Snowboarder who died at Perisher ski resort named as US university student

A US university student who came to Australia to work during the snow season has been identified as the snowboarder who died in an accident at a popular Snowy Mountains ski resort.

Drew Youngquist, 22, died at the Perisher Ski Resort, about 30 kilometres west of Jindabyne, on Tuesday afternoon.

NSW Police said emergency services were called to the scene at Perisher Valley about 2.30pm after the 22-year-old was injured in a crash.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman said a Toll Ambulance helicopter and several ambulance crews attended. Youngquist was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. Police have since informed Youngquist’s family of his death.

On his LinkedIn profile, Youngquist described himself as an ambulance first responder and pre-medical student at the University of Utah. He had previously volunteered at a homeless shelter and with disabled children, before travelling to Australia in May this year.

According to his profile, Youngquist was working for an outdoor education company based in Jindabyne, including leading cross-country skiing groups in the area. He had formerly worked as a ski patrol and medical staff member at Utah Olympic Park.

Perisher vice president and general manager Nathan Butterworth said the resort extended “our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends”, including Perisher Ski Patrol members who responded to the accident.

The accident happened in Front Valley Terrain Park, where the jumps range from 4.6 metres to 9.1 metres.

A skier who was at the scene and asked for her name not be used said the terrain park contained some of the “biggest jumps” at the resort for the most experienced skiers and snowboarders.

“There are slope-style athletes … that would be going over the jumps all winter,” she told the Herald.

The resort in the Kosciuszko National Park, which reopened for the 2025 season on June 7, is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. It covers more than 1214 hectares of rideable terrain across 100 trails and four terrain parks.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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