Helping mountain dreamers
About the Chris Nicholson Fund
The Chris Nicholson Fund (The Fund) was established in 2020 by the Nicholson Family and the Heavenly Patrol Fund following the untimely and tragic death of a South Lake Tahoe hero.
The purpose of The Fund is to honor Chris by championing education and adventure in the mountains through an annual scholarship. The parameters leave plenty of flexibility by design and we are counting on the imagination and ambition of the rad individuals in our mountain community to drive this scholarship and give it form that Chris would approve of year after year.
Chris was a longtime Heavenly Ski Patroller whose love of life and the Sierra Nevada led to a colorful and impactful existence rooted here in South Lake Tahoe.
Chris was always leading adventures that led to fulfilling moments in the mountains, and we are buoyed that his scholarship will provide the opportunity for many in our community to continue to experience those moments for years to come. In honor of our friend, brother and mentor, while the days continue to pass, we’re reminded that life isn’t about milestones but the memories we share.
About Chris
12/30/83 - 01/18/20
Chris was drawn to the Sierra Nevada because of his passion for the outdoors and wanting to spend his winters skiing. He started ski patrolling at Heavenly Mountain Resort in 2010. He quickly excelled at his new career as his passion for the mountains, skiing, problem solving and helping people all come together. Over the course of his ski patrol career, Chris contributed to many Ski Patrol programs at Heavenly including the accident investigation team, snow safety program, rope rescue program and as mentor to the less experienced team members. Chris had recently been promoted to a snow safety specialist and truly loved observing how snow and weather interacted with the mountains.
During the summers, Chris’s love for the water led him to become a certified licensed boat Captain. He worked for both the TRPA on water programs and Birkholm’s Water Ski School over the years. When not on the lake Chris could be found lounging on the beach, pedaling through town or on the beach volleyball court every Wednesday night serving his vicious “Knuckle Serve.” Chris was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed many vacations in the BVIs bareboat sailing with family and friends. He had a love for music, spanning across all genres and attended numerous concerts and shows. He never missed a chance to dance. Chris made a once-a-year trip to the Black Rock Desert, which he called his second home.
On January 18, 2020, Chris passed away in a ski related accident which occurred while he was working on the mountain. Chris had made South Lake Tahoe his home and was a dear friend to many and loved the mountain community.
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Donate today to support education, mentorship, and personal growth for those who call Tahoe home. Your generosity fuels training, builds vital connections, and opens doors for those shaping the place we live and play. Together, we can help our community thrive. Give now and be part of the climb!
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Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, connect with mentors, or explore new opportunities, we’re here to help. Together, we can preserve the adventurous spirit, resilience, and camaraderie that define mountain life while helping individuals achieve their dreams.