© 2025 Wyoming Public Media
800-729-5897 | 307-766-4240
Wyoming Public Media is a service of the University of Wyoming
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Transmission & Streaming Disruptions | WYDOT Road Conditions

More Snowmobilers In Wyoming Killed In Avalanches Than Skiers

CC0 Public Domain

A recent analysis by WyoFile found that snowmobilers have topped backcountry skiers in avalanche fatalities throughout the state's history.

Just this year, four snowmobilers died in avalanches in the Bridger-Teton region. Throughout Wyoming history, 32 snowmobilers have died in avalanches compared to 26 backcountry skiers, according to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.

Bob Comey, the director of the center, said there has been a higher number of snowmobilers in the recent years and gear is advancing.

"The technology has gotten better, in all these different groups in enabling people with not as much experience or maybe not as good skills to get into avalanche terrain," he said.

Snowmobiles allow riders to cover much more terrain with unstable conditions versus skiers.

"They can travel and can pass many different avalanche paths, they can go to different ranges, be in different climate zones with different avalanche conditions and different snow stability in [a] very short time over long distances," Comey said.

The center is working with Wyoming State Trails and the Wyoming State Avalanche Association to provide avalanche education.

Leave a tip: kkudelsk@uwyo.edu
Kamila has worked for public radio stations in California, New York, France and Poland. Originally from New York City, she loves exploring new places. Kamila received her master in journalism from Columbia University. She has won a regional Murrow award for her reporting on mental health and firearm owners. During her time leading the Wyoming Public Media newsroom, reporters have won multiple PMJA, Murrow and Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism Awards. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the surrounding areas with her two pups and husband.

Enjoying stories like this?

Donate to help keep public radio strong across Wyoming.

Related Content