Monika Johnson missing near alpental....

I only knew Monika through trip reports on TAY where her passion, skill, and ready smile were obvious. Only now do I find there was so much more. Few, I'm sure could hope to match her strength and endurance, may the rest of us attempt to emulate her grace, humility, and kindness. Her life is truly a gift to us all.

As I read about all the different people, with widely varied backgrounds and interests, who skied with Monika over the years, I begin to understand how much she bound our community together. Thank you Monika.

My thoughts go out to Erik and her family, and to Ryan and her close friends.

I feel lucky to have met Monika, if only a couple of times. She’s the kind of person you like right away. Her warm smile and zest for life are simply unforgettable, not to mention her super human level of skiing ability, both skating and alpine. I’m holding out for a miracle and will definitely be sportin’ a stuffed animal in honor of such a beautiful person.

My love to her close family and friends.

Monica, thanks for all your never ending gifts.

Yet another who only knew Monica through her posts, her photos, and her boundless enthusiasm for the sport and mountains that we love so much. Feeling the loss deeply and sending thoughts to her family and friends.

Such a sweet person and a free spirit. Godspeed and safe return to those searching for her.