A veteran ski patrolman was tragically killed Wednesday morning during avalanche control operations at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, authorities confirmed.
According to resort officials, the patrolman, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was deploying an explosive device used to trigger controlled avalanches when the accident occurred. The incident happened just after 7 a.m., before the slopes were open to the public.
Emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, but despite their efforts, the patrolman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is a heartbreaking day for all of us,” said Mary Thompson, spokesperson for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. “Our ski patrol team is a tight-knit family, and this loss is devastating.”
Avalanche control work involves the use of explosives to safely release unstable snowpack before it can naturally slide. While such operations are routine in mountain resorts, they carry inherent risks.
Local authorities and the U.S. Forest Service have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
The resort remained closed Wednesday out of respect for the victim and to allow for a full safety review. Grief counselors have been made available for staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patrolman’s family, friends, and colleagues,” Thompson added.
This marks the first fatality in avalanche control operations at Jackson Hole in over a decade.
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