Skier dies on Mammoth mountain’s ‘Dropout 2,’ marking fourth fatality of season

A skier has died after an accident on California’s Mammoth Mountain, marking the fourth fatality at the popular resort this winter season.

The incident occurred on February 5 when the individual whose identity has not yet been released attempted “Dropout 2,” an expert-level run considered one of the mountain’s steepest marked trails. The run descends from the summit ridge at roughly 11,000 feet in elevation.

A spokesperson for Mammoth Resorts confirmed to People that ski patrol responded at approximately 1:04 p.m. local time, about four minutes after the incident was reported.

“Life-saving care was administered immediately, and the guest was quickly transported to the care of paramedics,” the spokesperson said. 

The skier was then taken to Mammoth Hospital, where they later died. Notification of next of kin is pending.

Witness accounts shared on social media described the skier falling, ejecting from their skis, and sliding headfirst hundreds of feet downhill. 

One witness alleged the skier struck a rock before continuing to slide while unconscious. Another said ski patrol performed CPR at the scene before the area was temporarily shut down.

The Feb. 5 death is the fourth reported at Mammoth Mountain during the current winter season.

On Christmas Day, 71-year-old Raymond Albert — known locally as “Every Day Ray” died following a fall. 

The next day, 30-year-old ski patroller Cole Murphy was killed after being caught in an avalanche. An unnamed snowboarder also died on Jan. 16, according to the Los Angeles Times.