Tragedy unfolded on February 19 when an 11-year-old girl was killed in ‘sidecountry’ terrain found near Salt Lake City-area Brighton Ski Resort. While this incident happened a state away from Colorado, it highlights an important risk that also applies to those traveling to local Centennial State slopes.

Per KSL reporting, the 11-year-old girl from Massachusetts was visiting Brighton Resort with her family at the time the incident occurred, though the family had traveled into “out of bounds” terrain known as the Rock Garden area. At that point, an avalanche occurred, burying the girl and resulting in her death. The girl was not wearing an avalanche beacon at the time.

A report from SKI Magazine describes this area as a popular backcountry area that happens to be easily accessible from Brighton Resort. Across the skiing and snowboarding community, slopes of this nature are commonly referred to as ‘sidecountry’ terrain. This type of terrain may be accessible via gates at established resorts, but it’s also unmaintained and not patrolled. Despite lifts making it easier to track down, any ‘sidecountry’ terrain should be considered true ‘backcountry’ terrain. As such, those entering ‘sidecountry’ terrain from resorts need to have snow-safety knowledge and avalanche gear, also being aware of what level of avalanche risk exists. Don’t expect a trail map from the resort either. Navigating sidecountry terrain – as is the case with any backcountry terrain – requires plenty of research beforehand.

If you’re interested in learning more about ‘sidecountry’ terrain in Colorado and the often-overlooked risks that it poses, check out this guest column from Colorado Search and Rescue Association‘s Anna DeBattiste.

Condolences go out to those impacted by this young girl’s death.

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