Arren. Keith was a lovely, genuine, kind-hearted bloke (very patient with me when I couldn't figure out how to use an analogue transceiver) and he obviously thought the world of you and loved working with you.
Thinking of you all at this tragic time,
Roger (Cox)



To Mel and Arren,
with deepest sympathy. Keith was the guy who taught me to ride and re-kindled a love of the mountains that will never wane. Thank you. Tim (Piper)



Neil, I was totally gutted for you and Mel and young Arrun to read the news about Keith. Best wishes to you all, he was a great guy.
Tim (Downes)



Mel/Neil,
My deepest sympathys go out to you all at this sad and shocking time, I will always remember some of the best times of my life following Keith down amazing powder fields - his spirit will live forever. My love and sympathy to you all.
James (Martin)



We are very saddened to hear the news of Keith's death, total shock. Please pass on my condolences to Mel and the family. Keith achieved a great deal in his life and will truly never be forgotten. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone who knew Keith and Mel that if there is anything else we can do to help please let us know.
Jeff Murray (Stranraer) and Family.



Dear Mel
I was so sad and shocked to hear about Keith.
My thoughts are with you and your family, and everyone at McNabs.
Simon Tuffen



It's been a e few years since I last boarded with the McNab team, but the great memories have not faded. In particular I remember Keith as an inspirational rider and a really helpful, friendly, solid guy. Massive respect for Keith & Mel choosing to live the dream. Such a terrible ending.
Very best wishes to Mel & Arran. Keith RIP,
Keith Parker



Hi Neil
Just to say how sorry I am to hear about Keith's untimely passing. My thoughts are with Meland all of the McNab crew at this difficult time.
All the best
Keith (O’leary)



Hi Neil,
I wanted to send you a mail to say that Leah and I are thinking about
you guys (and of course Mel, who I have contacted already) during this
very difficult time. Such a tragedy and there's nothing really to say
except that I know that Keith will be sorely missed by all who loved
him. Death is one of those things that we all have to face throughout
our lives but no matter how much experience we have with it, it is
always so difficult to bear and my heart goes out to all of you.
Especially this tragedy because it is so difficult to put in any
context that makes sense, regardless of the risks we know are ever
present on the mountain. Personally I wish I had had the opportunity
to get to know Keith more.
If there is anything that Leah or I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
All our love,
Jon and Leah



Dear Mel, Arren & the McNab Team,
Words can't ease your sorrow, but hearts can share your loss. We are thinking of you during this very sad time.
Nicola Duncan on behalf of all the RAF Snowboarders xxx



Dear Mel, Neil, and families,
I'd just like to add my small words to the flood of kind wishes you
are receiving.
It's probably eight years since Keith taught me to (properly)
snowboard. I remember turning up for the "Advanced" clinic, with 4
weeks of snowboarding under my belt, and meeting the others on the
course. People who had already ridden for a season or more! But Keith
was non-plussed - "they'll all just have more to unlearn" was his
attitude. This confidence, his excellent and patient teaching, and his
passion for snowboarding had a major impact, and helped convert me
from a once-a-year piste rider to an obsessed enthusiast.
My lasting memory of that first week was Keith taking us over a hip
jump (my first). After watching Keith stylishly execute, it was my
turn. I'm still not entirely sure what went wrong, but the whole
mountain could hear Keith laughing from the other side of the piste as
I untangled myself. Of course he was also capturing the whole thing on
video too!

There are few people with the courage and determination to follow
their dreams the way that Keith did, and he will remain an inspiration
to me for this.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Jon & Amy (Rowland)



Dear Neil and Mel,
I've just heard the tragic news about Keith. I only spent a couple of days with him whilst we were shooting heli-boarding with blind snowboarder Adil Latif, he seemed a lovely guy, passionate about the hills and the opportunity to share them with someone who might never have had a chance otherwise due to his disability. He also relished the challenge, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Thus I feel sad, but I do feel privileged to have known him for even such a fleeting few days. Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in the mountains loses friends to them, I guess without the danger they wouldn't be quite so special, but so often it seems like those friends were the best of us, and the most difficult for us to lose. My thoughts go to you, his friends and family, at this most difficult time.
James Vernon



Hello Mel
Just heard the news, I am devastated,Keith was an inspiration.I will always take his memory on to the slopes with me.Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your families loss.Kindest regards
Andrew Tarrant, Exeter

Monday 11 May 2009

Thankyou for your kind words!

There have been so many kind and encouraging messages posted both here and on other web sites and forums concerning the loss of our great friend and riding partner Keith McIntosh.

Keith, who many of you knew as a McNab coach, McNab Junior team Coach or Instructor through his own company Alpinelines was a loving husband to Mel (who most of you will know through our office or courses) and the proud father of little Arren.

Keith tragically died in an Avalanche whilst attending the UK Board test in Kaunertal, Austria on the 5th of May 2009.

Those who rode with him in Kaunertal spoke about his incredible enthusiasm and passion for riding during these last few days. These few days away were to be his last of the winter, a bit of a wind down after a very long and busy season working here in Chamonix.
The fact that he spent his last few days doing the sport he loved in the high peaks that he loved with some of his best friends leaves us with the positive memories of Keith that we shall keep hold of forever.

Since this tragic event the support, warmth and response to this sad news has been incredible and I’d personally like to thank you all for your kind words of support for Mel and Arren.

Mel and Arren have now returned to Scotland to be with family and friends in Glasgow. Keith’s funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed but I shall post a mailing address and details on line here, as soon as I know what is happening, so that those who want to send cards, flowers (or even something for Mel or little Arren) can do so.

We shall follow Mel to Scotland later this week to offer our support and to say goodbye to our great friend.

Once again I’d like to say thankyou for your support and comforting words during this sad and difficult time.

Cheers,

Neil.



Keith was well known for his abilty to perform a perfect and stylish backflip off almost any bump, lump or jump however big or small. I remember when he taught himself this trick first go whilst we rode a powder descent from the top of the Possettes lift down to the car park at Le Tour. I remember the kicker that we stood above and I remember him saying lets learn backflips before nailing it first go. I seem to remember that I bottled it at the last moment but instead mastered the more common half back flip to head plant, a trick that even today I can still do at will.



Your comments and messages!



Neil
So very sorry to hear of the tragic news...
Our deepest sympathies to Mel & Arren, you and everyone who was part of Keith's life.

Dale&Deb
Xx




Hey Neil,
Just heard the news- Please pass my love on to Mel. Kieth's love for the mountains was evident in all he did and truely infectous. He brightened up many of my days and everyone's at Kommunity .. for that I am eternally grateful. He will be dearly missed.
Much love and thinking of you Mel,
Alexa (Hohenberg) x



Neil / Mel
I was so sorry to hear about Keith’s accident, although I only knew him briefly he really left a massive impression on me. His riding was so stylish but more importantly he had such a great attitude and approach to teaching. He’ll be sadly missed by many. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Regards
Lee




Dear Mel,
I only heard the news about Keith and am very sorry for your loss, like for many Keith was an inspiration and very much in helping me prepare for Kamchatka, my thoughts are with you.
Simon Doyle



To Mel,
I spent my best ever weeks riding with keith on a McNab course in 2008, a fantastic teacher and a great guy, sadly gone but never forgotten, my thoughts go out to you, your family, all at McNab and all of Keith's many friends,
Nick. (Nick Driver)



Hi Neil,
Can you please pass my sincere condolences to Mel following the tragic loss of Keith - my thoughts are with her at this difficult time.
I met Keith on several occasions at the chalet and London ski shows but my main memory is from 2004 when he joined us on a backcountry freeride camp (along with Ralf and yourself) and produced a superb video of the week which is a souvenir that I still treasure.
It seems almost trivial to mention it in the circumstances, but thanks again for an amazing week in Norway - I hope you were able to bring back some positive memories of the trip.
Pete



So very sorry to hear the awful news about keith. My heartfelt condolences go out to you all, especially to Mel and Arren.
Paul Jacobs



Hey Neil
My thoughts have been with all of you in Chamonix that were closest to Keith. It was such a huge shock to hear this news. Keith brought a smile to my face when our paths crossed over the years, the most genuine and dedicated snowboarder I know. I hope the messages on here and on facebook will give you all a little relief in the toughest of times.
Laura Hill.x



Hi Mel,

I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news about the Keith. He was a
great guy to ride with.

My thoughts are with you, Arren, and all of his friends.

Nick Welsh.




Hi Neil,

I just heard about Keith, I'm so shocked and sad.
Keith was such a great person and instructor, I can't believe he's gone.

Please send my love to Mel and Arren.

Rgds,
Alex (Irlec) Acuna



Very sad news. It has been a few seasons since riding with you guys but I still have wonderful memories of our days out. I have a very vivid memory of boarding together at the back of the Grand Montet in poor visibility, Keith screamed past us all and waited at the bottom grinning. Your words were very apt and moving Neil, clearly written by a true friend.
Take care, will be thinking of you all.
Jacko.



Dear Mel,

Just heard the news about Keith and my thoughts are with you and Arren
at this terrible time.
Keith was an inspiration to so many including myself and he will be
missed by all.
He lived his life to the full and I feel honoured to have met him and
to have boarded with him.


My deepest sympathies

Darren (Stevenson)

Friday 8 May 2009

In loving memory of our great friend Keith McIntosh

We are getting so many messages from those that Keith's life has touched and influenced. These are difficult and sad times and it is a great comfort to know he was respected so much and will be missed by so many.
Thanks to you all for your kind messages and thoughts.
Keep them coming!
Neil.

Me and Keith at the top of the Forbes ridge on the summit of the Aig du Chardonnet. This was Keith's first major Alpine climb, he is on the phone to Mel telling her we had reached the summit. At this point Keith said it was the hardest thing he had ever done, I told him we were only half way!
This is a hard classic route only for very experienced climbers, it was Keith's first ever go at climbing!

Your messages!


Mel, Neil, Ruth and all at McNab, I'm sure you've had loads of messages already but I just wanted to add my own. I was so saddened to hear about Keith and I'm sorry for you all. I did a couple of your courses during my Cham season in 2007. Keith was a brilliant rider, a first-class teacher and a thoroughly decent bloke. You never forget a good teacher and I'm sure there are hundreds of riders who'll have fond memories of Keith for the rest of their lives. Best wishes to all of you.
Joe (Joeseph Koppel)



Dear Mel I was so sorry to read of Keith's accident, my heart goes out to you and little Arran. i wish you all the best, in many respects the McNab team show us all the way in terms of living the dream, most of us dont have the courage to do it, sadly the risk in the hills is always present, Keith and yourself had that courage. Very best wishes Hugo
Hugo Williamson



I wanted to write and say how sorry I was to hear about Keith. We didnt know him well but my memories of his riding, skills , personality and signature back flip will always remain with me. He will be greatly missed and Cham. will not be the same without him.
Tony Salisbury



Im so sorry to hear the tragic news of Keith and I hope Mel and family will in time be ok.
Roddy (Roddrick Anderson)



Hi Neil,
We heard about Keith's death late on Tuesday night and just could not
believe what we were hearing.

We are all so, so sorry for Mel, Arren, you and Ruth and all Keith's
many colleagues and friends throughout the World.

Keith had been the inspiration to our Neil's snowboarding career since
he went on his first McNab junior course in 2003 and then rode with
the McNab Junior team until last year. Even when no longer riding
with McNab's, Keith would often send him an email asking how he was
doing, what he was competing in, how was life at University etc, etc.

At last years Brits, Keith and I had a long talk one night at the bar
on his hopes and aspirations for Mel and himself, I just can't believe
he's no longer here to make those dreams a reality.

Can you please pass on all our sympathy and thoughts to Mel and let us
know any arrangements for Keith's funeral, whether it is in France or
Scotland.

We can't even begin to imagine how life will be for you all without
Keith.
Robin, Jackie, Natalie and Neil Stead



Hey Neil,
Just wanted you know know my thoughts are with you and Mel and all
your families
xx
Posy (Posy Dixon)



I am so sorry to hear the desparately sad news. Keith always had time
for me when with you and said hello when we invariably bumped in to
each other when not on a trip. By coincidence I am in Cham this
weekend and will go out tomorrowand ride with him in my thoughts. If
there is any practical help I can be please call me
Neil Harper.



A tragic loss to everyone who knew him,a great guy with a great passion in the sports loved and experience he shared with many of us, my thoughts are for his family.
Paul Fargin.



I didn't know Keith personally however we produced a TV project that he was involved with. I think the strength and good nature of his character comes through in the film which was about realizing the aspirations of a blind man who wanted to do a heli drop on a snowboard.

The film can be seen here:
http://www.grainmedia.co.uk/files/videos/ADI_SNOBLIND.mov

My sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Orlando



I had the pleasure of Keiths guidance and company on a course in '08, a true inspiration. thinking of you all in Chamonix,
kindest regards
Dave. (Dave Emery)



Dear Neil,
We just read the increadibly sad and tragic news about Keith on your website.
We are so sorry and our thoughts and sympathy go out to Mel, Arren, you and rest of the McNab team.
Steve & Asmaa



I know this is a very unusual message but I am an old friend of Kieth Macintosh's that has heard the terrible news and I am at a loss on how to get details of when and were my friend Mackie is going to be laid to rest. We were best mates all through primary and secondary school and right up until we started to "grow up" and do our own things. I would like to know if you could please ask Melanie to confirm my details and send me information on when and where Mackie will be getting laid to rest? I was raised in Glasgow but have been living in S.Wales for the last 16 years but if you could just tell Melanie that Vowlesy was trying to get in touch and that all of the old boys in Glasgow are desperate to get some info to show our respects then I am sure she will be able to vouch for this strange message. I have never heard of so many grown Glasgow men break down in tears on the phone and I am starting to go off on one again.
Thank you very much. Mark Vowles.



I've just read the terrible news about Keith, and, as you were very close friends, I just wanted to express how sorry and sad I feel for you.
All my thoughts are with Mel and Arren, and with you.
Claire (Claier Delcour)



Dear Mel
I have just heard the tragic news about Keith. I have passed on the news to many of my friends who also knew you and Keith and everyone is shocked and sad. Words are useless at times like this, but I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and you have our condolences.
Ian & Liz



Hi Mel/Neil
I have just found out the tragic news about Keith, I cannot believe
such a thing could happen to such a genuine guy. I admired and
respected him because he did what we would all like to do but haven't
got the bottle, he moved out there and did it.
You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time, please let me know
If I can be of any help.

Please let me know about the funeral arrangements because I would like
to pay my last respects to such a great man.

Thinking of you
Andy Cook



So shocked to hear the news about Keith, it was great to meet and ride with him and I know my nephew was greatly impressed by him. My thoughts go to Mel and Arren.
Chris Loftus



Dear Mel and Neil, I sit at me computer in Cape Town, South Africa and weep as I read the news about Keith. In the short time that I knew him, he touched me as a gentle man of deep integrity and of course a great love for the mountains. Mel, I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling now. May the God of the universe in some way bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lots of love,
Jeremy Gibbon



Dear Neil

Rich and I are heartbroken at the news and can't believe it.
We are so very very sorry for Mel, their families and you guys in Chamonix.
Lots of Love George (ex Kommunity summer camper and McNab chalet visitor) xxx
--
Georgie Power (nee Herridge)



hello from jake and diane chadwick, i was on some of the mcnab junior development camps, and just wanted to pass my regards on to mel and family, keith was a great guy and a wicked coach, and he really inspired me, I’m now nearly 20 at uni in plymouth, and a basi 2 instructor and this is hugely down to the inspiration from keith,
thank you,
Jake Chadwick.



Dear Mel, Graham Emmery just emailed and let me know the sad news about Keith. He was an amazing guy and rider defo! He was living the life! my thoughts and wishes go out to you and your son Arren.
All the best
Andy (Croker)



I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. Keith was a brilliant, lovely guy - not only a fantastic snowboarder - that goes without saying - but great at encouraging the best out of people. I will never forget how helpful, patient and considerate he was to me when I was starting out and I was all rubbish and scared - riding alongside me, saying positive things and them waiting for me when I was too slow to keep up.Later on, I got to really admire his style, jibbing about, making the most of the piste - showing you great fun stuff to try out and stretch your abilities.He will be very, very much missed.
Alison



Tragic news.I will always remember the day in Feb 09 when we boarded from La Tour into Switzerland, we laughted our heads off all the way down, what a day, thanks Keith you were a great man.

Andy Cook



I feel very previledged to have had the opportunity to ride with him on a number of occasions. He was an inspiration.
Such a tragic loss. Keith, it was a pleasure.
My thoughts are with Mel, family and close friends.
Simon.



Keith was a great guy. An inspiation to most of us in the way he led his life. My thoughts are with Mel and family.
Trev.



Tragic news, such a top bloke, an inspiration to many including myself.

Mel, my deepest sympathies to you and Arren.
Dave Mac



I had the pleasure of riding with Keith on an Off-piste clinic last year. Top bloke and great instructor. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to Mel and Arren.

Carl Edgar



We heard today, and it came as a complete shock. Having recently spent a week in Laax with him, my daughter is devastated by the news. Keith spent so much time coaching and encouraging her, it was good to see someone that was so dedicated and professional. Our thoughts are with Mel and the family. We too offer our sincerest condolences, and I just hope that these posting give some comfort.
Keith.



Me and Kat are totally gutted by this news. our snowboarding wouldnt be anywhere without you both.

I had real problems as a beginner with my arse sticking out. Keith said to me that without even looking he knew the problem was my highbacks. he was spot on and my riding improved instantly.

our very first exposure to the McNab way of riding was you asking Keith to show us how it was done. Those 5/6 turns he did down the L2A glacier were something so amazing i still tell my friends about it. It was like watching perfection. Whenever I get myself into a sketchy situation, I always recall that 10 second image to calm me and remind me what needs to be done.

Kat and I offer our sincerest condolences to Mel, Arren and all those who got to meet such a total legend.
Daryn.



Keith was a great coach, a stylish rider and just a nice person to be on the mountain with. His friendly and easy going attitude made it easy to be in, and enjoy, his company.
We are both stunned by this, and our deepest condolences go out to Mel, Keith's family and close friends.

Steve & Heidi



Top man nice to bump into him in Les2alps every now and again.
Condolences to Mel and Family
Len



It was a privilege for me to have known Keith as a wonderful instructor & jokester earlier this year. Mine & Tony's best wishes go out to Mel, Arren, and his crew.
Doris.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

A tragic loss, Keith will be in our hearts for ever!


It is with a heavy heart and much regret that I write about the loss of one of the greatest guys I have ever known. A doting husband to Mel, a loving father to Arren and a loyal friend to all who knew him.

Tragically , Keith was caught in an Avalanche whilst riding with friends at the UK Board test in Kaunertal, Austria on the 5th May 2009.

Keith was an experienced and responsible Backcountry Freerider, an inspirational rider who has influenced all that he has met, coached and shared the mountain with through his natural enthusiasm, enormous talent and incredible technical knowledge.

Keith was a loyal friend, a fellow ‘McNab Coach’, my right hand man, who’s determination and desire to live the life of his dreams took him and his family from the 9 to 5 routine in Scotland to the mountains and high peaks that he loved.

Keith’s determination to live the life of his dreams was inspirational. Starting out with Mel on a Kommunity Camp as a relative novice only a decade ago he fell in love with Snowboarding and made it his life.

Since I first Met Keith and Mel some 10 years ago they have both inspired and motivated me to live my dreams and follow the pathway that I have chosen.

As a rider he was someone I looked up to, sometimes envied, his natural enthusiasm was infectious and his energy limitless.

And as a friend he was always there to talk to, always ready to help and always encouraging and positive.

Keith would be the person that I’d chat to about this Norway trip when I got back to Chamonix.

Keith would be waiting to here my news, excited about the prospect of riding new areas. Keith, I hoped would be one day joining me on these Voyages of discovery that we planned and talked about in the run up to the coming winter.

Keith lived to Snowboard, lived to Mountain bike and lived to love his family, Mel and Arren.

We have lost a great friend but we will over time learn to celebrate the life he lived. We shall find inspiration in his achievements and the determination with which he lived his life.

The loss of our great friend shows us how fragile life really is and shows us that we should not waste a minute of this precious thing that we often take for granted.

Keith will be in our hearts forever. His spirit will join me on every turn I make. He made his home in the mountains that he loved and his spirit shall soar amongst these high peaks forever.

We will all miss him terribly and our strength, thoughts and hearts will now be with Mel and Arren for eternity.

This has to be the hardest thing I have ever written. Today at Mel’s request I remained in Norway and climbed and rode as Keith would have wanted me to. Dan and Jez, another two of Keith’s closest friends are at the moment mountain biking in Majorca, a trip on which normally Keith would have joined them. Today they rode as Keith would have wanted them to and I know that like me they could feel him with them at every moment.

Keith will ride with us all forever.

Tuesday 5 May 2009

News from Norway!

News from Norway! but first here's another of Seb's latest videos from our 'Voyager Heli trip to Kamchatka', check it out!

Kamchatka Neil episode 2 from sébastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.


Now Norway!!

BC Voyager Lyngen Alps project.

Lee in the land of the mid night sun.

On Saturday evening we arrived at the Lyngen Lodge situated in the Northern Fjords of Norway some 500km inside the Arctic circle. We arrived to mild temperatures and sunny skies and the views that first evening were simply breathtaking.

The weather wasn’t to hold though and Sunday was wet and rainy. We opted for a fishing trip out in the Lyngen Fjord just in-front of the lodge where I proceeded to catch the biggest fish I have ever seen (check photo). At first I thought I’d caught the bottom, then I thought it must be a shark, but alas it was only a massive gigantic cod!

Obviously I won the fishing comp with this catch!

Getting ready by the 'Lyngen Lodge' Boat.

Monday turned out nice with blue skies and again quite mild. We took the ‘Sprit of Lyngen’ (the Lyngen Lodge boat) up the fjord to hike and ride a peak called Kjelvagtinden (don’t ask me how to pronounce it). At 1034m from a sea level start over 3.5km of ascent this was to be our opening climb of the trip and everyone handled it well in 3 and a half hours.

Carl, Nic, Dave and Pete on the way up Kjelvagtinden.

Carl approahing the summit.

The views en-route were spectacular and the ride down, although over far quicker than the ascent was great fun with new snow at the top and spring snow lower down.

A beach finish and boat pick up!

We bushwhacked through the lower woodland to come out on a beach a little up the coast from our departure and once again took the “Spirit of Lyngen’ back to the lodge for a relaxing hot tub and sauna session.

Tuesday (today) we hiked up one of the big peaks behind the lodge, some 1260m and did a round trip coming down a big face in the adjacent valley.

Jon, Dave and Nic approaching the summit today (Tuesday)

Carl getting the goods on the way down.

The hike up was long at 4 and a half hours but the descent was great, really long with good spring snow, some wide open faces, some steeps and then good fun through the trees at the end to finish right at the road by the sea.

The weather looks pretty settled for the next few days and so tomorrow we’ll maybe go North to one of the Islands or across the Fjord to the big mountains opposite the lodge. There’s so much to do here, so much choice and everyone is keen to get the goods so should be good!

Yep! All is fine in the land of the mid night sun!

Neil.