Elderly Skier Dies After Colliding with a Tree on Mt. Ashland’s Most Difficult Run

ASHLAND, Ore. — A 76-year-old man died on Friday after colliding with a tree while skiing on Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s most difficult run, the Windsor Chairline.

Ski Patrol and Ashland Fire and Rescue responded promptly and administered life-saving support while waiting for the arrival of a Mercy Flights helicopter. The man, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was transported to the ski area’s medical room and was later pronounced dead.

All skiers must adhere to a Skier Responsibility Code stipulated in Oregon law. One of the key points in the code states: ‘You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.’

The code is on display at several locations on the mountain and is printed on the back of season passes.

Skiers visiting Mt. Ashland Ski Area must sign a waiver outlining inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding.

The Oregon Skier Statute points out that skiers are the only judges of their ability to overcome inherent risks associated with the sport. It also says skiers should maintain reasonable control of the course and the speed at which they travel.