A 27-year-old skiing enthusiast from Cold Spring, New York, was found dead in a wooded area outside the boundaries of Stowe Mountain Resort, nestled in the northern part of Vermont within the Green Mountains.
Brooks Ralph was discovered dead late Tuesday night, February 20, 2024, following a search operation initiated after he was reported missing earlier that day.
Ralph’s absence was noted on Tuesday, leading to an extensive search by Stowe Mountain Rescue, the Stowe Police Department, and the Vermont State Police’s search and rescue team, starting around 6:30 p.m. The collaborative efforts concluded with the discovery of Ralph’s body at approximately 11:45 p.m. in a challenging, steep, and wooded area off the designated trails near the resort.
The lure of “out of bounds” skiing captures the imagination of many adventurous skiers, driven by the quest for untouched powder, the thrill of navigating uncharted terrain, and the pure exhilaration of experiencing nature in its rawest form.
Despite the allure, the decision to venture beyond the ski area boundaries of places like Stowe Mountain Resort comes with significant risks and responsibilities. Vermont law makes it clear: skiers accessing terrain outside the designated trails abandon certain rights and assume liability for rescue and medical costs, underscoring the seriousness of such endeavors.
Stowe Mountain Resort explicitly warns of the increased risks and hazards awaiting those who choose to explore beyond its boundaries. Hidden dangers, the ease of getting lost, rapidly changing weather, and the absence of rescue services highlight the need for meticulous preparation and caution.
The presence of deep snow increases the risk of snow immersion suffocation, a perilous situation where skiers can become trapped and unable to free themselves, especially near tree wells and unconsolidated snow areas. The resort emphasizes the importance of never skiing alone, maintaining visual contact with partners, wearing a helmet, and avoiding late-day or adverse weather ventures into the woods. In an emergency, a whistle, a charged cell phone, and knowing Ski Patrol’s number can be life-saving, yet these measures cannot guarantee safety.
On Wednesday, Stowe Mountain Rescue expressed their sorrow over the “heartbreaking” incident while warning about the risks associated with skiing in the backcountry.
“Being skiers, we get the appeal of venturing into the backcountry and are heartbroken over the needless demise of such a vibrant, adventurous soul,” the rescue organization stated. “All we can aim for now is to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.”
The cause of Ralph’s death is under preliminary investigation, with indications pointing towards an accidental occurrence.
Remembered fondly by his peers at Hunter Point Capital for his commitment and friendship. Ralph’s untimely departure has deeply affected his colleagues and family. “The Hunter Point Capital team is profoundly saddened by the heartbreaking passing of our colleague and friend, Brooks Ralph. He will be greatly missed,” the company stated. “Our sincerest sympathies go out to Brooks’ family and close ones.”
Ralph contributed significantly to the Big Apple Independent Investment firm over nearly three years, demonstrating a blend of professional excellence and philanthropic dedication.
Before joining Hunter Point Capital, Ralph worked at Barclays Capital after graduating from Columbia University.
His commitment to supporting pediatric oncology care, exemplified by his participation in a grueling 373-mile cycling fundraiser from Toronto to Montreal, underscores his compassionate spirit and determination to make a meaningful difference.
As the investigation into Ralph’s death continues, the focus remains on understanding how this accident occurred and on reinforcing the importance of safety measures among the winter sports community.