Two people have died at ski areas this winter. As the 2000-2001 winter sets in, frequent, weak snowstorms and persistent cold have created grainy backcountry conditions that state avalanche monitors rate as the most dangerous in four years. He works as a caretaker of Margy's and 15 other high-altitude 10th Mountain Division huts. Since starting his work in 1986, Messina has skied up to huts and down again more than 1,200 times. The standard hut routes run through terrain deemed relatively safe.
Most avalanches break from steep slopes.
However, one recent avalanche had slumped across Messina's path. He constantly reassessed risks as he climbed. He pushed his pole through new surface snow and felt it sink suddenly into a hollow space between layers. He watched wispy white cirrus clouds streaking against the blue sky, suggesting storms on the way. Over the past 15 years, Colorado's mountains have drawn more and more people, mostly from cities, who are less experienced than Messina.