CR Johnson, a professional freeskier who sadly passed away last season in an accident at Squaw Valley, was remembered at Alta on the one-year anniversary of his death. CRJ Day, as the event is being called, was simply a gathering of friends and admirers to pay tribute on the mountain to one of skiing’s lost brothers.
On the morning of CRJ Day, skiers first gathered at Alta’s Wildcat base patio and then proceeded to shred Alta’s frontside while together storming the Collins and Wildcat lifts until closing. According to those who attended, the turnout was good. Someone planted a plasma-cut metal sign at the base of Wildcat that read, “RIP CRJ.”
When the bullwheels stopped turning, everyone headed inside the Goldminer’s Daughter to celebrate CR Johnson’s life. Amidst the stories, laughter and toasts to CR, a montage of CR’s film segments played in honor of his all-too brief ski career, including his finals run at the Redbull Line Catcher in Vars, France where he hit podium a month before he passed away.
Then, in true celebratory fashion, the party migrated down canyon to The Canyon Inn for the High Fives Foundation Fundraiser. A $5 cover benefited the CR Johnson Memorial Fund.
CR Johnson was only 26-years-old when he passed on February 24, 2010. He was skiing a steep run under Squaw Valley’s Headwall lift. The run was comprised of narrow chutes and exposed rocks. According to eye witnesses, CR lost control and struck a rock. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered fatal trauma to his head and neck.
CR’s career burned bright in its short time. He’s known for his ski segments in Teton Gravity Research and Matchstick Productions films. Other highlights include winning the U.S. Open Big Air Championships and being a two-time Winter X Games medalist (2001 Big Air bronze and 2002 Slopestyle silver).
Perhaps CR is best known for suffering a traumatic brain injury while skiing at Brighton. He was in a coma for 10 days and hospitalized for 34 days before making a full recovery.
C.R. Johnson is survived by his parents Lorraine and Russ and his older sister Kahlil.