Chantal Knapp, Boulder County.  On Saturday, April 23, the 15th anniversary of the DoJoe memorial tribute was celebrated under Colorado signature blue skies at Arapahoe Ranch Cabins in Nederland. Recognized as the DoJoe Uphill-Downhill Telemark Race for a dozen years at Eldora Mountain Resort (2002-2013), the celebration of life and ski event has transformed into an intimate, harmonious community of memory, where a common love and adoration of Joseph Power Despres (1972-2001) unite powerfully to celebrate Joe through a shared passion of backcountry skiing. Now recognized and renamed as the DoJoe on the DownLow, Arapahoe Ranch has now warmly welcomed the newly formed event since 2014.

In its third year as the DoJoe on the DownLow, over 60 adults and children gathered on Saturday to commemorate their friend as well as raise money for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). In spirit of Joe’s love for the local mountains and his incredible endurance, a challenging 3-mile ski course costumed with all ages and abilities truly reflected the love of a friend lost to a natural hazard despite his backcountry expertise. A homestyle potluck meal, riverside bonfire, followed by a raffle, raised enough money for a CAIC avalanche forecaster salary for nearly a month. Brain Lazar, Deputy Director of CAIC, and participant, “this event has an intimate, low key, close knit family vibe and is an integral part of our grassroots fundraising efforts.”

Sponsors and supporters included Arapahoe Ranch Cabins, TinShed Sports, Salto Coffee Works, La Sportiva, Backcountry Access, Inc, Outdoor Research, Smartwool, Ska Brewing, and Boulder Sausage.

“This is an important cause,” says Krista Crabtree, race organizer. “We all knew and skied with Joe. The event went on the “DownLow” in 2014 to continue to keep memories alive of Joe and to keep the momentum going for CAIC. We donate 100% of our event proceeds to CAIC for avalanche awareness and education.”

CAIC’s mission is to promote avalanche information, education, and promote research for the protection of life and property. Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. In the United States, Colorado accounts for 1/3 of all avalanche deaths (CAIC statistic).

In November 2001, an avalanche above Yankee Doodle Lake tragically took Joe’s life while he was backcountry skiing. The DoJoe Uphill-Downhill Telemark race was initiated in February 2002 in memory of Joe by fellow skiers, friends, and members of the Eldora ski patrol.

Tracy Stull, who has been present at nearly all 15 gatherings said, “people who showed up today remember Joe. They are here to keep Joe’s spirit alive here at the Ranch (Arapahoe Ranch) where I consider this home. It is a great combination. Joe and I’s family is special to me.”

Kayla Evans, owner and proprietor of Arapahoe Ranch Cabins added, “It is amazing to have all of my “family” here. All for a good cause. We are all celebrating in Joe’s memory. These are all my friends.”

The 2016 DoJoe on the DownLow was clearly a community celebration of Joseph Power Despres’ life. A feeling of fellowship with others who share similar attitudes, interests, and goals could be felt, along with most of all, an admiration of a dear friend greatly missed, who will be remembered and celebrated with future DoJoe on the DownLow gatherings.