Pro Skier Craig Murray Is Giving Away His Gear

Murray told POWDER that the gear trove includes several Atomic skis like Maverick 115s and Benchetler 120s. He also has a few helmets, bindings, and goggles. He’s already received some texts from his friends who have suggested prospective new homes for the equipment.

“It's simple to try and give them to someone that's actually going to benefit,” Murray said, explaining that he doesn’t have a “perfect person” in mind. Instead, he hopes to find a skier or skiers who’ll use the gear well until the end of its life cycle.

Murray’s commitment to making skiing more accessible goes beyond donating his old equipment.

Several years ago, alongside his brother and a few friends, he founded Gritt, an organization that offers mentoring and holds sports camps that cover skiing, biking, and climbing. It has also hosted community days at major ski resorts, such as Whistler Blackcomb and Revelstoke. 

Through Gritt, Murray and the team aim to help kids and young adults excel in the outdoors.

"A core belief we hold is that skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, shouldn't just be for the rich," a passage on Gritt's website reads. "Experiences in the outdoors are for everyone."

The cost of the camps is minimized or waived through the support of sponsors, location partners, and volunteer hours contributed by the Gritt team. In 2024, Gritt hosted nine events, awarded two $500 grants to alumni to support their attendance at the Freeride Junior World Championships, and piloted a mentoring program.

“We can make a huge difference with not much,” Murray said. "I guess that mentality is just how I kind of see everything."

Since Gritt’s founding in 2018, Murray’s noticed that many of the kids he once coached have grown up and become talented athletes themselves. Now, they’re helping coach the next generation.

“We've kind of created a circular and sustainable system at these ski clubs, which is really cool,” Murray said.