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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
“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.
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
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403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 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.
December 28, 2025
my annual reading of a harrowing wilderness survival story from the comfort of my couch by the fire
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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 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!
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.
dnf
January 10, 2026This was clearly a book written by and meant for people who are outdoorsy and know a lot about skiing, mountains and the terrain of Colorado.
Because I am not one of those people I had no effing clue what the author was talking about as he does nothing to write this in a way that's meant for people who aren't outdoor enthusiasts like I'm sorry, but a little explanation goes a long way.
And also holy hell there are so many freaking people thrown at you in the span of like half a page that it's difficult keeping everybody's role and name straight to the point where I had to give this up because it was pissing me tf off.
Because I am not one of those people I had no effing clue what the author was talking about as he does nothing to write this in a way that's meant for people who aren't outdoor enthusiasts like I'm sorry, but a little explanation goes a long way.
And also holy hell there are so many freaking people thrown at you in the span of like half a page that it's difficult keeping everybody's role and name straight to the point where I had to give this up because it was pissing me tf off.
December 21, 2025
Never underestimate the power of nature
A well-chronicled account of a backcountry tragedy. Devon O'Neil, whose wife I worked with in Breckenridge and whom I knew personally, does a very good job of explaining what happened that day, the life events (for all of the principals) that led up to the hut trip and it's aftermath. While I came away with mixed feelings about the people involved and their families, this book is worth reading to gain an understanding of the community and adventures that characterize Salida and Leadville.
A well-chronicled account of a backcountry tragedy. Devon O'Neil, whose wife I worked with in Breckenridge and whom I knew personally, does a very good job of explaining what happened that day, the life events (for all of the principals) that led up to the hut trip and it's aftermath. While I came away with mixed feelings about the people involved and their families, this book is worth reading to gain an understanding of the community and adventures that characterize Salida and Leadville.
November 21, 2025
Well written! Super enjoyable true story that kept me turning pages to the very end. A multitude of great perspectives that O’Neil captured expertly. I really appreciate his work and definitely am glad that I read this book. It’s a hard look at a disaster in nature but at the same time it explores the joy that so many of us get from going into nature. Definitely recommend!
November 29, 2025
Extraordinary book! Hard to put down. For a “survival story” it goes deep on many levels; providing incredible emotional context leading up to the incident, the grief that followed and reckoning with the decision to lead an adventurous life in the mountains. Exceptional reporting and wonderful writing.
November 23, 2025
I could not put this down. An incredible true story of a backcountry ski trip gone wrong. So many intriguing characters in this book from a small mountain town in Colorado. One of the best nonfiction adventure stories I have read in awhile!
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.
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.
January 4, 2026
Wonderful reporting & thoughtful writing; philosophical; gripping adventure story & Colorado history; vivid representation of Salida & Leadville + mountain life and those that are drawn to it. RIP Brett Beasley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
Such a thorough account on Brett and Cole’s story. So much sadness and tragedy tied into one that I wanted to end (maybe intentional given the Salida curse??). As a Coloradan, it was thought provoking as well. Update winter survival kit had been added to me and my husbands to-do list!
November 17, 2025
I love the city of Salida and have spent a lot of time there. I had never heard about this tragedy. Well written and thought provoking. Would be good for a book club discussion.
December 13, 2025
Excellent! Best book I've read this year.
December 18, 2025
An interesting story, but not enough for a whole book. There was too much backstory, used as filler, for most of the participants I found myself skimming through many of these character histories.
January 4, 2026
True back country ski story - survival in the Rockies
January 9, 2026
This was far too meandering and full of extraneous characters and town stories.
Get to the main narrative!
Blerg.
Get to the main narrative!
Blerg.
January 13, 2026
Audio book. 3.5 stars
January 17, 2026
Starts a little slow but gets really intense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews