Former coach, pro racer Lathrop Strang killed in backcountry fall

A celebration of Lathrop Strang’s life is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, in Carbondale, Colorado, eight days after the 46-year-old expert skier died after falling down a steep chute on 12,953-foot Mount Sopris.
A celebration of Lathrop Strang’s life is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, in Carbondale, Colorado, eight days after the 46-year-old expert skier died after falling down a steep chute on 12,953-foot Mount Sopris.
    According to an account of the fall published on WildSnow.com, Strang entered the top of the Laundry Chute directly below the east summit of Sopris. With friend Fletcher Yaw above and behind him, Strang fell near the top of the rock-lined, narrow couloir and tumbled down. Yaw was able to reach Strang but not right away, as difficult conditions in the lower section of the couloir made it difficult to traverse. Yaw skied down to get help, and a medical helicopter eventually arrived to transport Strang off the mountain but he had already died from his injuries.
    Strang grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and is the son of former U.S. Rep. Mike Strang. He coached at the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, raced on the pro circuit and collegiately at the University of Colorado.
    The celebration of Strang’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Strang Ranch near Carbondale. Memorial contributions can be made to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, the Access Fund or Mountain Rescue Aspen.