Gina Heslop
Catherine “Kasha” Rigby, a world-famous skier, tragically died on August 8, 2024, after being caught in an avalanche while skiing near Brezovica, the only ski resort in Kosovo. Kasha, who was 54 years old, originally came from Vermont but had been living in Utah. She was working on a project called “Tour de Piste,” where she skied off-piste at various ski resorts around the world, exploring slopes that were often untouched by regular skiers.
On the day of the incident, Kasha was skiing on a slope known as the Eagle’s Nest when the avalanche struck. The force of the avalanche carried her into a group of trees, causing severe injuries. Despite the efforts of her fiancé, Magnus Wolfe Murray, who was with her at the time, Kasha did not survive the impact. Magnus tried desperately to revive her, but sadly, he was unsuccessful. News of her death was first reported by Euronews.albania and later confirmed by other sources, including the Daily Mail.
Kasha Rigby was not just any skier; she was a pioneer in her sport. She gained fame in the 1990s as one of the first people in the United States to take up telemark skiing, a style of skiing that combines elements of both alpine and Nordic skiing. Known for her daring and aggressive style, Kasha was dubbed “the best telemark skier in the known universe” by Outside magazine. Her talent and passion for skiing took her far beyond the Rockies and Alaska, leading her to some of the highest and most challenging mountains around the globe.
Among her many achievements, Kasha was the first person to ski down Cho Oyu, one of the world’s highest peaks, on telemark skis. She also conquered mountains in India, Kamchatka, the Andes, and the Himalayas, skiing down slopes as high as 5,000 and 6,000 meters. Her incredible feats were featured in nine different skiing films, showcasing her skill and bravery to the world.
Kasha often skied with another legendary figure, Hilaree Nelson, who also met a tragic end while skiing. In 2022, Hilaree died while descending from the summit of Manaslu.
Together with Hilaree and two other skilled skiers, Margaret Wheeler and Alison Gannett, Kasha made history in 2010 by becoming the first team to ski down the Northwest Face of Hanuman Tibba, a 5,982-meter mountain in the Indian Himalayas. Their descent down a 2,500-meter couloir was a remarkable achievement in the world of skiing.
