Girdwood, Alaska — An avalanche in a remote Alaskan mountain range on Tuesday has likely claimed the lives of three skiers, according to Alaska State Troopers. The skiers, who were accessing the backcountry via helicopter, were caught in a massive snow slide and are believed to be buried under up to 100 feet of snow, making the site difficult to reach and the chance of survival minimal.
The incident occurred approximately 40 miles south of Anchorage, near the ski community of Girdwood. The group was heli-skiing, a sport where adventurers use helicopters to reach untouched slopes. This method allows for accessing distant terrains that are otherwise unreachable by traditional ski lifts.
State troopers, who have been coordinating with the guide company involved, Chugach Powder Guides, have not yet been able to access the avalanche site due to the treacherous conditions and considerable ongoing risks. “The depth of the snow and limited daylight hours immediately after the incident made it impossible to conduct a recovery operation,” said Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the troopers.
Forecasts by the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center had indicated “considerable” avalanche dangers at higher elevations on Tuesday. Experts noted that surfaces were unstable and that triggering an avalanche could be remarkably easy, particularly on steeper slopes.
Chugach Powder Guides, regarded as one of Alaska’s pioneering heli-ski operators, has so far refrained from making public comments. With the area still presenting substantial danger, plans for recovery are currently dependent on weather improvements and safer conditions.
The allure of regions like Girdwood for winter sports enthusiasts is strong. Home to the popular Alyeska Resort and notable for its scenic vistas of the Turnagain Arm, Girdwood has earned a reputation as Alaska’s skiing capital. Despite its beauty, the region’s rugged terrain and weather conditions also make it prone to avalanches.
Avalanches are among the deadliest natural hazards in the United States, particularly in mountainous states like Alaska and Colorado. The National Avalanche Center reports an average of 25 to 30 avalanche fatalities each year in the U.S., with this season’s toll adding to that grim statistic.
Prior to this event, U.S. avalanches had claimed 15 lives this winter season alone. Victims include backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and individuals using snow machines. With each incident, communities and experts underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness when engaging in activities in avalanche-prone areas.
Recovery operations and further investigations await more favorable conditions to safely return to the avalanche site. Meanwhile, the local and skiing communities await confirmation and mourn the potential loss, reminded once again of the powerful and unpredictable nature of their winter environment.