Warner has fond memories of Siffredi from last year's expedition. He said the young snowboarder was a remarkably strong mountaineer who climbed as fast as the most capable Sherpas.
Trey Cook, a friend of Siffredi's and a Chamonix resident, said Siffredi was driven by a pure love of steep terrain—not the pull of sponsorship. "He was full of salt," Cook said. "He was focused on riding down steep faces and that's all he cared about."
Siffredi's disappearance pains many in the extreme sports community, but Cook does not think that it will deter many skiers or riders from attempting high-altitude peaks. He said these athletes are in this sport because they are unshakably determined.
Friends say that there are no funeral plans for Siffredi yet.
The October issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine is now on newsstands throughout the United States.
Experience the world of adventurous outdoor sports and travel with National Geographic Adventure. Packed with stories of real adventure, extraordinary photography, and expert advice on outdoor trends, travel, and gear, Adventure inspires readers to get out and explore the wildest corners of the planet. Click here to find out how to receive ten issues a year. Go>>
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