Ski instructor shares mountain safety tips following recent tragedy at Mt. Bachelor

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In the wake of two tragic deaths at Mt. Bachelor in the past month — including the recent loss of a 13-year-old skier from Washington — experts are urging families and young skiers to take every possible safety precaution on the mountain.

Lauren Ringrose, a ski instructor based at Mt. Hood, works with young skiers every week on mountain safety — especially when it comes to skiing near trees and navigating unpredictable terrain.

“My advice for families and just young people skiing in general is obviously staying in control, being aware of your surroundings at all times,” Ringrose told KTVZ News. “We’re sharing the mountain with others, but there are other obstacles too in this variable terrain. Know your skill level, stick with runs that fit that, and ski with a buddy. And of course — wear a helmet and proper safety gear.”

Ringrose emphasizes that skiing among trees, while fun and challenging, requires specific preparation — especially for young or inexperienced skiers.

“When I take kids into the trees, I remind them to slow down, stay in control, and look ahead,” she explained. “It’s easy to look down at your skis and lose focus — but that’s when accidents happen.”

Ringrose says that skiing or snowboarding with limited knowledge of the terrain can be dangerous — especially for those visiting from out of state.

“Sometimes people don’t realize how extreme the terrain can be here in Oregon. We have really steep slopes and snow that’s very different than other regions.”

While Ringrose works at Mount Hood, she’s skied Mt. Bachelor many times — including the trail Dilly Dally Alley, where the most recent fatal accident occurred.

“Mount Bachelor is a fantastic place to learn to ski — especially on a powder day," she said. "The trees can be fun — but when it’s icy, and you're going too fast or don’t know how to control yourself, it becomes dangerous.”

Ringrose also urges all skiers and snowboarders to never go out alone.

“Mt. Bachelor is a big mountain, and like any mountain in the Pacific Northwest, the terrain can be variable and scary at times,” she said. “There are hazards like tree wells, avalanches, and, of course, trees. Skiing with a buddy can make all the difference — if something happens, they can contact ski patrol right away. Those few minutes could save a life.”