Skiing collision leaves longtime instructor in critical condition

JACKSON (WNE) — A  71-year-old Jackson man is in critical condition following a Sunday morning collision at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Peter Wuerslin was hit at 10:15 a.m. Sunday on Rendezvous Trail when a 34-year-old man collided with him, resort spokesperson Eric Seymour wrote in an email.

The two men were transported via ambulance to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Seymour wrote. Wuerslin was later flown to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

An EIRMAC representative told the Jackson Hole Daily that Wuerslin is in critical condition.

Jon Bishop, who manages risk and safety programs for the resort, said Wuerslin’s family has indicated that he has suffered “severe brain damage that is irreversible,” and he is on life support.

The younger skier sustained an injury, Bishop said, but was released Sunday.

The “local regional” man was skiing uphill of Wuerslin, Bishop said, and told Ski Patrol later that he saw Wuerslin and thought he’d given enough room to pass him.

“Wuerslin took a turn that was unanticipated and the (other man) couldn’t avoid Peter,” Bishop said.

Wuerslin is a longtime valley resident who has been a Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski instructor since 1978.

Sgt. John Faicco of the Teton County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is under investigation.

“Generally with skier collisions, there could be criminal charges,” Faicco said. “We can’t say whether or not that’s going to take place in this instance. We just don’t have that information yet.”

Whether the 34-year-old was out of control isn’t clear, Bishop said.

Wuerslin remained on life support at press time Wednesday as his family made end-of-life plans, according to a statement sent by the resort.

This story was published on April 18, 2024.