Book Spotlight: 'The Way Out' Follows a Deadly Sawatch Storm and the Volunteers Who Went In |
Devon O'Neil's The Way Out won the 2026 Colorado Book Award for Creative Nonfiction. Our Book Spotlight looks at the true story of a deadly 2017 storm in the Sawatch Range and the volunteers who went in. |
This is a Book Spotlight, not a review. No one at Centennial Pulse has read the book for this piece. What follows draws on the award announcement, an interview with the author and a published review.
The 2026 Colorado Book Awards were presented Sept. 26 at the Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver. The Creative Nonfiction prize went to Devon O'Neil's The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies (HarperOne), according to Colorado Humanities. It was chosen over two other finalists, Craig Childs's The Wild Dark and Vauhini Vara's Searches. A month later, snow is returning to the high country and backcountry season is getting underway, which makes this a timely book to know about.
What it's about
According to Colorado Public Radio, the story begins in January 2017. Two Colorado skiers became separated from their backcountry group and were stranded in dangerous weather, and rescue efforts were stymied. One of the skiers survived. Volunteers helped by heading into the Sawatch Range during a major snowstorm.
O'Neil told CPR the project began as a magazine pitch. Over time it grew into a broader exploration of loss and grief. He spent several years interviewing rescuers, family members and the lone survivor. He also writes about a close call of his own.
Why it lands close to home
For Front Range readers, the Sawatch is not distant wilderness. It sits in the same mountains many Centennial residents drive toward on winter weekends. Backcountry Magazine describes the book as both a backcountry tragedy and an account of how the loss affected Salida, Colorado. That small-town angle broadens it beyond a survival tale. It is also about what a community carries afterward.
O'Neil told CPR he hoped readers would get past the reflex of assuming something like this could never happen to them. That framing matters because the book is about a real death and a real survivor. It points readers toward understanding how a day can turn, rather than second-guessing the people who lived it.
What a reviewer noticed
Backcountry Magazine's review highlights the depth of O'Neil's reporting. It notes that he goes deep into the backstory of each member of the search party. The same review offers a fair caveat: with such a large cast, the characters can blend together at times. If you prefer survival stories built around a single protagonist, it helps to know that going in.
Who it might suit
Backcountry skiers, splitboarders and snowshoers who are planning their season and want a sobering, human reminder of the stakes.
Narrative nonfiction readers drawn to stories about rescue, community and grief.
Book clubs looking for a Colorado-rooted title with plenty to discuss, including how volunteers answer the call when conditions are at their worst.
A gentle note: this is a true account of a fatal ordeal. Readers who are grieving, or who are close to someone lost in the mountains, may want to approach it with care.
Finding a copy
To borrow it, search the Arapahoe Libraries catalog or ask at your local branch. To buy it, ask at a neighborhood bookstore.
The takeaway: an award-winning Colorado book that honors the people who went into a storm, and the ones who waited for them to come home. It may be worth reading before your first trip past the trailhead this winter.
Purchase The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies by Devon O'Neil on Amazon.
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27 Comments
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Was hoping for more about the survivor’s recovery, but still sounds powerful. Might be good for our discussion group. Heavy stuff though.
Thank you for sharing, while the book touches on the survivor’s perspective, it’s just as much about the wider impacts and the aftermath for the whole community, which can spark some meaningful group discussions.
Just checked and looks like my local branch has a copy. I'll pick it up next week. Need something to set the mood before ski season.
I always get lost in big group stories but the mountain setting is pulling me in. Has anyone read it yet? Worth it for non-local readers?
Sounds bittersweet. I respect that the writer included his own story, not just others’. That kind of honesty makes a big difference.
It’s scary how fast things can go wrong in the mountains. My cousin had a close call last year. Adding this to my reminder list for winter prep.
If I see this at the library, I might pick it up. Not ready to buy it but intrigued, especially for the group dynamics during search efforts.
Backcountry stories always get me. Interested to see how he covers the family side, not just the survival. Glad it’s not sensationalized.
I have friends who volunteer for SAR around here. Folks don’t realize how risky it is even for those helping. I hope this brings more attention to that.
Have read Craig Childs before and loved his work. O’Neil beating him out for the award must mean this is really something.
Salida is one of those places I’ve always driven through but never stopped. This makes me want to visit and support their local stores.
I appreciate the heads up for folks who are grieving. My partner won’t be able to read this yet. Glad they included that note.
We’re so glad that note was helpful. It’s an intense read, and everyone processes stories of loss in their own time and way.
Bit wary of books that come from magazine pitches. Sometimes they feel stretched out. But the local angle does make me curious.
The thing about characters blending together worries me, but I like stories that show how many people risk a lot to help. Real teamwork.
Great observation, the book’s broad focus on the search party can make for a complex read, but it also highlights the collective effort and courage involved in real-life rescues.
I’ll never forget those news reports in 2017. Happy someone took time to go deep and not just blame the people lost. Important perspective.
I wish someone would make a documentary on these rescues too. Reading is fine but seeing it on film would make it even more real.
Interesting timing. Our group is heading up next weekend, and this is a good reminder to respect the backcountry. Will check the library for it.
I'm not much for survival stories but the grief angle sounds heavier than expected. Might not be a light winter read for everyone.
Janelle ChowI feel the same. Sometimes these stories hit too close to home, but I appreciate when they don't sugarcoat the impact on everyone involved.
So many books focus on the heroes, but I like that this goes into the whole community. Volunteers don’t get enough credit. Adding it to my winter stack.
Anyone know if O’Neil is local to Colorado? The details sound super in-depth. I’d rather read something by someone who really gets the community.
I lost a friend in an avalanche years ago. Books like this are tough but important. Glad it sounds respectful toward the folks involved.
Saw this at Tattered Cover last week but didn't realize it was about Salida. Small town losses hit the hardest. Might pick this up for my book club.
Can't believe the rescue story happened so close to home. The Sawatch always seemed safer than it is. Definitely makes me think twice about heading out solo.
The Sawatch’s nearness is a big part of the story’s impact, so many readers are surprised to realize how close such dangers can be, even on familiar trails.