(Ashland, OR) – A 76-year-old man tragically lost his life on Friday morning after sustaining fatal injuries in a skiing accident at Mt. Ashland Ski Area. The incident occurred on the Windsor Chairline trail, which is classified as “Most Difficult.” The skier, who was wearing a helmet, collided with a tree during his descent.
Ski Patrol responded to the scene immediately, initiating lifesaving efforts. Despite their swift and determined actions, along with the assistance of Ashland Fire and Rescue and a Mercy Flights helicopter team, the man was pronounced deceased in the ski area’s medical room.
“Our team is heartbroken by this loss,” said Andrew Gast, General Manager of Mt. Ashland. “The Mt. Ashland community is tight-knit, and we share a deep bond with everyone connected to our mountain. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff, Ski Patrollers, Ashland Fire and Rescue, and Mercy Flights for their swift and compassionate response. On behalf of our entire team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends grieving during this difficult time.”
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with alpine sports, even with proper safety equipment such as helmets. Mt. Ashland, known for its scenic slopes and challenging terrain, operates under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Mt. Ashland Association, which holds a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Its mission is to promote and provide healthy alpine recreation for the community.
The loss has deeply affected the Mt. Ashland Ski Area community, which prides itself on fostering a close-knit, supportive environment for skiers and staff alike. As the investigation into the incident continues, the ski area has reiterated its commitment to safety and expressed gratitude to all those involved in the response efforts.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the skier during this tragic time,” Gast added. “This loss impacts not only those closest to the individual but also our entire mountain community.”
The Windsor Chairline trail, where the accident occurred, is among Mt. Ashland’s more challenging runs, requiring advanced skiing skills and caution. While accidents of this nature are rare, the incident underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance on the slopes, even for experienced skiers.
The Mt. Ashland Ski Area team has encouraged the public to reflect on safety while participating in alpine recreation and to extend support to those grieving in the wake of this tragic loss. For those who wish to pay their respects or offer condolences, the ski area plans to coordinate with the family to determine an appropriate way to honor the skier’s memory.