Bela Vadasz, a Truckee resident who co-founded Alpine Skills International, passed away Sept. 15 at the age of 62. His career included many firsts, and he connected with thousands of people around the world through his instruction, education, and passion for the mountains. Vadasz died unexpectedly in Oceanside, Calif. during a medical procedure related to an existing heart condition.
“Bela’s passion for the mountains, music, and surfing resonated with thousands of people around the world. His contributions to alpine, rock, and ski mountaineering were monumental. He was especially revered for his vibrant spirit, kind heart, and love for adventure,” according to a statement posted on the website of Alpine Skills International, an organization which Vadasz co-founded and was director of until his death. “The Vadasz family wants to thank everyone for all the love and support they have received. ASI will continue full operation because that is what Bela would have wanted.”
Accidental Landing in the Sierra
Born in Hungary in 1953, Vadasz was just 3-years-old when his parents fled the country, according to an article in the Reno Gazette Journal. They immigrated to San Francisco, where he was raised. He met his wife-to-be Mimi Maki-Vadasz in college at San Francisco State University, a location that gave him access to the Sierra Nevada range. After college he dedicated his life to mountaineering, specifically the emerging niche of ski mountaineering.
In 1979, he founded the Truckee-based guiding and instructional outfitter Alpine Skills International with Mimi. ASI has guided thousands of people into the backcountry across five continents and taught an array of classes and courses dedicated to improving safety and knowledge surrounding the mountaineering world.
Vadasz was one of the most accomplished ski and climbing guides in Sierra Nevada history, according to Climbing Magazine. He worked with other guides in the 1980s to create a certification program within the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) that would meet the standards of the European-based IMFGA, the most respected guiding body worldwide.
“Bela started the ski program, which was the crux of the AMGA being admitted into the IFMGA. Without his vision and perspiration, the AMGA wouldn’t be where it is today,” said Rob Hess, the AMGA technical director, in an article posted on snowbrains.com.
He was one of the first American guides to be licensed to IMFGA standards, and received a lifetime achievement award in 2008 from the AMGA, where he served as technical director for the ski mountaineering program for several years. He also helped found the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), which created the nationally recognized curriculum for avalanche education in the U.S.
Going Everywhere, Doing Everything
Some highlights of his life on skis include being the first to ski to the summit of Alaska’s Mt. Denali on cross-country skis, which he did with Mimi. He also completed the first American ascent of the Peuterey Ridge on Mont Blanc, which is the longest alpine route in the Alps; completed more than 20 tours of the famous Haute ski route in the Alps; and skied 23,000-feet off Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak.
Vadasz strived to teach everyone. He taught mountaineering courses at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Mountain Warfare Training Center near Sonora Pass, Calif., and taught special operations forces at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, Calif.
He was known for creating phrases to help people through long slogs at high altitude. One well-known phrase coined by Vadasz was “magic mountain pace,” which referred to the comfortable pace one could sustain all day in the mountains, a phrase he would teach as an important lesson to clients as they grappled with the long distances required to reach far away peaks.
Yet, he still found time for other passions. He was an avid surfer and musician, and played percussion in a Truckee band called Montaña that specialized in Santana covers. He stayed active in the Truckee/Tahoe community up until his death, reportedly donating to the effort to preserve climbing on Black Wall on Donner Summit this summer.
He is survived by his wife Mimi and two sons, Tobin and Logan.
A celebration of life service will be held Sat., Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Judah Lodge at Sugar Bowl Resort on Donner Summit. All are welcome, but to give the organizers a sense of expected attendance, please RSVP to everettfamilyfarm@comcast.net.
Here are a collection of memories and thoughts posted on various online forums that give insight into Bela Vadasz’s impact around the world.
“Bela was unique and pure to his core. He did not do things to advance himself, he didn’t have a tick list. He loved to share his passion, whether it was skiing, climbing, surfing, music, communicating, encouraging, and believing in people more than they believed in themselves, or just loved being here on Earth. He loved the ocean, as it was forever changing; he loved the mountains, because they would always be there; he loved everyone he ever talked to because everyone was important to him.” ∼ Mimi Maki-Vadasz, on Bela Vadasz Facebook page
“He was passionate about his students being prepared for the mountains, and was always teaching, whether on the hill or in bivouac. Rest in peace, my friend.” ∼ Derek and Jacklin Jervis, climbing.com
“Bela, thank you for providing the inspiration, knowledge, and guiding skills you taught me as an intern and apprentice while training under your guise at ASI.” ∼ Greg von Doersten, climbing.com
“My dad worked for him; I often stayed at the lodge in the guide room. Bela took a genuine and enthusiastic interest in what I had to say and in my aspirations to climb mountains. I was 12 and I could feel his passion.” ∼ Chris Waller-Bennett, climbing.com
“I live in Truckee, and saw the man on a regular basis. This news is like a kick to the stomach. He was an inspiration to me. He always took an interest in my pathetic climbing and skiing trips, and always remembered my name. We have all lost a truly great leader, superb athlete, and a fine man. Thank you, Bela, for the inspiration and motivation that your kind words have bestowed on me. I will think of you often, when I am out there.” ∼ Glen Prior, climbing.com
