Terance Skjersaa, 57, and Susan Skjersaa, 52, Found Dead After Avalanche Tragedy While Backcountry Skiing in Oregon
In a devastating tragedy that has left their family, friends, and the entire skiing community reeling, Terance Skjersaa, 57, and his wife Susan Skjersaa, 52, were found dead after being buried by an avalanche while backcountry skiing in Oregon on February 19, 2025. The couple, residents of Bend, Oregon, were reported missing after they failed to return from their skiing excursion in the area between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain, a region known as Happy Valley. The news was confirmed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, which reported their bodies had been discovered following a search operation launched by local authorities and volunteer rescue teams. The Skjersaas were highly respected in their community, known for their adventurous spirits, love of the outdoors, and close-knit family.
A Tragic Day in Happy Valley: The Avalanche That Claimed Terance and Susan Skjersaa’s Lives
Terance and Susan Skjersaa, both passionate backcountry skiers with years of experience in the mountains, had been preparing for this particular day in the rugged terrain of Happy Valley. Located between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain in central Oregon, the area is known for its challenging slopes and scenic beauty. Sadly, despite their expertise, the couple was caught in a powerful avalanche that buried them beneath tons of snow, leading to their untimely deaths.
On February 19, 2025, the couple set out for a routine day of skiing in the backcountry, an activity they both loved deeply. Friends and family recall how the couple was known for their shared enthusiasm for outdoor adventure, and skiing was something they always enjoyed together. Tragically, their adventure ended in an accident that would shake the entire community.
Search teams were quickly dispatched once the Skjersaas were reported missing by concerned friends, who had been expecting to meet up with them later that day. In the hours that followed, authorities launched a search mission, hoping to locate the couple in the vast, snow-covered wilderness. The rescue operation was coordinated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from local search and rescue teams, avalanche dog teams, and volunteers. The location where the couple was buried is particularly dangerous due to its steep terrain and heavy snowfall, which made rescue efforts increasingly difficult.
Despite the best efforts of the search teams, the bodies of Terance and Susan were not located until later in the day, following the use of specialized avalanche rescue equipment and ground searches. By the time the couple was found, it was too late. Their deaths were confirmed shortly after being unearthed from the snow.
The Skjersaas: A Loving Couple and Adventurous Spirits Who Lived for the Outdoors
Terance Skjersaa, 57, and Susan Skjersaa, 52, were well-known in their community not only for their love of outdoor sports but for the warmth they shared with those around them. Married for over 30 years, the couple had built a life together in Bend, Oregon, where they raised a family and cultivated lasting friendships. Their shared love of skiing was just one facet of their adventurous spirits; they also enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, and camping, often traveling to explore new regions.
The couple met in their early 20s, drawn together by their shared love for the mountains. Both Terance and Susan had grown up in Oregon, and their connection to the outdoors became a defining part of their relationship. They were married soon after meeting, and their passion for outdoor adventures only deepened as the years went on. Their bond was not just rooted in their love for nature but in their shared commitment to each other, their family, and their community.
Terance was an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast who had been skiing for decades. He was known for his calm and collected nature, both on and off the slopes. His skills as a skier were respected by many, and he had often been a mentor to younger skiers, teaching them not only the technical skills needed but also the importance of safety and preparation. Susan, while equally skilled on the slopes, was known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life. Together, they made a formidable pair, both on the ski trails and in life.
The couple’s love for backcountry skiing was something that defined their winters. They were regulars in the mountain ranges around Bend, and they frequently ventured out into the backcountry to explore untouched snowfields. Both Terance and Susan had extensive experience skiing in challenging conditions and were familiar with the risks involved in such adventures. They had taken all necessary precautions for the trip, including bringing avalanche safety gear, but sometimes even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts cannot predict the forces of nature.
Their tragic deaths have left a void in the hearts of their family, friends, and the larger skiing community. The couple was known for their kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others, and their loss has been felt deeply by those who knew them.
Avalanche Risks in Oregon: A Growing Concern for Backcountry Skiers
The area where Terance and Susan Skjersaa were buried in the avalanche—Happy Valley, located between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain—has long been known for its picturesque views and steep terrain. While it attracts adventurers from all over, it also poses significant risks, especially when the snow conditions are unstable. In recent years, the dangers of avalanches in this region have garnered increased attention, particularly as more skiers and snowboarders take to the backcountry.
Backcountry skiing, while exhilarating, comes with inherent risks. Avalanches, which occur when a mass of snow rapidly descends down a slope, can be triggered by a number of factors, including weather patterns, snowpack instability, and human activity. Even experienced skiers like Terance and Susan cannot fully control the natural elements at play. Many backcountry skiers use avalanche safety equipment such as beacons, probes, and airbags to mitigate the risk, but these tools cannot guarantee safety.
Avalanches are more likely to occur in areas with steep terrain, and Happy Valley’s slopes, with their deep snow cover and challenging features, can be particularly treacherous during certain conditions. Experts in avalanche safety warn that there are often subtle signs that an avalanche is imminent, such as the sound of cracking snow or unusual shifts in the snowpack. However, even experienced skiers may not notice these cues, especially in a region that is known for its quick-changing weather patterns.
In the wake of this tragedy, local authorities and avalanche safety experts are calling for more education and awareness surrounding the risks of backcountry skiing. Many suggest that skiers and snowboarders should never venture into these areas alone, always travel with a group, and continuously monitor avalanche forecasts before setting out. The loss of the Skjersaas has also highlighted the importance of early intervention and the need for effective rescue efforts when accidents do occur in these remote areas.
A Community Mourns the Loss of Terance and Susan Skjersaa
The Skjersaas’ deaths have sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit community of Bend, Oregon, where the couple was deeply involved in local activities. Known for their warmth, generosity, and active involvement in community events, they were loved by all who knew them. Their loss has left a gaping hole in the lives of their friends, colleagues, and loved ones, many of whom have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the couple.
One of Terance and Susan’s closest friends, who asked to remain anonymous, shared the impact of their friendship: “They were the kind of couple that you couldn’t help but admire. They were always there for you, no matter what. Whether it was sharing a laugh or lending a hand with a difficult task, they made you feel like family. They were a beautiful example of love and devotion, and their loss is something that will be felt for a long time.”
Many who knew them reflected on the couple’s dedication to their children, their support of local causes, and their passion for encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The Skjersaas were often seen participating in local environmental initiatives and charity events, working to preserve the natural beauty of Oregon’s landscapes for future generations. Their legacy of adventure, love, and community involvement will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing them.
The couple leaves behind their children, who are mourning the loss of their parents. The Skjersaas’ family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, though they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and the community.
Final Tribute: Remembering Terance and Susan Skjersaa’s Legacy of Adventure and Love
As the community of Bend grapples with the loss of two of its most beloved members, the memory of Terance and Susan Skjersaa will undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration. Their shared love for nature, their adventurous spirits, and the love they had for each other will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing them.
Though their lives were tragically cut short, the Skjersaas’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers to live their lives with passion, commitment, and an unwavering love for the outdoors. Their story is one of love, devotion, and adventure—a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The community will forever hold Terance and Susan Skjersaa in their hearts, remembering them not only for the way they lived their lives but for the joy they brought to everyone around them. Rest in peace, Terance and Susan. You will never be forgotten.
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