In tragedy’s wake, Mt. Bachelor educates riders on buddy system

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol was out on the resort’s slopes Monday, reminding guests to be mindful when skiing around trees in the wake of Friday’s tragic deaths of a skier and snowboarder who fell into tree wells — dangerous areas of loose snow around trees.

Drew Jackson, the resort’s marketing and communication director, told NewsChannel 21 this isn’t something new, but because of all of the new snow on the mountain, they wanted to guests and staff to be aware of the deep snow.

The ski resort opened up the Summit backside Monday, and ski patrollers were reminding users to have a buddy because of the loose snow and its higher danger.

“An important reminder that skiing in the trees can certainly be a safe and fun activity, but really make sure you have some education about how to do it in a safe manner, because it can be done safely and a fun way,” Jackson said.

He said the resort is sending its condolences to the family and friends of both victims.

Two guests died in separate accidents on Friday after falling into a tree well, an area of loose snow surrounding a tree.

The victims have been identified as Alfonso Braun, 24, of Bend, and Nicole Panet-Raymond,19, of Portland.

Braun’s family asked for privacy during this difficult time, but did tell NewsChannel 21 that Braun lit up a room any time he walked in and worked hard at anything he did.

He was an experienced snowboarder who had just started his own flooring company.

His friend said they will always remember how funny he was, his willingness to smile, his laid-back energy and loving personality.

Family and friends of Panet-Raymond came together Saturday to remember her life.

Panet-Raymond grew up in Portland and was a student at the University of Oregon.

According to officials, it had been nearly three years since the last death on Mt. Bachelor.