Two Skiers Die In Grand Teton Avalanche

The bodies of two well known back country skiers have been recovered from the northern Teton Range of Grand Teton National Park. Park officials say Chris Onufer and Steve Romeo, both of Jackson, Wyoming, were buried by a large avalanche near the summit of 11,355 foot Ranger Peak sometime Wednesday.

Onufer worked at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village and Romeo at Skinny Skis in Jackson.

The avalanche ran to the base of the peak depositing a large debris field in Waterfalls Canyon. Rangers picked up two positive beacon hits during an aerial reconnaissance flight at 8:48 a.m.. Thursday. Seven rangers began a physical search of the debris field using probe poles.

The first body was recovered around 11:45 a.m. and the second around Noon.

Grand Teton National Park spokesperson Jackie Skaggs says both skiers were well known in the Jackson ski community. She says they were reported overdue late Wednesday. Park rangers made a sweep of trailhead parking lots at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. A vehicle associated with the pair was discovered at Colter Bay, 10 miles north of Moran Junction.

Rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue staff began search efforts at 6 a.m. Thursday.