'Perfect storm' of events helped save life of woman buried in weekend avalanche

"I want to try and prevent people going into the backcountry without the resources, the education and the knowledge. I don't want teenage boys to go under the ropes at Brighton, or Snowbird, or Alta and not go with a clear head. This is a calculated risk that we take, that we all get training," she said. "It works. I'm proof of that.

"Life is random and you can't control things. But when it does happen, it's important you have the support."

Malloy is a critical care nurse at Primary Children's Medical Center and said being able to keep her hands and all of her fingers is invaluable. Morrey works for a local backcountry gear manufacturer.

Malloy said the experience hasn't deterred her will to return to the backcountry.

"It's not about the powder turns. It's about the mountains, it's about the hiking, it's about the experience for me. It's not necessarily about the skiing. I enjoy being in the mountains. I love snow. I've always considered myself a mountain goat. So I know I'll be back out," she said.

"I will keep all my fingers and toes and I will be back out there."

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com

Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam