Father And Son Go Skiing In ‘Backcountry,’ Only One Survives

A New Year’s Eve father-son ski trip turned tragic Saturday when an avalanche engulfed the two near Breckenridge, Colorado, killing the son.

The pair were in a backcountry area known as The Numbers just outside of the Breckenridge Ski Resort boundary when they found themselves caught in an avalanche at around 1:00 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG).

We are sad to report an #avalanche fatality today in a backcountry area in Breckenridge. Details on our Facebook page. pic.twitter.com/FxAWsRS2yg

— Summit County Rescue (@SCrescuegroup) January 1, 2023

Though both skiers were caught in the snow slide, the father remained only partially buried and was able to dig himself out. He then had to ski out of the area to get cell phone reception to get emergency assistance for his fully buried son, a call which came approximately 40 minutes after the incident, the post stated. (RELATED: Avalanche Buries Two, Kills One In Colorado)

A team of 23 SCRG members, three members from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and members of the Breckenridge ski patrol responded to the call for help, forming a probe line to find the son. The man’s body was discovered by the dog team just after 3:00 p.m., according to the SCRG.

The SCSO Special Operations team investigated the incident at the scene, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center performed its own investigation Sunday, with plans to release its findings later in the week.

“Our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy,” the avalanche center stated.