Sidecountry Slide Claims Skier’s Life Near Jackson Hole

A scenic view of Jackson Hole. The fatal avalanche occurred just south of the resort's boundaries. Jackson Hole photo.

This President's Day Weekend is shaping up to be a good one for skiers across the U.S., as much of the West has been inundated with snowfall for the holiday weekend. Unfortunately, with heavy snowfall comes added danger, and that sobering reality was made evident Saturday in Wyoming, when a 30-year-old skier died after triggering an avalanche in the Rock Springs Canyon sidecountry area just south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Per the Jackson Hole News and Guide, Alexander Marra of Orem, Utah was caught in an avalanche in a part of Rock Springs Canyon known as Ralph's Slide. He was traveling with a backcountry partner at the time of the slide, who was uninjured. The News and Guide also reports it is believed that Marra was not carrying backcountry safety gear with him at the time of the slide. 

Teton County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Matt Carr told the News and Guide that the avalanche danger in Rock Springs Canyon was "considerable" Saturday at the time of the slide, and that Marra likely didn't intend to end up in the location he was skiing in.

In a press release, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort President Jerry Blann expressed his condolences over the tragedy.

"We are saddened to report this fatality, and the staff at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim," Blann said in the release.

This unfortunate occurrence strikes awfully close to home for TGR, so we want to remind our readers to take all precautions necessary to stay safe this holiday weekend if venturing out into the backcountry and sidecountry. Read up on some of the warning signs of avalanche danger at TGR's Safety Week, make sure to check local avalanche conditions diligently, and stay safe.