On March 26, 2009, ski legend Shane McConkey died in a ski BASE jumping accident in the Italian Dolomites. In countless ways, McConkey defined skiing as a lifestyle and by pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Shane was a member of the K2 Skis team and was a creative thinker who challenged conventional wisdom in ski design. His Pontoon rockered powder ski, introduced in 2004, was one of the most profound innovations in ski design in decades. His concept was soon after adopted by the snowboard market thus making the sports more fun for millions of enthusiasts.
To celebrate Shanes life, K2 Skis will release a limited edition Shane McConkey Ski, built on the Pontoon chassis, in winter 2009. Graphically inspired by Shanes personality, ability, and many contributions to our sport, the ski will be available at participating authorized K2 Dealers and K2skis.com beginning in October. Approximately 500 pair of the unique, individually numbered, commemorative skis will be produced. All net proceeds generated by sales of the Shane McConkey Tribute ski, suggested retail $699, will be donated to Shanes family.
“Shane was a part of our K2 family,” said Jeff Mechura, Global Brand Director for K2 Sports. “He was the pure embodiment of everything that K2 stands for, and we cherished the time we were able to spend with him. In many ways, Shane has changed the way we all think about life and skiing and we will miss him dearly. This ski is but one way to remember him and pay tribute to a legend of our sport”.