It's Heartbreaking

Since late January, 26 outdoor enthusiasts just like us have died in avalanches across America in 19 incidents touching nine states. It’s been one of the most deadly periods in recorded history. Nearly all were experienced backcountry enthusiasts.

It is absolutely heartbreaking to see people get killed doing something they love. It makes these deaths very hard to wrap your head around.

I still feel that way about our son, Ronnie Berlack, and his U.S. Ski Team teammate, Bryce Astle, who died in a 2015 avalanche on a glorious powder day in Austria. They didn’t have the avalanche forecast and they didn’t know the dangers when they wandered off piste.

I speak for both the Berlack and Astle families in expressing our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the avalanche victims. The grief is crushing, it’s long term, as we think of our children everyday and how things could have been different for them.”

There are many factors one could point to which make this year a very dangerous season. But the one constant in avalanche deaths is decision making. Do you understand the forecast? Do you truly feel safe to ski? Is there a plan and will you stick to it? Are you prepared to encounter others who may impact your safety?

If you want to venture into the backcountry, do it safely. Get the education you need. Understand the forecast. Make conservative decisions like your life depends on it. Because it does. Click the link below to learn about educational programs that can save your life.

Be safe.

Steve Berlack
Chairman, BRASS Avalanche Safety Foundation

P.S. If you support our cause, please consider a gift to BRASS Avalanche so that our advocacy can help spare another family from heartbreak.

Avalanche data compiled by Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Click for more detail.