Jean-Philippe Auclair, a renowned Canadian freeskiier, hailed from the charming town of Sainte-Foy, Quebec. His impressive career was marked by several significant milestones, including his instrumental role in Salomon's launch of the 1080 ski in 1998. Fast forward to 2002, Auclair, in partnership with fellow freeskier Tanner Hall, co-founded Armada skis, a pioneering freestyle-only skiing company that revolutionized the industry.
Auclair's unique sense of style extended beyond his exceptional skiing prowess, as he was known for his eclectic facial hair, which ranged from a majestic goatee in the mid-1990s to a stylish Magnum, P.I. mustache that became a defining characteristic of his persona.
In addition to his skiing exploits, Auclair made memorable appearances in various ski movies, including the critically acclaimed 2012 release of Sherpas Cinema's All.I.Can. His impressive filmography showcased his talents as a skier and a performer.
Tragedy struck on September 29, 2014, when Auclair, along with his friend Andreas Fransson, lost his life in an avalanche while filming for the Apogee Skiing webisode series on Monte San Lorenzo in Aysen, Chile. The incident sent shockwaves through the skiing community, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew and admired him.
As the news of his passing spread, whispers of Auclair's final words began to circulate. However, only his pupil Mehdi Trari, who was present at the time of his death, is privy to the intimate details of those last moments. To this day, Trari has maintained the secrecy surrounding Auclair's final words, leaving fans and admirers to speculate about the enigmatic freeskiier's legacy.