Skier’s Wild First Run: Black Bear Spotted on Keystone Resort Slope
A skier at Keystone Resort had an unexpected wildlife encounter on Sunday when a black bear darted across a run during his first trip down the mountain.
Brian O’Neal was skiing the Last Chance run with his son when the bear suddenly crossed the trail just feet in front of him. The moment was so quick and surprising that neither skier had time to react.
“It was literally our first run of the day,” O’Neal said. “We came around the corner, and suddenly — there was a bear. I barely had time to yell for my son, who was ahead of me. The bear actually passed between us, and he didn’t even see it!”
Fortunately, O’Neal caught the encounter on video and was able to show it to his son later. He said the ski patrol quickly responded to the scene and monitored the bear’s movement. No one was harmed.
With over 20 years of skiing experience, O’Neal said he’s never witnessed anything like it. “You see deer or moose from time to time, especially in the summer. But a bear? Never on the slopes.”
Keystone Resort reminds guests that if they encounter wildlife on the mountain, they should report it immediately to the Keystone emergency services team at 970-495-6911.
