I can remember the first day I met Lance Topper at Alpine Meadows. He was standing at the bottom of the Summit Chair, with his signature ice beard, grinning ear to ear, excited about the latest powder dump. He quickly beckoned our group to get on the chair and go skiing, as there would be time for introductions later. Growing up in his home on the Sherwood side of Alpine Meadows, Lance had developed a passion for skiing and a knowledge of the mountain that few could claim at only 17 years old. He taught me about places on the Sherwood side that few people will ever see.
Lance Henri Topper recently lost his battle against lymphoma, passing on November 7th, at age 22. Lance is survived by his parents Michele Sonner and Richard Topper, both well known local artists on the West Shore and long time residents in Alpine Peaks. The announcement of Lance’s passing said it very well: “He fought his battle for life with bravery, optimism and courage. He accepted the path he was on with grace and dignity and never lost his sense of humor. Although we regret we will not be having new adventures with Lance, we cherish the wonderful times we spent with him and everything we do will be infused with his spirit.”
Lance grew up skiing on the the Alpine Meadows ski team, and later on the Sugar Bowl Ski team as a student at Sugar Bowl Academy. He had a passion for photography and developed a nice little side business selling action ski photos. Most recently, Lance had been attending the University of Vermont and served as a patroller at Sugarbush. Lance will be missed on many fronts.
A public celebration of life will be held for Lance Henri Topper at 1 pm on Saturday, November 22nd at the Village Hall at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.
Donations can be made in Lance’s name to the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. Donations to TNSAR can be made via PayPal or checks can be send to: Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, Inc. PO Box 7703, Tahoe City, CA 96145
It was a blessing to know you Lance. We’ll be looking for your tracks on Outer Outer Outer, and we’ll still be giving a friendly nod to your house on every hike back to the Sherwood chair this season.
Man. It sucks when good people leave so soon. My deepest condolences to Lance’s family and friends.
The entire Topper family is core, quality AM and Lance touched so many people in his brief life. Little known fact is that Lance was the inspiration for Creekside Charter School, which is still going strong in it’s second decade—his parents launched the idea for the school and are its co-founders. The way this family has handled this terrible event should be inspiring to everyone.
Thanks for the wonderful posting. Lance had a great time skiing with you guys. His goal was to be on AM patrol. We found a drawing from kindergarten that says “When I grow up I want to be a ski patrol guy.” We will always remember the powder days and smiles with Lance we were fortunate to have spent a lot of his short time here with him. He was a great kid. RIP Lance Henri Topper
Michele & Rick,
Just read of the news today. So sorry to hear about Lance, still remember him running around the office as a little guy. So glad to hear that he inspired so many and was so involved in the natural world around him. Love to you both.
Lance was a big part of the Alpine Meadows and Tahoe experience for our family. He was great guy with infectious enthusiasm who was always super excited to share his favorite spots and experiences with us. As I start to see snow days lining up in the weather report I think about all the great runs we had together and all of the secret spots he showed us on the Mountain.
Lance you will be greatly missed and never forgotten.