Ryan Titchener Survived Bad Accident, Back in the Mountains

While mountain climbing on Pigeon Spire in the Bugaboos a few years ago, Ryan Tichener rested his hand on a boulder the size of a washing machine and it unexpectedly moved.

He tumbled down the rocks and the boulder rolled over his body crushing his spine and paralyzing his legs. Award winning writer Geoff Powter wrote about Titchener in the current Gripped magazine, be sure to pick it up.

Beyond this loss, the immobility also robbed him of something further: his deep connection to the mountains and the outdoors.

Big Thanks to the photographers that brightened up Geoff Powter’s amazing article even more in this issue of Gripped Magazine. Jeff Lewis Troy Gallant and Clayton Anderson. Great Shots! @jefflewisphotography @clayander #grippedmagazine #climbing #photography #sportsphotography #mountainlife #thanks #bigthanks #niceshots #acmg

A post shared by Ryan Titchener (@ryantitchener) on Aug 13, 2018 at 7:31am PDT

But something unexpected happened to him over the next few years. As he rehabilitated his body, he realized he was gaining other things. As his fellow Jasper residents rallied to support him emotionally and financially, he felt deeper ties to his neighbours. As his strength grew, he found a new passion for sit-skiing at Jasper National Park’s beloved Marmot Basin ski resort, where he also worked. That led to an even deeper connection to the mountains and the outdoors.

Ryan’s Story