TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. — It was a sad end to ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) on Sunday, April 14, when two skiers collided on the mountain.
JHMR shared with Buckrail that the collision occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Sunday on Rendezvous Trail. Peter Wuerslin, a 71-year-old part-time ski instructor with JHMR who had already finished his work season, was skiing with a group of peers when a 34-year-old male skier collided with him from uphill. Wuerslin was wearing a helmet; the 34-year-old did not appear to be helmeted, JHMR said.
JHMR Ski Patrol arrived on the scene and transported both men to the St. John’s Urgent Care Clinic in Teton Village. Both skiers were then transported via ambulance to St. John’s Medical Center in town. Wuerslin was eventually flown to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He remains on life support as his family makes end of life plans, JHMR shared in a statement.
According to JHMR’s Risk and Safety Director Jon Bishop, Wuerslin was employed seasonally by the resort for the past 38 years.
Ski Patrol conducted an investigation of the collision and determined that “there was an uphill skier who failed to maneuver around Peter,” resulting in the collision, Bishop said. The incident is currently under investigation by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office.
Wuerslin’s family shared with JHMR that he had sustained an injury “that cannot be recovered from.”
The 34-year-old skier, who lives in the region, was released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries at home. Bishop noted that the skier was unaware of the severity of the injuries caused by the collision until today, and is “devastated” by the news.
“This is obviously very sad for the organization and the community and our heart goes out to the family,” Bishop said.
“All of us at JHMR are devastated to have lost a beloved member of our community and a long-tenured instructor in our Mountain Sports School,” JHMR President Mary Kate Buckley said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, our employees and community members who are grieving this loss.”
Bishop said that safety continues to be the resort’s priority.
“These incidents unfortunately continue to be an occurrence for skiers,” Bishop told Buckrail. “It is your duty as an uphill skier to avoid those below you. We ask that everyone ski in a safe and respectful manner.”
