16 YEAR OLD SKIER Kai Jones has the Season of a LIFETIME Before Breaking Both Legs

16-year-old skier Kai Jones had the season of his life before it was cut short by a freak accident in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Watch as Kai skis big lines, send crazy tricks in natural terrain and straightlines the biggest couloir of his life... plus a little cameo from 2023 Kings & Queens of Corbets Champion Colby Stevenson.
Kai's skiing earned him his third Skier of The Year nomination at the acclaimed IF3 Awards Festival, despite a drastically shortened season. On March 7th, Kai broke both his tibia tubercles upon landing a cliff he had jumped a number of times before. His injury was one that occurs in young kids age 12-16 where the growth plates are not currently closed. Kai's recovery is going well and he'll be back on the slopes in December.
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[@blameitonben]

This isn't a freak accident. This is part of the risk of pushing the envelope of extreme skiing. Healing vibes.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

That was hella gnarly. I really don't think you can call that a freak accident though. That was pushing the limits big time and sometimes that means paying a big price. A "freak" accident would be more along the lines of breaking both your ankles by walking off a curb. Hope he heals well and gets back at it!

[@igk916]

I mean i know what you mean, but it kind of was he hit that same feature several times throughout this video with varrying degrees of lines. You can even see his tracks from previous runs before he drops in, he had experience on that run but he fucked up. Somebody breaking both of their femurs is a freak accident now matter how you look at it. Yall taking the word accident too literally. A car accident is still considered and accident even if it was done on purpose. They mean its a freak injury.

[@vipahman]

I wish Kai the best. I have been following him for quite a while. Just one thing. There's always something bigger than big and getting there is the difference between pain and gain. Find your limit. Sensibly!

[@davedubnut2210]

But if people did things sensibly the kid that recently did a 2160 wouldn’t be doing it! These guys push the limits to do the tricks they do!

[@christopherrapp6945]

Sitting here watching this a week after ACL surgery. Seeing how positive he was after an even worse injury brought up a bunch of emotions. Glad you’re doing better and on the mend. Thanks for the inspiration to come back better than ever!

[@tylerloney985]

I dislocated and broke my elbow and tore my UCL 3 weeks ago. It’s tough to deal with but the tough time we go through will be our uprising in the end. Stay strong 💪

[@xDeeqriz]

How did you tear your acl

[@KZ-yu4jz]

I blew my knee out in Aspen jumping 25 years ago landing a jump that my knee just didn't like... Rehab was long and arduous, but in the end I just ended up loosing a few degrees in extension and flexion (will never knee board again, oh well...). Keep up with your rehab and you will be doing what you want next year.

[@joeblow1282]

This young man will bounce back and be better than ever. He is surrounded by snow sport legends left and right; he will be one himself one day.

[@ivernorth-jo4id]

Already is

[@ARK.79]

Absolutely insane from a 16 year old. Amazing how much things have changed in the past 20 years.

[@MVPhurricane]

OH MY GOD THAT LINE AT THE END. are you serious?! man some of those lines he takes have such ridiculously insane exposure... absolute nerves of steel. man the beginning was a tough watch-- almost brought *me* to tears and i'm not the one who broke both his legs. what beautiful skiing, though-- keep on shredding, kai: i'm here for all of it!

[@subplot1442]

As a dad and a passionate skier, this pulls on my emotions in so many different ways.

[@jimmoore8951]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvYkoSLaL2Sh9ksi=GwHkAPZ48gOtdtx5

[@chancemains]

I broke my tibia and tore my ACl 2 years ago. At the time I remember thinking I would never indulge in skiing and snowmobiling again but low and behold I had one of the best seasons of my life last year. It gets better and the confidence WILL come back!!🤘🤘🤘

[@Kharris_photo]

Such a sick part for last winter even with it getting cut short, can't wait to see what you do this year

[@Wormy_bormy]

Legend in the making❌ Already legend✅

[@EMCVlogs]

march 7,2023 i got hit by a car going 50mph while crossing the street, i flew 29 feet, broke both legs ,right ankle and pelvis, now 8 months later im walking around like nothing happened. God is so good he performed a miracle on me and you brother!

[@MVPhurricane]

jeeeesus you are lucky to be alive, brother. glad to hear it!

[@ivernorth-jo4id]

You inspired me to ski! I’ve been watching your videos since I was 11 and they are so inspiring and cool! Keep it up

[@natronbetticus]

That last line was mental. Hope you had a good summer, and get back on it this winter. Was telling my little girl "he's the jackson goldstone of freeskiing" the other day :)

[@rr6052]

THANKS for the band / song update #TGRtv....Original post: Disappointed #TGRtv did not give #TheJoyFormidable credit for the video's song in the posting description. TGR has always blended music and its clips very well. TGR, please update this for a well-deserved band which has a few songs in other ski / snowboard videos out there (including a Travis Rice video) b/c their music is very "cinematic"...(plus, great music to ski to). In case TGR doesn't, the song is: The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade. Great song, but only one of MANY from the same debut album that the snow community will enjoy (ex, Cradle, A Heavy Abacus) But, please #TGRtv, do the artist right. Thank you.

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

not surprised , Kai already pushing Mother Nature Limits way to early. Sorry to watch him that young already going trough surgeries. I just got my right knee done yesterday. Alohas from Maui!

[@conorlinehan4434]

I hope that you don’t doubt yourself after your injury. I sincerley hope you a quick and successful recovery that allows you a long career. Be safe.

[@tomaswu8471]

I was so heartbreaking when saw Kai's accident while so proud of him as the one of the most gifted and brave skiers. As a dad of skiers, Kai's accident and injure leave me very mixed and complex feelings. I suddenly fell into a black hole of thinking: should I support him to reach such a cutting edge if I have such a gifted kid? Wish Kai Jone and his family the best.

[@Chicken_nuggets13]

Such a big inspiration

[@NickBlunting]

It was an INSANE winter here in Lake Tahoe! I fractured two fingers and my elbow my last day riding last season but we get right back at it. Hoping for a heavy winter this year

[@andyrobinson339]

Only a matter of time before the next "freak accident". And it could be a lot worse, internal damage, brain injury etc etc.

[@Jack.CSki_The_East]

Kai is amazing!

[@Simon-jp7wg]

Greetings from the uk Fantastic film What a skier Stay safe

[@The_Radical_Car_Guy]

That was a gnarly fall I can't wait to see more of insane lines from him.

[@irishassassi2863]

This was a great video, absolutely loved the music choice. hope that guys comes back harder than ever

[@EL-mn1pf]

That drop was absolutely insane. Its been 20 years since I was that age, and nobody back then was doing anything even remotely close to that. If you tore your ACL or broke your legs back in the early 2000s, it meant your ass. Today, he will heal up, rehab and be better than ever. Its really mind blowing to see what the next generation of skiers are doing now.

[@ye1972]

I’ve been watching these since he was 11 it blows my mind that I could still learn this someday and I have a bit over a year on him I can’t wait to ski

[@RyderMcGrath]

Kai is my idol bro I hope everythings alright

[@alphahuskyy]

dude wtf ?! nooooo! i hope you have a fucken quick recovery, havent seen talent like this since Tanner tbh.. wish you all the best, Kai! best wishes from a 35 year old snowboarder!

[@Imhimithy_5675]

This is so inspiring but also make me jealous the fact I didn’t learn how to get up on skis for 5 years and this guy was able to recover from 2 broken legs and still jump of cliffs

[@matthewyoung9871]

That last line was insane

[@NormanWasHere452]

it just kept panning down, wild

[@elguapo6750]

Hope he has a speedy recovery... and thanks for throwing in the short clip of Nobis.

[@tomaswu8471]

Kai Jones has been making and lifting the big mountain skiing to really cool and beautiful. He was really pushing the limit of this sports as human race. I am so sad to hear his injure. His latest drop is so terrible and has ZERO tolerance for mistake. I wish him best and been taking cared well.

[@jackkiess3716]

Put together a clip that 99.99% of skiers could never imagine in a lifetime.

[@kaijonesski]

What a crazy year!

[@melinda007]

i cried that looked so painful. truly amazing skier. heal up quick!

[@dam8087]

Absolute beast, you'll come back better and stronger

[@turnnburn9008]

love the action and what a gift.. hope he makes to 20...life can change in an instant...as I learned when my 16 yr. old died

[@SvenKrevchenko]

Ski career over at 16

[@MrTolli]

Jeez the speed on this guy. Amazing

[@BrettMcNary]

The amount of speed you take into those hits is impressive.

[@Dunkindonutzbuds]

Bro i watched the vid 5 years ago when he was 11 and now even better

[@ewanwright2800]

Kai you are a god on the twigs. Were the same age but you are just the skier I want to be. Will never get there but love watching you progress! Much ❤️

[@jasonstrongman1089]

Hope you heal well son. That’s a long recovery.

[@teddyzamba1396]

That is the problem with extreme skiing, there is no limit, you just go where no limits exist and when the body breaks in a million pieces you go in traction for 6mos and comeback for more no limits skiing. Then, the day comes where you cannot get out of bed, and you call in, I have reached my limit.

[@superskier1812]

Your a beast Kai!! can't wait to see you starting up this season!!

[@Captndarty]

Only a matter of time…. Hope for a speedy, full physical and mental recovery.

[@mountaindweller9118]

It's not "if" but "when" and "how bad" when you're constantly pushing the limits.

[@KusiuStunt]

youre fucking crazy kid, i love it

[@parth8145]

kai your a legend. dont risk your health. follow your heart

[@micha0691]

Insane

[@brianbasconi]

Insane🔥

[@This_Just_N]

Spain with no “S” right there

[@KingSolrac]

Dude is fucking badass, that's so scary to do especially on a mountain!

[@trobinson3621]

In all seriousness though why does this video have the vibe of an inspirational ad despite the immense pain he was in and that they FILMED at the beginning… it seems irresponsible and exploitative of his pain for footage

[@randallthorpe4773]

X rays would have been painful. Yet you go back . Humans are crazy. I wish I could ski like that.

[@makaronie08]

Ok this is a peace of ski history Always thought he is overradet but men he is freeride junior G

[@gaelamerijckx]

Always pushing to the limits

[@vallesvorns847]

I mean from the height he dropped if he had landed it I would have been genuine surprised

[@YoutubeModsSuck]

Show us his leg snapper

[@MakoXL]

Hopefully your legs heal well, gettit man!

[@TheBourneBlogger]

Omg Kai, I felt those wails in my own bones. Hope you can get back out on the slopes again some day, friend. Godspeed in your recovery.

[@16mmmjr]

Yooo! Can we get a 1st person on that last chute? That was sick! Hope the healing up goes well.

[@andrewvasconcelles4263]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJLOl3SiqZiei5Ysi=fHZzH4sHegXtxnQi

[@jamesbourret1]

There was nothing 'freak' about this accident. When a kid get kodachrome courage and thinks he's invincible, shit's gonna happen. Thankfully he wasn't hurt much worse.

[@coltruger2553]

Truth!

[@drewhanks2736]

He had to have been going 100 on that last one.

[@aijiang]

Skiing should not be about impressing other people with huge drops. My kids are roots skiers and will always be roots skiers. Go big so you have to stay home.

[@rhp_6926]

No 'accident'. Sometimes, when you push your limits. you find and exceed them. Hopefully he'll recover well.

[@oneloveforadventure]

This kid has the heart of a lion

[@lbuzz2150]

Song?

[@jeremyfishman]

Glad he is recovering. Patently obvious from that clip, it could have been even worse. What I see here is not stoke but plain recklessness, encouraged by TGR who should be wiser. Both legs broken at 16, enough said.

[@kirkwoodbharris5110]

Watching this kid push himself to narly limits always made me worry that he might risk ending his career before it could really take off. Reminds me of my 2 year old and how I want to scare him just enough so that he feels the risk but not so that he becomes scared to push himself...I guess I'll be trying to do that for many more years (decades) to come, haha

[@peterjnauert2234]

Lil buddy you rip. Life is too fragile to charge it too long. Be safe.

[@235711able]

brave young men

[@harveykramer3798]

Ski for pure fun not the cameras! Especially at 16.

[@damageinc.3695]

This is the nature of what they are chasing. It's a game of luck, funding and attrition.

[@FredBrown-lr4ps]

Poor kid. Sucked into this "look at me doing something crazier" culture at such a young age seeking approval and praise at literally any price. Hope he heals up and his crew of supporters dial back the pressure a little bit sheesh

[@bobk3432]

It looks like Kai is forcing impossible lines and happens to survive. If you watch Candide, he flows gracefully with whatever terrain he skiing. Big difference, learning opportunity.

[@Elliot.Skiiiis]

bro, last t time i saw Kai on YT he was 12..

[@darbycurrie7920]

So sad for such a young superstar.

[@---yx7ti]

Bro jumped off like a 100ft cliff ...

[@djc7039]

that was a hard hit and rapid deceleration

[@danb.709]

I gotta say, 16 is a dangerous age to be doing this kind of thing imo. The body might be extremely capable but the brain hasn't caught up yet. This level of risk analysis and taking should be left to actual adults, over 18 or even older. He easily could have been paralyzed for the rest of his life, I'd say time to take it easy for a year or two. It's possible that is a career ending injury, I sure hope not though.

[@petercogan3396]

a voice of reason. 100% agree.

[@rockymountainhigh4019]

Yeah, you can tell his risk assessment isn't there because he straight lines every chute in the video. Every skier knows that's just gambling hoping things won't go bad. unfortunately he knows the risk now. Praying for full recovery.

[@Hamzta]

I agree. As a 15 y/o myself, who started skiing 2 years ago and just started pushing my limits into black diamonds, I think it is super easy to get to caught up in the adrenaline and put yourself in a bad situation that either your not comfortable but you have to send it anyways, or a situation where you are comfortable but you’re pushing yourself too far. Also I think Kai must have CTE lol cus no one should be straight lining couloir like that.

[@petercogan3396]

hey hamza - good idea. i started skiing at 8 and 55 years later i'm still out 40-70 days / year. play the long game.

[@adrianmorgan8168]

Na keep sending it

[@taylorbaruch839]

When will he be able to ride again?

[@anthonysteen56]

If there’s a camera there, check your motivation and then choose wisely

[@cdawg9149]

Now the next dude will have to take it just a little bit further.

[@anthonysears871]

and why we have so many out of control baaad skiers inbounds making it worth your life in the resorts!

[@musicandoutdoors]

I’m not sure id call it a freak accident…

[@bob15479]

Can someone explain to me how exactly he broke his legs? Seems like a tomahawk like that doesn't usually result in that injury. was there a rock?

[@MVPhurricane]

seems like there must have been a rock or tree there somewhere... i initially thought he hit his face on a rock, even though i knew what the video description said... very, very scary.

[@Dobertathon]

From the video it looks like they maybe got bent backwards.

[@dubchod]

mental

[@gablof]

Breaking both legs at 16 mmmmmh not good

[@georgeman-rj8go]

If he didn’t have a helmet on, he’d probably get a concussion.

[@Gianni_87]

Go big or go home they say...... this time to the hospital though 🚑

[@user-dn8po9iu9l]

Putting your kids devastating injury on film and youtube for clicks? Uh . . . . OK, I guess. Kai should ask Micah and a few others how being a young ski athlete worked out for them. That said, he might not have to, as he aint going to be doing lots of 70 foot drops in the future.

[@olegmen804]

Что за лыжи у них ?

[@cycleoflife7331]

As a photographer it is our duty to make sure our models are always kept safe from their own enthusiasm. Kai is talented yes he’s doesn’t have the experience of a Shane McConkey or Doug Coombs. They knew their limits. Kai’s jump was sketchy going in and didn’t have a clear run out. Was it just bad luck hitting the tree in the run out or lack of experience. I always told my models don’t do something you haven’t tried before. Some people think their Superman is front of a camera. It’s our duty to know the limits of our models. It’s not worth a life or their health. I hope both Teton and Kai learned something. I wish Kai a speedy recovery

[@billlynn8256]

only puzzies break just two legs

[@drifterdogs]

Kind of ridiculous to call that a freak accident. Slipping on a banana peel while walking to the ski lift is a freak accident.

[@franklee6301]

Season of a lifetime, he's only 16, I'd wager he hasn't peaked yet. What a truly stupid headline. Do better.

[@danb.709]

I dunno, broken legs like that could be career ending, sure hope not though.

[@franklee6301]

​@@danb.709it clearly states he'll be back by December. 😂 FFS read.

[@conorparks2578]

for most people this is definitely the season of a lifetime and certainly the season of his lifetime thus far

[@danb.709]

​@@franklee6301guess we'll see by December. I wouldn't take that bet. In an interview two months ago he said it'll be when he can and that he's working hard to get strength back. Also don't need to be a snot about it.

[@stevewainwright3344]

A 16 year old doing a stupid stunt is pretty common. In 6 months he'll be doing it again. Just to get attention. This is just another example of what social media is causing.

[@billy_411]

Or maybe, and get this, he likes skiing and is doing it for himself?

[@johnd.8848]

no bro, he is a pro athlete. He has potential to be the at the pinnacle; sometimes one mistake results in this. He obviously loves this enough to risk it.

[@stevewainwright3344]

There's no competition for jumping off the top of a mountain on to rocks. A smart pro athlete would risk his career to do that, not if he wanted to continue to make a living at it. If he wasn't looking for attention why was he doing a crazy stunt like that an being filmed doing it. It is pretty obvious he wanted the attention. You don't see pro skiers that ski Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Parallel and Combined doing a dumb stunt like that. They're sponcers would drop them in flash. No this just a 16 year old, that thought he was invincible like a lot of 16 year old do. Now if he's a pro, there's a good chance he's ended his career. @@johnd.8848

[@stevewainwright3344]

Try proof reading your comment before you send it. It's unreadable.@@johnd.8848

[@EaAndwhat-nc1me]

And I bet he gets all the girls

[@nosyfieldstone]

It was going to happen sooner or later. Though this makes for entertaining content you have to question the wisdom of those who do it.