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Backcountry skiers recall a 2016 helicopter rescue on Indy Pass and remember a beloved volunteer

Aspen Public Radio | By Dominic Anthony Walsh

Published March 9, 2022 at 6:05 PM MST

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A helicopter crew and rescue volunteers prepare for takeoff.

Courtesy of Adam Roy

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Volunteers prepare to move Karen, hours into a painful wait for help.

Courtesy of Adam Roy

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In June 2016, Adam Roy and his then-7-year-old son, Luke, set out for the boy's first backcountry-skiing adventure.

Courtesy of Adam Roy

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Independence Pass runs through Pitkin and Lake counties, meaning travelers can easily cross county lines — and rescue jurisdictions.

Courtesy of Adam Roy

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In June 2016, Luke's first day of backcountry skiing was an unexpected "right of passage," his father said.

Courtesy of Adam Roy

This story comes from a listener submission. If you have a story about skiing – or anything else – please email us at news@aspenpublicradio.org

In June 2016, 7-year-old Luke and his father, Adam Roy, set out for what was supposed to be a light day of skinning on Independence Pass.

But their plans changed when the Aspen residents met another backcountry traveler – Karen, from Carbondale.

The group also met longtime Mountain Rescue Aspen volunteer John Galvin, who died in an avalanche at Maroon Bowl two years later.

Karen recalled his funeral, “He touched so many lives in this valley.”

To hear the full story, tap the audio under the headline.