Cranmore Mountain Resort has natural beauty in abundance. With 30 out of 60 trails open and 0 inches of snowfall so far, it’s still shaping up to be the perfect skiing destination under crisp, snowy skies. The resort also boasts open observation areas where spectators can admire the thrill of skiing and the stunning North Conway scenery. Altogether, it feels like heaven on earth for ski enthusiasts. But remember, every good thing comes at a price, and Cranmore Mountain is no exception.

Over the years, the Bandit Trail at Cranmore Mountain has frequently made headlines, known for its notorious twists and turns. Unfortunately, those very turns have now become linked to a tragic loss of life. On December 31, under clear daylight, the incident unfolded.

According to News Center Maine’s update, a 12-year-old budding skiing talent tragically lost his life on the Bandit Trail on Tuesday. The details are chilling. Conway Police reported that the young skier struck a tree while navigating the intermediate slope, suffering a fatal blow. The Cranmore Mountain Ski Patrol acted quickly to assist, but despite their best efforts, the outcome was devastating.

The update says, “The boy was transported to Maine Health Memorial Hospital in Conway, where he later died of his injuries.” Such an update posed enough to rattle the skiing community. After hearing the terrible news, the skiing fans and the residents failed to hold back their tears. Several fans took to YouTube to express their feelings in the comment section beneath the news update. One such fan penned, “This is so heartbreaking! May his soul RIP.” Nobody may have expected the loss of life in a place that boasts of being a tourist attraction and skiing destination. 

Yet, nothing went as expected. According to the police report, the teenager was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the massive impact. The high-speed collision with a tree proved too severe. A glance at the geographical map of the Bandit Trail reveals why: it’s a steep and challenging route, classified as difficult. The trail cuts across multiple routes from the mountain’s summit and merges with the equally treacherous Lower Hurricane. Both trails are notorious for demanding top-tier skiing skills.

Sadly, the young skier might not have had the experience required to tackle such a dangerous slope. The tragic outcome speaks for itself. In the wake of the incident, authorities shared heartfelt messages of condolence. Cranmore Mountain Resort released a statement saying, “On behalf of Cranmore Mountain Resort, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The entire Cranmore family grieves this tragic loss.”

Similarly, the Conway Police Department offered their support: “On behalf of the Conway Police Department, and all the first responders who assisted, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of the 12-year-old boy.” Skiing fans have been deeply moved by the tragedy, with their heartfelt comments reflecting the collective sorrow of the community. Their words echo the overwhelming grief caused by this devastating loss.

Skiing fans are crying out in sorrow over the fateful incident

The authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased boy, but one grieving fan shared a heartfelt message in the YouTube comment section. The commenter wrote, “Today at school (he went to my school and he was on my team) everyone was so sad, some of my really good friends were crying all day, he was so nice, funny, smart, and an amazing person, i was so sad when i heard he passed.” Those words paint a picture of the young skier’s character—someone with the potential to excel in the sport, but whose fate was tragically interrupted.

The loss prompted another fan to express their condolences, writing, “I’m so sorry!” Another from the same community added their sorrow with, “I’m so sorry to hear that. I love Cranmore Mountain.. Rest in peace and condolences to his family.” As the skiing season continues, Cranmore Mountain remains in prime condition for winter sports, with 30 trails open across 90 acres and a mild breeze making the atmosphere ideal for skiing.

Yet, the fans will always remember that the same beautiful terrain took the life of a young skier on the first day of the year. A commenter summed up the heartbreak, writing, “What a terrible start to the year 🙁 Strength and power to his loved ones.” May the brave soul rest in peace. That will be our note as well.