A British Columbia woman is sharing a harrowing account of survival after a backcountry skiing trip in Norway turned into a fight for her life. Hannah Hughes was deep in the mountains when she looked up to see a wall of snow barreling toward her — and there was nowhere to go.
A Wall of Snow
Hughes was backcountry skiing in Norway when the avalanche struck. She described looking up to see the snow rushing down the slope before it hit her with staggering force. The impact, she said, felt "like being hit by a truck" — a description that captures just how violent and sudden an avalanche can be, even for experienced skiers who venture beyond patrolled, controlled terrain.
The snow swept her up and left her seriously injured. Now back home, Hughes faces a long road to recovery from the injuries she sustained in the slide.
The Reality of Backcountry Risk
Hughes's story is a sobering reminder of the dangers that come with backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Unlike the groomed, avalanche-controlled runs at commercial ski resorts, backcountry terrain is wild and unpredictable. Slopes that look pristine and inviting can hide unstable layers of snow that release without warning, turning a dream powder run into a life-threatening emergency in seconds.
Avalanches move fast — often faster than a person can react — and the sheer weight and momentum of the snow can cause devastating trauma on impact, as Hughes experienced firsthand. Survivors who aren't fully buried still risk serious injury from being thrown, tumbled, and battered against the terrain.
A Cautionary Tale for Canadian Adventurers
While Hughes's accident happened overseas, her experience resonates strongly with Canadians who flock to the mountains each winter. Backcountry touring has surged in popularity across the country, and with it comes a responsibility to understand the risks. Experts consistently stress the importance of avalanche safety training, checking daily avalanche forecasts, carrying rescue gear like transceivers, probes, and shovels, and never heading out alone or without the knowledge to read the conditions.
For anyone drawn to the freedom and beauty of untouched alpine snow, Hughes's account is a powerful reminder that the mountains demand respect. The same terrain that delivers unforgettable experiences can also deliver disaster, and even seasoned adventurers are not immune.
Looking Ahead
As she recovers, Hughes is using her experience to raise awareness about just how quickly things can go wrong in the backcountry. Her message is one every winter sports enthusiast should hear: preparation, education, and caution are not optional when you step beyond the resort boundary.
Her long recovery underscores that surviving an avalanche is only the beginning — the physical and emotional toll can last well beyond the moment the snow finally stops.
Source: CBC's What On Earth.
