The Kootenay backcountry community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Judson Wright, who passed away on November 15, 2025. A devoted husband, a loving father, a gifted guide, and a passionate educator, Judson leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has shaped mountain culture across British Columbia and beyond. His passing is being felt deeply by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he touched through his work and his spirit.
Judson was widely regarded as a driving force for avalanche safety in the Kootenay region. As an AST provider, a respected guide, and one of the core members of the State of the Snowpack (SOTS) team, he helped educate and empower thousands of backcountry users. His work was grounded in a profound love for the mountains and a heartfelt desire to help others move through them with knowledge, confidence, and joy.
Many remember Judson’s early days as a guide with Selkirk, where he brought a deep affection for powder skiing, a playful energy, and conversations that stayed with people long after the skis came off. His passion for mentorship and accessible education later inspired him to found Kootenay Backcountry Guides in Nelson, a program that transformed how outdoor enthusiasts learn about avalanche terrain. Through this work, he made the mountains safer not only for local residents but for people across the region.
Judson’s influence expanded even further when he co-founded State of the Snowpack, a movement that has since grown from a local gathering into a multi-chapter community spanning mountain towns from BC to Quebec. By offering free, community-focused snowpack information, SOTS became a trusted and welcoming bridge between avalanche professionals and the public. Judson infused every presentation with humour, connection, and authenticity—qualities that made avalanche safety approachable instead of intimidating. His dedication to this project was immense, and his colleagues continue to honour the work he helped build.
In recent years, Judson also served as Operations Manager at White Grizzly, where his leadership, warmth, and expertise were deeply valued. But his contributions extended far beyond professional achievements: he was a spirited community member widely known for his kindness, his humility, and his willingness to show up for absolutely anyone. Many in Nelson fondly remember him as the most enthusiastic crossing guard they had ever seen—an unexpected role that perfectly captured his wholehearted commitment to community care.
Judson wore many hats throughout his lifetime, always with the goal of caring for and supporting his family. Whether working as an ACMG ski and mountain guide, an avalanche educator, a BC Wildfire contract firefighter, or even a house painter, his dedication to his wife Kelly and his son Griffon never wavered. He worked tirelessly, joyfully, and proudly to give them the stability and love they deserved.
Those closest to Judson remember him as wonderfully quirky, sarcastic, hilarious, and endlessly relatable. He loved music, often disappearing into long, soul-filling guitar sessions. He teased, he joked, he connected deeply with people—on the mountain, over coffee, and in all the small, quiet moments that made life meaningful. To know Judson was to feel welcomed, understood, and valued.
As Kelly and Griffon navigate this unimaginable loss, the community is coming together in love and support. A GoFundMe has been created to help provide Kelly the space and time she needs to grieve and to continue being present for Griffon without immediate financial pressure.
Judson Wright will be remembered not only for his contributions to avalanche safety and the outdoor community but for the joy, humour, compassion, and humanity he brought to every corner of his life. His legacy will continue to live on in the mountains he loved, in the people he mentored, and in the community he helped build.
He will be profoundly missed.