Injured minor airlifted from Mt. Bachelor to St. Charles, condition unknown
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor ski patrol responded to a minor guest on the afternoon of December 31, providing immediate care before transferring her by helicopter to St. Charles Bend for further treatment.
Mt. Bachelor officials confirmed the incident but shared no additional details about the circumstances or the guest's condition. St.Charles said they cannot provide the condition status of the minor.
During last year's ski season at Mt. Bachelor, two people died in separate incidents involving tree wells. A 13-year-old boy from Anacortes, Washington died from crashing into a tree while snowboarding 400 meters uphill from Sunrise Lodge. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
Earlier in the 2024-2025 season, a Seattle man was killed in a tree well after ski patrols spent 20 minutes digging him out of deep snow.
Handling Emergencies on the Mountain
In emergencies at Mt. Bachelor, prioritize safety by staying calm and signaling for help immediately—use ski patrol phones at lifts, red "Ski Patrol" signs, or yell for assistance. Patrollers use toboggans for transport on slopes or coordinate air evacuations via helicopter for serious cases, as seen in this incident.
Know the mountain's terrain, check the weather via the Mt. Bachelor app, and ski with a buddy who carries essentials like a whistle, a fully charged phone, and avalanche gear in backcountry areas.
Staying Safe on the Slopes
- Assess conditions: Stick to groomed runs matching your ability; avoid icy or thin-cover spots, especially post-storms.
- Gear up properly: Wear helmets, layers for variable weather, and avalanche beacons/probes/shovels if venturing off-piste.
- Holiday tips: Arrive early during peak times, respect lift lines, and follow the Responsibility Code—look before you leap, control your speed.
- Know your limits: Take lessons through Mt. Bachelor's programs to build skills safely.
For real-time updates, download the Mt. Bachelor app or visit mtbachelor.com for lift status, snow reports, and safety advisories.
The Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol (MB NSP) is a volunteer nonprofit organization that has served the resort's skiing and outdoor recreation community for over 50 years, dating back to 1958. Members provide year-round first aid and rescue services, including support for major events like the MBSEF Pole, Pedal, Paddle Race and Sunrise to Summit.
All patrollers hold at least Outdoor Emergency Care certification and professional-level CPR/AED training, with annual refreshers in first aid, patrol procedures, and specialized skills like avalanche rescue. The group funds its operations entirely through donations and fundraising, covering equipment such as first aid packs, avalanche transceivers, oxygen tanks, and training materials.
