
Remembering JP Auclair – a Freeskiing Legend
JP Auclair was more than just a professional skier; he was a pioneer, an innovator, and an inspiration to countless freeskiers around the world. With his incredible talent and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what was possible on skis, JP left an indelible mark on the world of freeskiing.
The Early Years
Jean-Philippe Auclair, or JP as he was affectionately known, was born on August 22, 1977, in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada. His journey into skiing began at a young age, and it quickly became evident that he possessed an extraordinary talent on the slopes. He started out as a mogul skier on the Canadian team. In the mid-1990s, he was among the pioneers in the Canadian Air Force to integrate snowboarding style into skiing. As he honed his skills, JP ventured into the world of freeskiing, a discipline that allowed him to combine his love for skiing with his passion for creativity and exploration. JP won the first slopestyle contest at the X Games in Crested Butte in 1999. In 2002, along with fellow freeskier Tanner Hall, JP founded Armada Skis, a freestyle-only skiing company.
Movies
JP Auclair’s career reached new heights as he joined some of the most renowned freeskiing movies of his time. Here are a few of the films that showcased his incredible abilities:
- Ski Movie (2002). This film by Matchstick Productions introduced JP to a wider audience. His segment was a blend of technical precision and style that left viewers in awe.
- All.I.Can (2011): JP’s appearance in this documentary-style film by Sherpas Cinema was a standout performance. His skiing through the streets of Trail, BC, demonstrated his ability to merge urban landscapes with natural terrain seamlessly and became one of the most well-known freeskiing segments.
- Into the Mind (2013): This film by Sherpas Cinema was another statement to JP’s unmatched skills. His segment was a breathtaking mix of big mountain skiing and innovative urban tricks.
Tragic Accident
On September 29, 2014, tragedy struck the freeskiing world when JP Auclair, along with fellow skier Andreas Fransson, lost their lives in an avalanche in Chile. The accident occurred during a ski mountaineering expedition in the Patagonian Andes. JP and Andreas were caught in a massive slide that swept them away, leaving the freeskiing community in shock and mourning the loss of two of its brightest stars.