Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson Devon O'Neil — On Nature's Power and the Price of Adventure
Nov 11, 2025
Devon O'Neil, a Colorado-based journalist and author, discusses his gripping new book, which recounts a tragic backcountry ski incident. He shares how he earned the trust of a tight-knit mountain community while exploring the emotional weight of their shared grief. The conversation delves into the complexities of reporting sensitive stories, the risks of outdoor adventures, and how his own close calls have reshaped his understanding of danger. O'Neil's insights reveal the delicate balance between adventure and responsibility.
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The Trip That Turned Tragic
- A 2017 hut trip saw three dads and four teens; two left for a quick run and were caught in a massive storm and avalanche.
- A world-class snowmobiler found the separated pair about 27 hours later; one survived and one died.
Winning Over A Skeptical Town
- Salida locals initially greeted Devon with skepticism and vetted him by calling other friends before agreeing to meet.
- He accepted their caution and used it as part of earning legitimacy in the tight-knit mountain town.
Devon’s Near-Death Avalanche Experience
- While reporting in 2022, Devon and a friend triggered a massive, unsurvivable avalanche beneath their skis but escaped because of marginal differences.
- The event was a visceral reminder that familiar terrain can rapidly become lethal.
