By Parrot Newspaper 
Three Skiers Feared Dead in Alaska Avalanche
By Parrot Newspaper
Three skiers are feared dead after being swept away by a massive avalanche in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains near Girdwood. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has been described as one of the deadliest avalanches in the state in recent years.
The skiers were part of a heliskiing expedition operated by Chugach Powder Guides, a company specializing in helicopter-accessed backcountry skiing. Witnesses say the men deployed their avalanche air bags—designed to keep victims near the snow’s surface—but they were still buried under massive amounts of snow.
According to the guiding company, the avalanche left behind snow deposits up to 100 feet (30 meters) deep, with the skiers likely trapped more than 30 feet (nine meters) below the surface. A fourth member of their group was reportedly unharmed.
Challenging Search Conditions
Alaska State Troopers, who are leading the search operation, have faced difficulty accessing the remote avalanche site due to harsh weather conditions. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have heightened the risk of further avalanches, complicating rescue efforts.
Despite these challenges, guides from Chugach Powder Guides have used avalanche beacons to identify a probable burial site. Tracey Knutson, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed that three guides on scene immediately launched a rescue response after the avalanche struck.
“The team has been working tirelessly to locate the missing skiers, but the conditions have been extremely challenging,” Knutson stated.
One of Alaska’s Deadliest Avalanches
If the bodies are recovered, this would be the deadliest avalanche in Alaska since three climbers were killed in Washington’s Cascade Range two years ago. The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has warned that continued snowfall and wind could trigger more avalanches in the coming days.
Girdwood, often called the skiing capital of Alaska, is home to the popular Alyeska Resort at the base of Mount Alyeska. The region attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain. However, the recent tragedy underscores the extreme risks of backcountry skiing in avalanche-prone areas.
Rescue operations are expected to continue as weather conditions improve.