Dog and Skier Swept Away by Large Avalanche

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 12:48 PM ET

Skier Ares Masip suffered a close call during a backcountry ski outing in the country of Andorra on January 8, 2026.

Masip was skiing with her dog Cim, on a slope that was "very familiar". She had skied it three times in the last five days, according to her written video description.

"All in all, a lot of factors have added up that made me think it was safe. And this is where it enters, what is known as a heuristic trap," writes Masip. She continues, "[A heuristic trap is] a mental bias that makes you simplify reality and overestimate safety when, objectively, the risk is there. It's not that the conditions were safe, it's that they looked safe."

Tap or click below to watch the harrowing video of Masip and Cim being swept away in the slide.

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Masip's video has been viewed over 20 million times on Instagram since it was published on January 8th. Her close call has apparently resonated with millions of skiers and dog owners who feared for Cim's safety.

"I was so worried for the dog," writes one commenter. "Wow! That would have been extra stressful with the dog! Well managed!" wrote Remy Metailler, a professional mountain biker and avid skier.

Masip ended the post with a few words of reflection: "Today it was a scare and a good lesson on a personal level. If [this video] helps someone not to let their guard down in a "trustworthy" place, all will be fine!"

Stay safe out there, friends.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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