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The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies – A Powerful Investigation of Tragedy, Trauma, and Redemption
* READING THE WEST BOOK AWARDS LONGLIST *
“On par with Into the Wild... Fast-paced, yet thoughtful and empathetic, all the way to its devastating conclusion, this psychological thriller will haunt me whenever I step off the pavement into the woods. I couldn’t stop reading it, and I can’t stop thinking about it.” — Bill Gifford, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Outlive
A harrowing, never-before-told story of life and death in the Colorado mountains—thirty hours that changed lives forever and forced a reckoning about the cost of adventure.
“You wanna ski a lap?”
Fifteen-year-old Cole Walters-Schaler couldn't resist. This was why they’d come to the backcountry, after all—three fathers and four teenage children together for a bonding alpine getaway outside Salida, Colorado, in January 2017.
Within minutes, Cole and Brett Beasley, a longtime Forest Service ranger and expert outdoorsman in his mid-forties, had pushed off from their cabin, expecting to be gone for a half hour or so. But an unforgiving blizzard transformed their quick jaunt into a thirty-hour ordeal that would end in tragedy, as the community raced to find them.
The Way Out is the story of those ensuing hours and their aftermath—an almost unbelievable event that shook a tight-knit mountain community and raised difficult questions about life and death, guilt and redemption, and the pursuit of adventure. Why, when we know that the wilderness can kill, can’t we stay away? When the unthinkable happens, how does a community forgive the survivors? And how do the survivors forgive themselves?
Drawing on firsthand interviews with those closest to the tragedy, including the key eyewitness, and written with the gripping intensity of classics such as Into Thin Air and Touching the Void, O’Neil recreates that fateful day. The Way Out is a thoughtful investigation of the allure of the mountains and the aftermath of trauma, and an unforgettable look at life at its very edge.
The Way Out includes 12 black-and-white personal photos throughout.
“On par with Into the Wild... Fast-paced, yet thoughtful and empathetic, all the way to its devastating conclusion, this psychological thriller will haunt me whenever I step off the pavement into the woods. I couldn’t stop reading it, and I can’t stop thinking about it.” — Bill Gifford, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Outlive
A harrowing, never-before-told story of life and death in the Colorado mountains—thirty hours that changed lives forever and forced a reckoning about the cost of adventure.
“You wanna ski a lap?”
Fifteen-year-old Cole Walters-Schaler couldn't resist. This was why they’d come to the backcountry, after all—three fathers and four teenage children together for a bonding alpine getaway outside Salida, Colorado, in January 2017.
Within minutes, Cole and Brett Beasley, a longtime Forest Service ranger and expert outdoorsman in his mid-forties, had pushed off from their cabin, expecting to be gone for a half hour or so. But an unforgiving blizzard transformed their quick jaunt into a thirty-hour ordeal that would end in tragedy, as the community raced to find them.
The Way Out is the story of those ensuing hours and their aftermath—an almost unbelievable event that shook a tight-knit mountain community and raised difficult questions about life and death, guilt and redemption, and the pursuit of adventure. Why, when we know that the wilderness can kill, can’t we stay away? When the unthinkable happens, how does a community forgive the survivors? And how do the survivors forgive themselves?
Drawing on firsthand interviews with those closest to the tragedy, including the key eyewitness, and written with the gripping intensity of classics such as Into Thin Air and Touching the Void, O’Neil recreates that fateful day. The Way Out is a thoughtful investigation of the allure of the mountains and the aftermath of trauma, and an unforgettable look at life at its very edge.
The Way Out includes 12 black-and-white personal photos throughout.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
82 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 18, 2025
This is a great story, similar to into the wild and into thin air. This happened in my hometown, so I also knew of a lot of the people involved, which makes for a sad listen. But really an important read and a good description of trauma and survivors guilt and the importance of always being prepared.
November 24, 2025
I love nature and wildlife so when I saw the survival story about a short hike gone wrong, I was intrigued and quickly put my name on the waiting list for the audiobook at my library. The story follows several families that were effected by the events that take place near Salida, Colorado in 2017. Three fathers and four teenage children visit a cabin in the backcountry but when one father and a fifteen year old boy go off for a short jaunt on their skies and weather comes in, the others must kick off a search that turns into a thirty-hour ordeal with a tragic end that effects all the families in a variety of ways.
The background on the families was well researched. I settled in to listen to the audio narrated by a Roger Wayne, a first for me. I thought the narrator covered the material with a pleasant demeanor that I enjoyed, anticipating the details of the search for these adventurers. I found the details of the search to be the part of the book that I enjoyed the most.
The details of what happened to this pair are ambiguous due to the nature of the situation and the lack of first hand accounts. There was a lot of speculation and theories about what happened on that mountain, but not a lot of consensus on the details due to contradictions in the account. I found this a bit frustrating. I felt like it was supposed to be more about the way the families learned to live with what happened after and still enjoy nature and adventure in the wake of tragedy, and yet, I felt like that wasn’t fully explored either. I was a bit disappointed in the end. I think this book set out to ask questions that maybe aren’t exactly answerable to any degree of satisfaction for some.
The background on the families was well researched. I settled in to listen to the audio narrated by a Roger Wayne, a first for me. I thought the narrator covered the material with a pleasant demeanor that I enjoyed, anticipating the details of the search for these adventurers. I found the details of the search to be the part of the book that I enjoyed the most.
The details of what happened to this pair are ambiguous due to the nature of the situation and the lack of first hand accounts. There was a lot of speculation and theories about what happened on that mountain, but not a lot of consensus on the details due to contradictions in the account. I found this a bit frustrating. I felt like it was supposed to be more about the way the families learned to live with what happened after and still enjoy nature and adventure in the wake of tragedy, and yet, I felt like that wasn’t fully explored either. I was a bit disappointed in the end. I think this book set out to ask questions that maybe aren’t exactly answerable to any degree of satisfaction for some.
December 16, 2025
This is an absolutely gripping disaster story that you will have a very hard time putting down. It holds vital lessons for backcountry skiers everywhere, but it's a great read for anyone.
February 19, 2026
This is the best non-fiction work I've read this decade--and I do a lot of reading.
Of the thousands of readers who will tackle Devon O'Neil's true story of a Colorado mountain tragedy, I might be one of the more biased ones. I live twenty miles north of where Brett Beasley raised his family. I work on a neighboring search & rescue team and have fielded with the SAR team that worked the incident described in the book. I'm an outdoors guy. Of course, I couldn't put this story down.
But O'Neil did more with his first book than just write something familiar for me. He dug into a town's psyche and made Salida, Colorado, a character in his book. He described the actors in this story as they truly are--as we all truly are--sometimes heroic, uniquely (in each our own way) social, and always flawed. Hat's off to the hundreds of people interviewed for this book for your honesty--your stories combined with O'Neil's talent have not only produced a best-seller, but also will save lives.
While the tragedy described will stay with me, it's the scenario that I will spend the most time pondering. Command and control of a search & rescue incident inevitably starts as controlled chaos, until settling into a professional rhythm. Colorado's teams never stop studying their past performance to ensure the chaos is reduced, the effort is maximized, and safety (of the team first) isn't compromised. O'Neil's book highlights an issue that still needs work--how do sheriff offices and SAR teams maximize the use of non-SAR assets and talent in a litigious world where liability is balanced on the same scale as a subject's life?
I'm local enough that I expect I will hear about parts of the story that people involved will insist are inaccurate. What's clear to me, is that no one has worked harder to get this story right than Devon O'Neil.
Six stars if I had 'em. Highest recommendation!
Of the thousands of readers who will tackle Devon O'Neil's true story of a Colorado mountain tragedy, I might be one of the more biased ones. I live twenty miles north of where Brett Beasley raised his family. I work on a neighboring search & rescue team and have fielded with the SAR team that worked the incident described in the book. I'm an outdoors guy. Of course, I couldn't put this story down.
But O'Neil did more with his first book than just write something familiar for me. He dug into a town's psyche and made Salida, Colorado, a character in his book. He described the actors in this story as they truly are--as we all truly are--sometimes heroic, uniquely (in each our own way) social, and always flawed. Hat's off to the hundreds of people interviewed for this book for your honesty--your stories combined with O'Neil's talent have not only produced a best-seller, but also will save lives.
While the tragedy described will stay with me, it's the scenario that I will spend the most time pondering. Command and control of a search & rescue incident inevitably starts as controlled chaos, until settling into a professional rhythm. Colorado's teams never stop studying their past performance to ensure the chaos is reduced, the effort is maximized, and safety (of the team first) isn't compromised. O'Neil's book highlights an issue that still needs work--how do sheriff offices and SAR teams maximize the use of non-SAR assets and talent in a litigious world where liability is balanced on the same scale as a subject's life?
I'm local enough that I expect I will hear about parts of the story that people involved will insist are inaccurate. What's clear to me, is that no one has worked harder to get this story right than Devon O'Neil.
Six stars if I had 'em. Highest recommendation!
December 26, 2025
True story
I would have rated this much higher, but I kept thinking you aren’t talking about the boy. While much of this book focuses on Brett, the experienced outdoorsman. I kept thinking the boy is only 15. How is he doing? A man who risks his life is one thing, but to take a boy with him into the unknown. Just disgusted me. We all make mistakes, this one was horrible. I cannot. Imagine the emotions the child had to work thru while holding back something he felt made him bad.
I would have rated this much higher, but I kept thinking you aren’t talking about the boy. While much of this book focuses on Brett, the experienced outdoorsman. I kept thinking the boy is only 15. How is he doing? A man who risks his life is one thing, but to take a boy with him into the unknown. Just disgusted me. We all make mistakes, this one was horrible. I cannot. Imagine the emotions the child had to work thru while holding back something he felt made him bad.
December 28, 2025
my annual reading of a harrowing wilderness survival story from the comfort of my couch by the fire
February 7, 2026
“…adventure is worth it only if it ends well.
Then it can do what it does for us, lifting us up, enriching our lives, not stealing years of joy and love, as it does to us when it ends badly. But that is also life as a whole, and as the saying in these precious mountains lays bare, you never know unless you go.”
If the mountains in Colorado are your playground, this is a must read.
Then it can do what it does for us, lifting us up, enriching our lives, not stealing years of joy and love, as it does to us when it ends badly. But that is also life as a whole, and as the saying in these precious mountains lays bare, you never know unless you go.”
If the mountains in Colorado are your playground, this is a must read.
December 9, 2025
A truly fabulous book that hit really close to home. I have rafted Pine creek mentioned in the book. Further down the Ark the same day, we flipped on one of the numbers rapids. I came up under the boat, with an air pocket, but being dragged downriver banging into rocks. I finally was able to get out from under the boat and hauled myself up on a rock in the middle of the river. Heaving in breath I realized our guides had a rescue line further down river, and we were missing a passenger. He had made it to the side of the river, and walked up to Highway 24, meanwhile we were all desperately searching for him. We all survived. Some had broken ribs. I was unscathed. The 3 friends I went with have never rafted again. I raised my kids on the river, from the time my youngest was probably just 8. What I've learned from decades of adventuring in the Colorado mountains, is that each person has to be responsible for themselves. Yes other people can and do help, but ultimately when you are thrown in a river, or crash in the snow, you have to be prepared to self rescue. You have to have the right safety gear, and you have to realize that decisions made under duress can have fatal implications. No judgement on either Cole or Brett. They were excited and forgot to be careful. A cell phone, or warm clothes could have been the difference between life and death. They were human, and humans make mistakes. Pack the gear, take the cell phone. Better yet take the Garmin in reach. Prepare and enjoy nature carefully. There is nothing better, and the author is right that nature doesn't play favorites. Also I wish I had bought real estate in Salida back then!
September 9, 2025
This book was so good, I wished I could read it all in one go! I picked this up at a local bookstore’s book swap. I almost always read nonfiction, but it’s usually biographies, educational books, or books on justice and equality, or other sociological topics. A true story of survival seemed like an interesting departure from that. The author did a great job of introducing us to the lives of the people involved, before, during, and after the incident. I think the background information was important, as not all of us are from the American West and familiar with the outdoor adventure culture, which is very important in this read. I really enjoyed it, because it’s real, emotional, and just a unique story involving nature. I wish the best for everyone impacted by this in real life.
December 13, 2025
All adventurous parents should read this book. The ripple effect of tragedy is wide. Balancing adventure, selfishness, joy, adrenaline, and responsibility are all touched on in this story. Thoughtful, raw, and very real.
November 20, 2025
A devastating tragedy. A community changed forever. With rare access and deep empathy, the author tells their story with honesty, sensitivity, and hope.
February 8, 2026
I am one of those rare non-outdoorsy Coloradans, and the more survival stories I read the less I want to be one. I recently had to drive in the mountains while it was snowing, and I was terrified the entire time, both ways.
This book was maybe a 2.5. The story was told well enough and my heart goes out to the people involved in the event, but I wasn’t super compelled by the narrative. I have to acknowledge that saying something like that feels fucked up because this is a true story. I’m not sure the comparisons to Into the Wild are warranted. The feel to this is more journalistic and dryer, which is kind of funny because Krakauer is a journalist. I’m not sure if it’s just that his subject matter is inherently more dramatic. Not that this story isn’t dramatic, but it’s just not on the scale of an event known as “The Mount Everest Disaster.”
This book was maybe a 2.5. The story was told well enough and my heart goes out to the people involved in the event, but I wasn’t super compelled by the narrative. I have to acknowledge that saying something like that feels fucked up because this is a true story. I’m not sure the comparisons to Into the Wild are warranted. The feel to this is more journalistic and dryer, which is kind of funny because Krakauer is a journalist. I’m not sure if it’s just that his subject matter is inherently more dramatic. Not that this story isn’t dramatic, but it’s just not on the scale of an event known as “The Mount Everest Disaster.”
March 10, 2026
My husband and I listened to this book in the car on the way to CO. It was a great source of discussion and truly a gripping story. After hearing the author speak, I am anxious to go back and read parts of the book. What a journey he had writing this survival story that he started researching in 2018. I recommend this for teenagers, adventurers, men, and women.
February 16, 2026
Captivating read. Fast paced story of trauma and healing. I spend a lot of time in the mountains and I will alter my gear checklist based on this book.
February 22, 2026
I couldn't put this one down! I had never heard this story before, despite living close to where it happened. This read like a thriller!
December 23, 2025
Admittedly survival non-fiction is my favorite genre and I lived where the story takes place for 6 years. Sometimes we look for these stories to be so incredibly epic that we fail to see the smaller details, or the humane gems.
I found Devin O’Neil’s storytelling to be honest and interesting, trying to keep shedding light on a difficult night. Honest in the sense that you can’t simply explain what happened without hurting feelings to some extent, and I believe he treaded that water very nicely. Not to mention, it follows suit with his small, mountain-town picture I believe he masterfully painted. If nothing else, this book made me drop right back onto the streets of Salida, the outskirts of Leadville and everything perfect we love about the nothingness.
I won’t go on and spoil anything, or give an analysis of what I found to be an incredibly personal take from everyone who shared. Considering Devon was able to get so many of the people involved to chip in, the image of Brett feels like one I’ve always known. That’s a tribute to both the author and the folks who decided to have difficult conversations.
It would have been some time before I stumbled upon this book, as I have been so busy with work. However, I met Devon one night while he was on his book tour by complete happenstance. He wasn’t pushing this book, or looking for handouts or reviews, in fact it was a solid 10 minute before we started talking about what he was doing in town. I finished this in two sittings, the day after it arrived, regardless of how hard my work day was. It was fantastic.
I found Devin O’Neil’s storytelling to be honest and interesting, trying to keep shedding light on a difficult night. Honest in the sense that you can’t simply explain what happened without hurting feelings to some extent, and I believe he treaded that water very nicely. Not to mention, it follows suit with his small, mountain-town picture I believe he masterfully painted. If nothing else, this book made me drop right back onto the streets of Salida, the outskirts of Leadville and everything perfect we love about the nothingness.
I won’t go on and spoil anything, or give an analysis of what I found to be an incredibly personal take from everyone who shared. Considering Devon was able to get so many of the people involved to chip in, the image of Brett feels like one I’ve always known. That’s a tribute to both the author and the folks who decided to have difficult conversations.
It would have been some time before I stumbled upon this book, as I have been so busy with work. However, I met Devon one night while he was on his book tour by complete happenstance. He wasn’t pushing this book, or looking for handouts or reviews, in fact it was a solid 10 minute before we started talking about what he was doing in town. I finished this in two sittings, the day after it arrived, regardless of how hard my work day was. It was fantastic.
January 1, 2026
This book is riveting! A journalist, Devon O"Neil is very talented at delving into characters and events with captivating details. This account of a tragedy that happened in the backcountry of Monarch Mountain (near Salida CO) had lots of personal connection for me, not just being familiar with the area, but especially knowing similar people who are involved in this type of mountain adventure. Brett was not the first or last highly skilled skier, outdoor athlete, and professional forest ranger with much experience rescuing people in the mountains, but who did not able to apply safety standards to themselves. Professionally, safety is paramount; personally, adventure and seeking risky challenges can erase concerns for safety.
O'Neil tells the story with full acceptance of everyone's view and experience of the tragedy. He makes the reader connect to the individuals' loss, grief, and view of what went tragically wrong. He sees Brett's flaws, but that doesn't effect his sympathy for Brett one bit.
The story made me think about the training of people on rescue teams. Training is about the physical components - the physical conditions of the environments they may face and the physical skill and experience of the rescuers. But assessment and preparations of their psychological strengths and weaknesses are absent (to my knowledge). Psychological limitations were central to this backcountry disaster.
O'Neil tells the story with full acceptance of everyone's view and experience of the tragedy. He makes the reader connect to the individuals' loss, grief, and view of what went tragically wrong. He sees Brett's flaws, but that doesn't effect his sympathy for Brett one bit.
The story made me think about the training of people on rescue teams. Training is about the physical components - the physical conditions of the environments they may face and the physical skill and experience of the rescuers. But assessment and preparations of their psychological strengths and weaknesses are absent (to my knowledge). Psychological limitations were central to this backcountry disaster.
November 29, 2025
This book was fine. I was irritated with the central figure for most if not all of the book, and I felt badly for everyone else involved. I wonder how those in the book feel after reading it and living it again through the narrative told. It was written well enough but was not for me.
February 22, 2026
This was very intriguing. It did have a couple of slow moments, a few details that I thought didn't really benefit the overall story. That said, the emotional impact was powerful, and the way O'Neil laid this out was very nicely done. It reminded me of Ender Wiggin (ie, Speaker for the Dead) -- O'Neil let us see Brett Beasley's life through many lenses, some flattering and some not as flattering, but all felt real and honest.
I thought the respect given to Cole (as the survivor) was also nicely done. O'Neil treats his experiences (both during the 'tragedy' and after) thoughtfully. When I finished, I wish I could tell Cole that he did the best he could at the time; he was just a kid thrown into a terrifying situation. And the fact that he found the inner strength to keep fighting, to keep going, was really impressive. It wasn't his time to die.
And as a parent, I was pretty mad at Beasley; if it had been my son, I would've been furious that another adult (that I didn't even know very well) pulled him into that situation. But I also believe that our journeys are exactly as long as they're supposed to be, and this story reinforced that. As a fellow Coloradoan, I've been told my whole life to treat every hike (especially in the high country) with seriousness and preparedness. You don't leave without water, food, extra clothing, etc. This simply reinforced all that and reminded me how unpredictable nature can be.
It was definitely hard to see Bari and Brooke's struggles after their dad's death too. Brett reminded me a bit of a friend of my husband. He too had a deep passion for life and adventure (and had tempted fate *many* times before he passed -- a heart attack in his case). He also had two daughters (similar ages, even), and both their names start with the same letter (A). At his memorial, almost every story began with a theme like this: "The time *I* almost died while hanging with Matt was ... ". But I suspect his girls are also having a very tough time (he died two and a half years ago). I hope they are able to find peace eventually, like Brett's girls.
All in all, this was a valuable read, imo. And since it took place in CO (where I live) -- and had some familiar names (well, definitely familiar with the Collegiate Peaks, but I also have rafted the Arkansas a few times, including Numbers, Sidelle's Suckhole, Sunshine Falls, etc) -- it had even more impact, I suspect. And the message regarding the importance of preparedness, of weighing your desire for adventure with the risks, was well put forth, imo -- just a compelling and thoughtful read!
I thought the respect given to Cole (as the survivor) was also nicely done. O'Neil treats his experiences (both during the 'tragedy' and after) thoughtfully. When I finished, I wish I could tell Cole that he did the best he could at the time; he was just a kid thrown into a terrifying situation. And the fact that he found the inner strength to keep fighting, to keep going, was really impressive. It wasn't his time to die.
And as a parent, I was pretty mad at Beasley; if it had been my son, I would've been furious that another adult (that I didn't even know very well) pulled him into that situation. But I also believe that our journeys are exactly as long as they're supposed to be, and this story reinforced that. As a fellow Coloradoan, I've been told my whole life to treat every hike (especially in the high country) with seriousness and preparedness. You don't leave without water, food, extra clothing, etc. This simply reinforced all that and reminded me how unpredictable nature can be.
It was definitely hard to see Bari and Brooke's struggles after their dad's death too. Brett reminded me a bit of a friend of my husband. He too had a deep passion for life and adventure (and had tempted fate *many* times before he passed -- a heart attack in his case). He also had two daughters (similar ages, even), and both their names start with the same letter (A). At his memorial, almost every story began with a theme like this: "The time *I* almost died while hanging with Matt was ... ". But I suspect his girls are also having a very tough time (he died two and a half years ago). I hope they are able to find peace eventually, like Brett's girls.
All in all, this was a valuable read, imo. And since it took place in CO (where I live) -- and had some familiar names (well, definitely familiar with the Collegiate Peaks, but I also have rafted the Arkansas a few times, including Numbers, Sidelle's Suckhole, Sunshine Falls, etc) -- it had even more impact, I suspect. And the message regarding the importance of preparedness, of weighing your desire for adventure with the risks, was well put forth, imo -- just a compelling and thoughtful read!
February 16, 2026
I randomly came across this book online as part of Barnes & Noble's post-Christmas half-off sale in 2025. What a find! I'm a sucker for disaster/survival stories. Because I hadn't heard anything about this, I wrongfully assumed it wouldn't be that great, something akin to self-publishing. But this story was compelling — even if I couldn't believe how irresponsible and careless the main adult in the story was.
This is a true story about a group of dads and their teenage kids from Salida, Colorado. In 2017, a short backcountry ski trip of bonding with their kids turns into a nightmare almost instantly when one of the dads makes a split-second decision that endangers him and others. What makes it more infuriating is that these are men that know better — they are all accomplished outdoorsmen and skiers who made some dumb decisions and underestimated the weather.
I highly encourage you not to read the book flap because it tells you who gets into trouble and how, and I liked going in getting to know each of these people, with me as the reader not knowing what was going to happen next — just like they didn't.
The author is a journalist, but he's also an outdoor adventurer from Colorado, which is likely how he was able to land so many firsthand interviews with these survivors and rescuers. This book is the first true account of the story — news accounts in the aftermath didn't tell the entire story and reported some misunderstandings, plus in the small town of Salida gossip and conjecture turned into stories told as fact. This book sets the record straight.
The last couple of chapters are the weaker part of the book, when the author tries to examine whether such adventuring is worth it and how you weigh the risks. I get the questions he was trying to uncover, but I don't think they apply to this particular story, because in this case the situation turned dire, again, because of an irresponsible adult who knew better and who also didn't prepare for the weather. These weren't untrained tourists; they were outdoorsmen. This was an accident that never needed to happen. I think I'm a lot less forgiving than many of the community members in this book.
This is a true story about a group of dads and their teenage kids from Salida, Colorado. In 2017, a short backcountry ski trip of bonding with their kids turns into a nightmare almost instantly when one of the dads makes a split-second decision that endangers him and others. What makes it more infuriating is that these are men that know better — they are all accomplished outdoorsmen and skiers who made some dumb decisions and underestimated the weather.
I highly encourage you not to read the book flap because it tells you who gets into trouble and how, and I liked going in getting to know each of these people, with me as the reader not knowing what was going to happen next — just like they didn't.
The author is a journalist, but he's also an outdoor adventurer from Colorado, which is likely how he was able to land so many firsthand interviews with these survivors and rescuers. This book is the first true account of the story — news accounts in the aftermath didn't tell the entire story and reported some misunderstandings, plus in the small town of Salida gossip and conjecture turned into stories told as fact. This book sets the record straight.
The last couple of chapters are the weaker part of the book, when the author tries to examine whether such adventuring is worth it and how you weigh the risks. I get the questions he was trying to uncover, but I don't think they apply to this particular story, because in this case the situation turned dire, again, because of an irresponsible adult who knew better and who also didn't prepare for the weather. These weren't untrained tourists; they were outdoorsmen. This was an accident that never needed to happen. I think I'm a lot less forgiving than many of the community members in this book.
March 24, 2026
I had a lot of emotions while reading this book—mostly anger. The lack of planning and preparedness (navigation, satellite communication, weather forecasting, radios) absolutely gutted me. This wasn’t a mistake from the early 1900s—this happened in 2017, which made it all the more frustrating and hard to process.
I also struggled with how much the main individual was glorified. I tend to view backcountry incidents the same way they are taught in healthcare education: as opportunities to learn, reflect, and debrief. There was so much here that could have been examined more transparently, yet SAR never produced a full incident report, and key details were withheld for years. On top of that, there were clear, unaddressed mental health concerns that added another layer of complexity and concern. The involvement of children is something I can’t personally relate to, but it deeply upset me. It actually got to the point where I had to step away from the book for a few days before continuing.
I did appreciate the author’s summary toward the end, which helped validate many of the reactions I had while reading. Still, one idea presented—that the adventure is only worth the risk if it turns out well—is something I fundamentally disagree with. In my AIARE training, we talk a lot about post-trip debriefs and the distinction between being safe and simply getting lucky. I’ll take “we were safe” every time—not “we got lucky.”
Definitely a heavy read for me. I’m ready to get back to something lighter and more fun after this one.
I also struggled with how much the main individual was glorified. I tend to view backcountry incidents the same way they are taught in healthcare education: as opportunities to learn, reflect, and debrief. There was so much here that could have been examined more transparently, yet SAR never produced a full incident report, and key details were withheld for years. On top of that, there were clear, unaddressed mental health concerns that added another layer of complexity and concern. The involvement of children is something I can’t personally relate to, but it deeply upset me. It actually got to the point where I had to step away from the book for a few days before continuing.
I did appreciate the author’s summary toward the end, which helped validate many of the reactions I had while reading. Still, one idea presented—that the adventure is only worth the risk if it turns out well—is something I fundamentally disagree with. In my AIARE training, we talk a lot about post-trip debriefs and the distinction between being safe and simply getting lucky. I’ll take “we were safe” every time—not “we got lucky.”
Definitely a heavy read for me. I’m ready to get back to something lighter and more fun after this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
I'm not an outdoorsy type, at all, but I for some reason love non-fiction tales or memoirs of humans experiencing/battling/surviving nature. This book, while not a memoir, encompasses most of these elements. The ethnographic study of the residents of Salida, CO is fascinating, people from around the country and globe who've discovered this lesser known town of nature adventurists in a state that attracts billionaires to its fancy ski resorts provides a much needed (in this current timeframe) reminder that humans can connect over shared interests and values.
The element of both tragedy and triumph, of complex human experiences that demonstrate both an inability to truly conquer the natural world and the miracles that make us believe not all is terrible in this world sit in an uneasy balance we don't control.
What I truly appreciated about this book is that it's not preachy or introspective. Instead, it tells the story of an unusual small town populated by transplants who love nature, mountains, and outdoor adventure, and thereby create a community. Regardless of whether one shares these specific values, the element of humans finding commonality and therefore shared experiences and the ability to overcome tragedy is well conveyed by this narrative.
The element of both tragedy and triumph, of complex human experiences that demonstrate both an inability to truly conquer the natural world and the miracles that make us believe not all is terrible in this world sit in an uneasy balance we don't control.
What I truly appreciated about this book is that it's not preachy or introspective. Instead, it tells the story of an unusual small town populated by transplants who love nature, mountains, and outdoor adventure, and thereby create a community. Regardless of whether one shares these specific values, the element of humans finding commonality and therefore shared experiences and the ability to overcome tragedy is well conveyed by this narrative.
January 30, 2026
Set in the mountains just north/west of Leadville, CO and about people from Salida, CO. I felt very connected to the story, since I live over there and have hiked extensively in these mountains.
Even on a supposedly short back country ski trip one should dress for the unexpected. Bring adequate supplies for survival, know the terrain and most important, check the weather.
All these prerequisites were not met. And when they took the wrong turn and the weather became real bad they could not return from the steep valley they were in amidst a raging snow storm.
This book is remarkble candid about the people involved. I wonder how they will feel reading this book.
The main character is described with all his flaws and his virtues. He was very beloved in his community (Salida, CO) and had many friends. He was Forest Ranger, very aware of the outdoors and it's dangers.
A lot of the book goes into the backgrounds of the people involved. The families directly affected. About the actual tragedy, and the rescue itself, the book is much shorter.
A good reminder that one should always be prepared for the worst when one goes into the back country.
A just ok book.
written: 2025
Even on a supposedly short back country ski trip one should dress for the unexpected. Bring adequate supplies for survival, know the terrain and most important, check the weather.
All these prerequisites were not met. And when they took the wrong turn and the weather became real bad they could not return from the steep valley they were in amidst a raging snow storm.
This book is remarkble candid about the people involved. I wonder how they will feel reading this book.
The main character is described with all his flaws and his virtues. He was very beloved in his community (Salida, CO) and had many friends. He was Forest Ranger, very aware of the outdoors and it's dangers.
A lot of the book goes into the backgrounds of the people involved. The families directly affected. About the actual tragedy, and the rescue itself, the book is much shorter.
A good reminder that one should always be prepared for the worst when one goes into the back country.
A just ok book.
written: 2025
January 30, 2026
For the bookshelf of every lover of outdoor adventure narratives.
THE WAY OUT is a deeply compassionate and gripping account of an innocent ski trip gone wrong. As a former search and rescue park ranger, I’m too familiar with the hard realities of disaster in the outdoors. Whenever the thin line between daring adventure and tragedy is crossed, first responders, friends, and family are forced to contend with the aftermath.
In THE WAY OUT, O’Neil does a suburb job of exploring how one community of outdoor adventure loving families in Colorado must cope when the mountains and rivers turn on them. O’Neil’s background in psychology comes to play as he provides us with an intimate and kind, yet unflinching, view into the inner worlds of several families who had to face more than their fair share of traumatic events.
I was moved the struggles of these families and the love they have for nature, each other, and their community.
For any adventurer you care about, young or old, THE WAY OUT would make for a thoughtful gift. All of us who are driven to test ourselves in the outdoors, should head the lessons here.
THE WAY OUT is a deeply compassionate and gripping account of an innocent ski trip gone wrong. As a former search and rescue park ranger, I’m too familiar with the hard realities of disaster in the outdoors. Whenever the thin line between daring adventure and tragedy is crossed, first responders, friends, and family are forced to contend with the aftermath.
In THE WAY OUT, O’Neil does a suburb job of exploring how one community of outdoor adventure loving families in Colorado must cope when the mountains and rivers turn on them. O’Neil’s background in psychology comes to play as he provides us with an intimate and kind, yet unflinching, view into the inner worlds of several families who had to face more than their fair share of traumatic events.
I was moved the struggles of these families and the love they have for nature, each other, and their community.
For any adventurer you care about, young or old, THE WAY OUT would make for a thoughtful gift. All of us who are driven to test ourselves in the outdoors, should head the lessons here.
January 16, 2026
I loved this book for a couple reasons -1) I enjoy reading books about things I would never do but find fascinating. Those that have the confidence and technical skills and true grit are interesting to read about. And 2) The book takes place in Colorado near where I once lived up in the mountains. There is also a good message about backcountry skiing and other extremes sports -be prepared! This is a true story and might have had a different outcome if one of the skiers had been more prepared. I lived in Breckenridge Colorado in the 70’s and my daughter still lives there. I enjoy visiting and was once a downhill skier and still XC ski -though not out of bounds. This story takes place S and west of where I lived but I have traveled through that area and know it well. Reading this book in a snowstorm safe and sound in my Western NY home was the perfect environment to relive my Colorado life. While I couldn’t always relate to the technical terms the author used in backcountry skiing and rafting, it did not detract from the story. Definitely worth the read!
February 17, 2026
I read this on a recommendation from my mom, who lives in BV and was deeply involved in SAR in the area for years and spends all of her time adventuring in the surrounding mountains. I'm biased, then, given our connection to the area, my knowledge of the communities, and my mom's connection to the situation. However, even without these connections, I can say that this book is one of the most compelling nonfiction reads I have encountered in a long time. Nonfiction, but reads like a thriller, and I so appreciated O'Neil's incredibly in-depth, years-long reporting that focuses intently on the cost of adventure, preparedness, the responsibility (or lack of?) parents have when risk-taking, and especially the long-term impacts of a tragedy such as this on everyone else surrounding the situation.
If you love the outdoors, know anything about the Collegiate Peaks region, and ever wonder why people are willing to come close to death for an adrenaline high, you really need to read this book.
Source: purchased hardcover via Bookshop.org
If you love the outdoors, know anything about the Collegiate Peaks region, and ever wonder why people are willing to come close to death for an adrenaline high, you really need to read this book.
Source: purchased hardcover via Bookshop.org
February 26, 2026
A mountain town tragedy sensitively analyzed
I live in a CO mountain town and love the beauty and adventure as much as a near 80 year old can, usually within the confines of groomed ski trails at ski areas and hiking trails appropriate for my age. This book wonderfully describes the mountain town personalities that I have seen myself. The passion for adventure always supplemented by the astounding wonders and beauty of the nature around us. It has helped me understand the Bretts and Devons of our community. These are not reckless risk takers. They are skilled adventurers who never tire of the mountain views, the rivers and the skies. Because of their skill, tragedies occur rarely. This is a beautifully told story of one such tragedy with psychological detail not often seen in such a narrative, I believe because of the authors approach to the people involved and the time lapsed between the event and the sharing of their stories. It is filled with insights, it is a page turner that is difficult to put down, and yes, there are tears along the way.
I live in a CO mountain town and love the beauty and adventure as much as a near 80 year old can, usually within the confines of groomed ski trails at ski areas and hiking trails appropriate for my age. This book wonderfully describes the mountain town personalities that I have seen myself. The passion for adventure always supplemented by the astounding wonders and beauty of the nature around us. It has helped me understand the Bretts and Devons of our community. These are not reckless risk takers. They are skilled adventurers who never tire of the mountain views, the rivers and the skies. Because of their skill, tragedies occur rarely. This is a beautifully told story of one such tragedy with psychological detail not often seen in such a narrative, I believe because of the authors approach to the people involved and the time lapsed between the event and the sharing of their stories. It is filled with insights, it is a page turner that is difficult to put down, and yes, there are tears along the way.
February 19, 2026
I’ve always been intrigued by survival accounts and authors’ insights into human nature and resilience under extreme stress. Recently I read two books in a week about survival in nature — this book, The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies, and A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst. I give each five stars.
Why? Both authors do more than recount the event and its immediate aftermath. Each delves into the intense grief experienced by the survivors. This aspect of both books makes them transcend the simple designation of “survival narrative.” There’s surviving the event, and there’s surviving the aftermath, guilt, and grief. (O'Neill's title, The Way Out, suggests one's search to find the way out of the aftermath of traumatic events.) Powerful books.
Why? Both authors do more than recount the event and its immediate aftermath. Each delves into the intense grief experienced by the survivors. This aspect of both books makes them transcend the simple designation of “survival narrative.” There’s surviving the event, and there’s surviving the aftermath, guilt, and grief. (O'Neill's title, The Way Out, suggests one's search to find the way out of the aftermath of traumatic events.) Powerful books.
December 23, 2025
Well done with the research and describing the community, people and lifestyles. Very similar to my town so, could feel the effects. I barely put the book down once I started. I really wish there had been a topo map included…sure I can find one easily enough but, would be nice. I also truly wished that it had been more recognized how old Cole was when this tragedy went down. The reader knows his age but, then, it’s like he was treated as an adult in the aftermath. His behavior not accepted.
I couldn’t get over it. It wasn’t truly put out there until the last two pages of the book. I didn’t like his portrayal and how the author waited until the very end to bring the reader back to the fact the he was 15! And, he survived!
I couldn’t get over it. It wasn’t truly put out there until the last two pages of the book. I didn’t like his portrayal and how the author waited until the very end to bring the reader back to the fact the he was 15! And, he survived!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
Thank you to #HarperOne and #NetGalley for the DRC of #TheWayOut. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This is the story of Brett Beasley and the tight-knit community of Salida, CO. Beasley is a husband, dad and park ranger who feels most at home in the outdoors. He's built a reputation on his hard-charging abilities and in the process accumulated a posse of adventure buddies. O'Neil writes with brutal honesty about the impact a "thrill seeker" has on their family and friends and the pain left behind when something goes horribly wrong.
This is really well-written narrative non-fiction about life, death, family and community. Perfect for fans of Krakauer.
This is the story of Brett Beasley and the tight-knit community of Salida, CO. Beasley is a husband, dad and park ranger who feels most at home in the outdoors. He's built a reputation on his hard-charging abilities and in the process accumulated a posse of adventure buddies. O'Neil writes with brutal honesty about the impact a "thrill seeker" has on their family and friends and the pain left behind when something goes horribly wrong.
This is really well-written narrative non-fiction about life, death, family and community. Perfect for fans of Krakauer.
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