RIP Sylvain Saudan: The Skier of the Impossible

Legendary Swiss extreme skiing pioneer Sylvain Saudan has passed away. Le Matin , a Swiss newspaper, reports that he died from a heart attack at 87 years old.

“As a pioneer, he helped us develop the brand’s first bindings in the 70s, sharing his contagious passion for skiing with us,” wrote Salomon in a social media post commemorating Saudan. “Decades later, Sylvain continues to inspire generations of free skiers, and on their behalf, we thank him.”

Saudan’s list of committing ski descents is immense. To name a few of his lines: Chamonix’s 55-degree Spencer Couloir, Pakistan’s Hidden Peak, and the Messner Couloir on the southwest face of Denali. In 2017, POWDER named Saudan one of skiing’s most influential personalities. At Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, the titular Saudan Couloir bears his name.

His first descent of the Spencer Couloir in 1967 blew the doors of what was and wasn’t possible on skis. Before the descent, most believed that 55-degree slopes were reserved for alpinists equipped with mountaineering gear.

Saudan’s inclination towards attempting previously untested lines earned him the nickname the “skieur de l’impossible” or the “skier of the impossible.” And his stoke lasted a lifetime: at 80 years old, Saudan still hit the slopes 85 times during the ski season, notes Mountain Life.

Below Salomon’s commemorative post, several people chimed in to mourn the loss of Saudan.

“Sad news. I’m happy I got to meet and chat with him a few years ago. His legacy will live on forever @whistlerblackcomb with the Saudan Couloir,” wrote professional skier Mike Douglas.

Whistler Blackcomb posted a tribute on their social media pages as well:

"Alpine ski legend, Sylvain Saudan, “the godfather of extreme skiing” and “skier of the impossible” has passed away. He was 87 years old. His legacy at Whistler Blackcomb goes back decades. In the early days when our mountains were separate resorts, local shredders would hike to the top of Blackcomb to ski a steep and gnarly chute, which they named Saudan Couloir in his honour. This iconic piece of terrain is now used in our yearly ski race — the Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme! We’re grateful for everything he brought to the sport and our resort #RIPSylvainSaudan"

Our thoughts are with Saudan's family and friends as they mourn the loss of one of skiing's most influential personalities.

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