Featured Image: Atle Lie McGrath. Credit: Petter Schive
VAIL, Colorado — November 18, 2024
Norwegian World Cup skier Atle Lie McGrath has partnered with BRASS Avalanche, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, to advocate for avalanche safety and education worldwide. BRASS’s mission, inspired by the tragic deaths of U.S. Ski Team athletes Bryce Astle and Ronnie Berlack in a 2015 avalanche, aims to prevent future tragedies through accessible education programs.
“I’m beyond proud to be an ambassador for BRASS,” said Lie McGrath. “With their avalanche education programs, they’ve been saving young alpine skiers’ lives for almost 10 years. My goal is to help BRASS educate even more young athletes and to launch their avalanche education program in Norway.”
Expanding BRASS’s Global Reach
Lie McGrath will work with the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team to introduce BRASS 101 avalanche workshops in Norway this spring. “We are happy to support this initiative,” said Claus Johan Ryste, Norwegian Sport Director. “BRASS provides essential knowledge to skiers everywhere.”
To further raise awareness, Lie McGrath will wear the BRASS logo on his race helmet during the 2024-25 season.
Tools for Avalanche Safety
BRASS Avalanche equips skiers and snowboarders with essential resources to stay safe in the mountains:
- The Off Piste safety film, a powerful, emotional call to action.
- A free online safety webinar, BRASS 101, on December 4, which provides a basic introduction to avalanche safety. Registration is open now.
- An index of avalanche forecast centers worldwide at brassavalanche.org, offering crucial regional information to skiers and riders.
Honoring Bryce and Ronnie
Astle and Berlack suffered their tragic accident when they unknowingly entered an uncontrolled area under dangerous conditions. They had no avalanche rescue tools and had not checked the day’s forecast.
“Most avalanche deaths are preventable,” said Sam Macomber, BRASS Board Chair. “Partnering with Atle Lie McGrath allows BRASS to amplify its life-saving message on a global scale.”
Atle Lie McGrath’s Commitment
Lie McGrath, 24, is a rising star in alpine skiing. With two World Cup victories and ten podium finishes, he is passionate about improving snow safety. Born in Vermont to U.S. Olympian Felix McGrath and Norwegian Selma Lie, McGrath grew up in Norway, competing for Bærums SK near Oslo.
“Bryce and Ronnie’s accident could have been avoided,” Lie McGrath said. “Avalanche safety education saves lives, and I’m honored to carry that message as a global ambassador.”
For more information on BRASS Avalanche and its resources, visit brassavalanche.org.
After five years away from the World Cup circuit, Lindsey Vonn is training for a highly anticipated return to ski racing.
About the Author: Peter Lange
