This weekend, California’s ski community is in mourning following the sudden death of Bernie Rossow, a beloved skier instrumental in shaping the region’s resorts. He passed away while skiing in the backcountry near Mammoth Lakes.
Rossow, who worked as a snowcat operator at Mammoth Mountain, collapsed while hiking Bloody Mountain on Thursday morning. His friend, Christian Pondera, shared that they were out with others when Rossow, mid-conversation, mentioned pain in his back.
Pondera noted how quickly the situation escalated, recounting that just moments before, everything seemed fine. They were enjoying a casual chat when, suddenly, Rossow went silent.
A search and rescue helicopter arrived swiftly, but unfortunately, they couldn’t revive him. His partner, Amber Feld, suspects underlying heart issues may have played a role in this tragedy.
Feld expressed her devastation, revealing how essential Rossow was to their 8-year-old son, Alexander. She shared her grief on social media, emphasizing not only her love for Rossow but also the bond he shared with their child.
Reflecting on their time together, Feld mentioned how Rossow had long loved hiking in the Bloody Mountains, a passion he introduced to their son during their time together. She shared a heartfelt message about how much he would be missed.
Rossow was raised in Vermont and had been skiing since he was just two years old. Although he participated in ski racing programs early on, he eventually moved to Mammoth aiming for a career in skiing. He recounted living in a tent while seeking jobs in the area, ultimately becoming a snowmobile operator.
After more than 25 years in the role, he advanced to grooming supervisor at Mammoth. A representative from Mammoth Mountain expressed the profound loss felt throughout their community, highlighting Rossow’s vibrant spirit and achievements.
Known for his dedication to both skiing and family, Rossow was celebrated not just for his talents but for his hardworking nature. Friends marveled at how he balanced a full-time job with skiing and family responsibilities.
In the past two months, Rossow had been active on social media, showcasing his skiing skills to a large following. Pondera emphasized that Rossow’s enthusiasm for skiing and life was unparalleled, fondly recalling his dedication to the sport he loved.
