by Zack Wentz
Rob Coppolillo was an icon. He was someone I looked up to in the highest regard, as an idol. He wrote all these books, was on many podcasts & ran the coolest trips to the most prestigious destinations. In my mind, he had achieved the highest fame in mountain guiding, & was living the best life of anyone that I truly wanted to emulate.
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Never did I think I would ever work with him, or get the opportunity to call him my friend.
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I remember the first day that I met Rob in person. He took part in this guide training in fall of 2021. I remember that day speaking up about the CAA InfoEx, but being so hesitant to not look like a fool in front of Rob. In classic Rob style though, he welcomed new, young guides like myself & made us all feel welcome. I remember him showing videos that night of trips he ran in Chamonix, talking about his hut trips in Canada & skiing with polar bears in Svalbard. I already thought he was an idolized figure, but that evening solidified it.
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Throughout that winter, we worked together up in Snoqualmie Pass. I remember again having those courses boost my confidence as a young guide, because I got to teach with such a legend. We hit it off on various things, but especially my involvement with the CAA, which instantly gained respect from him. As the unrelenting student that he was, he & I nerded out on avalanche concepts that could help our industry. He & I shared that same passion: leveling up our game & seeking the best practice way of doing things, & sharing that with the public to improve the safety of our community.
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Throughout the coming years, we’d expand our professional relationship into a friendship. Being Rob’s friend made me feel like I was now part of the club that I so badly wanted to be a part of, but never felt good enough for.
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Rob’s mentorship helped shape me into who I am today. While right now I’m still experiencing the denial phase of grief, Rob was a larger than life figure that seemed he never would falter. His passing doesn’t seem real & never will. Thanks for everything brudda…you gave us all so much & the whole mountain community will miss you deeply.
