Jim Morrison Shares Heartfelt Emotions About Chamonix

"I ventured into the mountains with my friend @leoslemett and we shared a connection of losing the love our our life more than once."

"We find real presence in high and exposed places living an intentional life…forward. The ambiance of light, no fall zone, and beautiful surroundings helps us revel in the moments in front of us not behind." 

These poetic words refer to the unimaginable tragedy Morrison experienced in 2011, when his wife and kids were tragically killed in a plane crash. 

A story published by the Tahoe Quarterly details that Jim's wife, Katie, a member of the Truckee Tahoe Airport Board and a seasoned pilot, was flying home from a trip to Southern California with Hannah and Wyatt when they encountered dangerous weather including wind shear and severe turbulence. 

After encountering this weather, their plane lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the ground near Barstow, California. 

As it would be for anyone, the situation was incredibly difficult for Morrison emotionally. However, Morrison reflects that it was the Tahoe community, as well as the mountains, that helped him through those dark times.

Finding a sense of purpose through ascending and descending the local mountains, Morrison recounts, “it was something I loved and it was really good for me—and over time I found my way back to my life’s passion, which is skiing,” says Morrison.

Morrison would skin up Jakes Peak on Tahoe’s West Shore and find himself overcome with grief. But Morrison used his grief as inspiration to train even harder. 

Morrison trained for the Lake Tahoe Ironman, and when that event was cancelled because of wildfire smoke, while most people would simply pat themselves on the back for training, he flew to Tennessee the next week to complete an Ironman there.

Morrison also went on to summit many noteworthy peaks and set off on incredible adventures, including summitting and skiing Cho Oyu and climbing Everest in a single trip.

Morrison can still be seen outdoors around Lake Tahoe. 

And, sometimes, indoors. 

Jim and John Morrison spoke at the Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series, covering the topics of "endurance, resilience, and healing." Watch their moving delivery below.

The outdoors can be a place of comfort and distraction for those grieving. The outdoors can also be a place of challenge and inner confrontation during those times. 

We don't need a reason as moving as Morrison's to find solace in going outside. But it certainly helps to know people as strong as Morrison have gone through dark times and not only come out the other side, but done so with grace, courage, and the effort to inspire others in their journeys as well. 

More than anything, Morrison reminds us that it is okay to be vulnerable. For someone who climbed Mount Everest to share their feelings with the world, it shows that the outdoors can challenge you to no end, but there is nothing like a fellow human to understand.