We immediately wondered if the guide had lost control of the group in some way (perhaps simply because the victim chose not to follow his instructions.

Aspen Expeditions was running an avalanche education class in the Five Fingers backcountry skiing area on the side of the ridge south of Highland Peak and Highlands Ski Resort. One of their backcountry skiing clients/students was caught in an avalanche and killed.

Problem in backcountry skiing avalanche safety these days is that truly expert folks with experience and education tend to be caught in avalanches

One of our entitlements as United States citizens has almost always been government subsidized rescue. Other civilized countries may bill you — while some third world countries might just let you rot.