Two Buried After Ducking Ropes Near Brighton Resort

The mountains have a way of humbling even the most experienced riders, but a recent incident at Brighton Resort serves as a chilling reminder of the stakes involved in the sidecountry. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, an avalanche was triggered in Hidden Canyon, a zone just outside the resort’s managed boundaries. While investigating a separate slide from the previous day, Brighton Snow Safety’s Malia Bowman and Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) forecaster Drew Hardesty stumbled upon a scene that would make any patroller's heart skip a beat.

The debris was unmistakable. Investigators found a slide estimated to be 200 feet wide and 2 to 4 feet deep, running approximately 600 feet down a northwest-facing slope. Most alarming, however, were the physical remnants of a rescue. The team discovered two burial holes in the snow along with clear probe marks. Most sobering was the blood found in one of the holes, indicating at least one individual was injured during the slide.

UAC officials believe the skiers or snowboarders ducked a closure rope below the Great Western lift to access the terrain. This "sidecountry" mindset creates a false sense of security; with the lift nearby, riders forget they are entering backcountry terrain. In this case, reports suggest the individuals managed to self-extricate and walk away, but they never called the incident in.

TGR's spent 30 years documenting technical lines, but those shots are backed by extensive training and a "safety first" culture.

If you find yourself caught in a slide or even if you just witness one, report it. The UAC and Brighton Patrol have emphasized that those involved are not in trouble. Reporting provides data for forecasters and ensures that search and rescue teams aren't risking their lives looking for someone who has already made it home. Respect the ropes, carry your beacon, shovel, and probe, and never assume the sidecountry is safe.