There’s nothing like flying down powder, the cold mountain air slamming into your face, the snowboard sweeping over a thick layer of snow. The occasional spill brings you back to reality, but you’re still on top of the world.

Craig Kelly, one of the most successful professional snowboarders, gave up his competitive career to follow his heart to the backcountry to experience its utopia every day.

Kelly died, along with six others, in an avalanche near Revelstoke in the Canadian Rockies.

Kelly was working as a backcountry guide organized by Selkirk Mountain Experience Skiing. His group was heli-skiing on the glacier when a major slide occurred, trapping eight and killing seven, including Kelly.

In the early 1980s, before snowboarding came into its own, Kelly impressed everyone with his super style and his ability to pick the perfect line. In his 15 years of successful riding, Kelly won four world championships and three U.S. championships. He rode the first Burton pro-model, a definite collector’s item. Kelly became a legend, not only to his followers, but among other role models. Terje Haakonsen, one of the most respected snowboarders in the industry, said Kelly was the best snowboarder of all time.

In the past 10 years, Kelly turned to backcountry riding and guiding, as well as continuing his design and development for Burton snowboards.

Last year Kelly attended the Burton pre-season meeting at Copper Mountain. Many years had gone by since Kelly had dropped into the half-pipe, but admirer Jonas Brewer watched in awe.

“Kelly did methods and lien airs the whole way down the pipe,” said Brewer. “He definitely still had his ‘stee’.”

A legend is gone, but not forgotten. His fans are dedicating a day to Craig Kelly by wearing old Burton clothes, hiking in the backcountry and by doing methods all day. Remember to use common sense and be aware of avalanche danger.

Kelly is survived by his daughter, Olivia, and partner, Savina.