Lost in the Stacks: The Way Out

There was no sign of the hut. No fresh ski trails to follow. No hill they could easily ascend to get their bearings. There was only snow, spruce and a creeping sense of dread that they were well and truly lost in Colorado’s back country.

Hours earlier, 15-year-old Cole and 47-year-old Brett had left Uncle Bud’s Hut near Leadville for a spontaneous ski lap. Although Brett planned the trip to bond with his daughter Brooke, neither he nor Cole could wait to attack the deep powder. They left the hut and their families with high spirits, leaving behind cellphones, maps, warm clothing and fires starters.

Night settled, the snow deepened, and desperate calls went out to Search & Rescue and Brett’s many friends. People were shocked to learn that Brett, a safety-minded Forest Service professional, left the hut with a teenager so ill-prepared for winter survival. Could the rescuers reach them in time?

The Way Out by Devon O’Neil is a cautionary tale, sensitively told, that would be an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.