A3 is sad to report the passing of A3 Professional Member Rob Coppolillo. Rob passed away while ski guiding in Canada on April 18, 2024. Within the industry Rob was a mentor, friend, and partner; an avid writer, and a valued contributor to The Avalanche Review (TAR) – he will be deeply missed by all. Rob has officially been added to A3’s Memorial Page.

The TAR Editorial Team has gathered some of our favorite recent TAR articles that Rob was involved with.

The Wolverine and the Mercenary by Rob Coppolillo

The Book Review

by Rob Coppolillo


Remembering Rob

Rob made the world more fun to live in. He was not only kind, humble, caring, and fun as hell, but freely shared his joy and enthusiasm with everyone. Many (most?) of the best Rob stories aren’t suitable for public consumption, but he moved through life full bore and unreserved in a way many of us wish we had the courage to emulate. Yes, he was an excellent guide, instructor, and partner well beyond mountain adventures. But, what I’ll miss most was all the fun….dinners, family exploits, and conversations about life, politics, morality, and mortality. We just lost one of the best souls and storytellers I’ve ever known. Rob could make you laugh until your stomach hurt and you peed yourself. You couldn’t help but love the guy. I loved him and miss him with a pain that will one day turn back into laughter recounting all the good trouble he brought to the universe.” – Brian Lazar, Deputy Director CAIC