The Al Paul shuffle (skins but no secura fix bindings) solo laps cruising around the musical bumps on his own program long before a program existed - complaining about waiting for me to dig a pit once I was old enough to know we should dig a pit. Cackling his maniacal laugh as he ripped through the trees on the backside of Oboe, long before they were called 'the Apostles ' - on skinny skis, long after fat skis were the norm - because fat skis suck, don't even talk to me about fat skis! Wearing his plaid pjs to breakfast- and dinners at the 5 star buffet madness that is Mike Wiegele Helicopterskiing, because the elastic waistband allowed him to eat so, so much more - haha! Suckers! Surrounded by the rich and famous, he owned that place, talking the talk and throwing down huge spread eagles for the camera, making the friday night show with style, sacrificing whatever he had to to get the seat in he helicopter. I was lucky enough to be his guide everytime, though he was a shitty tipper, telling me it was my privilege to be his guide. And it was. Skiing with one of your oldest, bestest ski bum buddies in places we could only dream about in the 90s, out of a shiny red Astar, it was a dream. On one of those trips Al brought something much more special in his pocket. As he walked into the guides haus, like he owned it, settling down on the bench in the boot room, shuffling a couple 20 plus year guides out of the way, he called me over. Hey, check this out...out came the folded up image of his pride and joy, the man we now know as Mr Colt Paul, his first ultrasound pic. Yeah, this might be my last heliski trip for a while, I'm going to be a dad!! The pride was palpable and the whole room cheered as Al blushed (maybe it was windburn, not) and took the high 5s. Al had already made his mark on the team with his signature character - and plaid pants. When the crazy news came in October 2010 that started this leg of the journey, the guides passed around a box to support Al and his young family. They recognized a kindred mtn man and respected the spread eagle of course. Ten years later and they still ask on about Al whenever I go up there. Al leaves a mark.

He likes to leave a mark and then tell you about it too. Aw, did you see my line on shale slope, first tracks, should have been there, Ahhahahahaha! Many a first tracks day was had with Al. Even if I was off the good line by a bit! This winter, first chair up 7th, we skied the south side, his choice, wouldn't follow me to pakalolo, still too good on the south side. Another powder day, first chair,I followed him wherever he wanted to go. He was right, still so good. As the season progressed we got some musical bumps laps (when he waited for us :)) and skied some groomers when we waited as he held court with all the groomers, giving them feedback on their tactics and technique, which of course they loved. Everybody loves Al. Our family loves Al. Our mountain family loves Al. Everyone loves Al.

And part of the problem with this stupid, maddening disease that he continues to fight so brilliantly, stoically and bravely is that it is hard to tell too much is wrong. He lives each day, at least from an outside perspective as he always has - sweet, funny, stubborn, crass pain in the ass, speaking the straight up truth that he always has been. It takes those wonderful, brilliant,death defying doctors in the city to give us a timeline, make it real. Even as we ski toured up to the top of the Peak chair this year early season, with al brandishing his ski pole at anyone that got within 6' of him, stupid covid, he managed to have a seizure, casually, while taking in the view. He then proceeded to rip the shit out of the upper entrance of west Cirque like it ain't no thang. That's the Al Paul I will always remember buddy. You are an amazing human and you have added such colour, love and inspiration to my life. Colt will always know of your adventures and your strength and Heather will always feel your love through all of the people you have influenced and brought joy to throughout your amazing existence. Love you. Xx