Michael Gardner and Sam Hennessy during a historic descent of the South Face of Denali, AK in May 2024.

The ski community is mourning an enormous loss as we learn of the passing of American ski alpinist Michael Gardner while climbing Jannu East in Nepal this week. Gardner sustained a fatal fall while climbing with longtime mountain partner, Sam Hennessy, who fortunately has been reported safe.  

Gardner pushed the boundaries of skiing and alpine climbing, most recently with a notable historic ski descent of the South Face of Denali with Hennessy. He lived in Kelly, WY, in the shadow of Grand Teton National Park, where he cut his teeth as a young climber and skier. He was a second generation Exum Guide and longtime Arc’teryx Athlete, with an affinity for moving fast and light in the mountains. But while his accomplishments could fill the pages of a book, it was his character that close friends will remember him for. 

“It has always been infinitely more important to me how we do something versus what we do,” wrote Gardner in an unpublished draft for a story for The Ski Journal. “An understanding and appreciation of style has always been the bond for my mountain partnerships and the people that I surround myself with. Who you go to the mountains with isn’t simply a means to an end, it’s kind of the whole point.”

The Ski Journal extends its sincere condolences to the Gardner’s close friends and family. It was an honor to work with Gardner and watch his accomplishments push the boundaries of our sport.