Young Skier Dallas LeBeau Faces Regret After Fatal Jump Attempt

Thirteen-year-old Griff Pinto has become a notable figure in backcountry skiing, climbing over 500,000 vertical feet each winter and honing his skills with the support of his parents and community in Silverton, Colorado. His dedication to the sport led him to request homeschooling during winter months to maximize his skiing time, integrating physical training with academics. Meanwhile, JoAnna O’Neill reflects on her journey from a youth patroller to a PhD student, highlighting the profound experiences and responsibilities she has encountered over 12 years in ski patrolling. In contrast, the tragic story of Dallas LeBeau serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures young athletes face in the social media era, culminating in a fatal attempt to ski jump over a busy highway. These narratives underscore both the passion and peril within the world of skiing, from the mentorship and community support that foster young talent to the extreme risks driven by ambition and social validation.