Two riders swept 600 feet in avalanche near Brighton after leaving ski area

A photo of the avalanche area where two riders were caught outside the Brighton Ski Resort boundary on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Photo: Utah Avalanche Center

BRIGHTON, Utah – Two riders were caught in a large avalanche in the backcountry near Brighton Ski Resort on Saturday, Jan. 3, after apparently leaving the ski area boundary, according to the Utah Avalanche Center. Details released in a full incident report indicate at least one of the riders may have been completely buried.

The avalanche was discovered Saturday afternoon by Brighton Snow Safety staff and Utah Avalanche Center forecaster Drew Hardesty while they were investigating a separate skier-triggered slide in Hidden Canyon from the previous day. The avalanche had not been officially reported.

Investigators found clear evidence that two people were involved. According to the avalanche center, Brighton snow safety staff examined the debris pile and identified two burial holes, probe marks and signs of recovery. One of the burial sites contained blood, suggesting at least one rider was injured. The findings indicate that at least one person was fully buried, while the other may have been partially buried.

The slide occurred on a northwest-facing slope at approximately 10,500 feet in elevation. It was estimated to be 2 to 4 feet deep and about 200 feet wide, running roughly 600 feet down the slope. Officials believe the riders were caught and carried between 500 and 600 feet.

Forecasters said the riders likely accessed the terrain by ducking a closure rope and exiting the ski area boundary, triggering the avalanche themselves. Investigators were unable to safely access the crown from above due to unstable snow conditions, known as “hang fire,” still present on the slope.

Because the avalanche was unreported, officials said many details remain unknown, including the riders’ identities and the extent of their injuries. The Utah Avalanche Center and Brighton Ski Patrol are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that individuals who report avalanches near ski area boundaries will not face punishment.

Avalanche officials used the incident to reinforce warnings about leaving ski area boundaries. Once beyond resort limits, skiers and snowboarders enter unmanaged backcountry terrain where avalanche conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable. Utah continues to lead the nation in avalanche fatalities involving people who exit ski areas and fail to return home, according to the avalanche center.