Avalanche

David Shelby is a prosperous ski resort owner whose dominating personality drives the plot. He relentlessly pursues the title 'King of the Mountain' and leverages wealth to push through the resort's risky opening. His controlling behavior strains his relationship with Caroline and provokes conflict with others. As disaster unfolds, he must confront the consequences of his ambitions and face the consequences of his actions.

Caroline Brace is a magazine reporter and David's ex-wife who remains drawn into his world despite their divorce. Her independence and integrity challenge David's need to control everything. She forms an unexpected bond with Nick Thorne amid the mounting danger and ultimately helps drive the escape and rescue efforts. In the end, she seeks a new path away from the toxic dynamics of their relationship.

Florence Shelby is David's mother, offering a steady, protective presence as disaster strikes. She endures the avalanche and the peril of the wreckage, her survival a testament to resilience. Her rescue and recovery become a focal point for the community's will to persevere. She embodies the human cost of ambition and the hope that life persists beyond tragedy.

Nick Thorne is an environmental photographer who warns of the resort's dangers as heavy snowfall approaches. He clashes with David's hubris but earns Caroline's attention and becomes a crucial ally in the rescue efforts. His practical skills and caution contrast with David's risk-taking, helping to avert further catastrophe. By the end, he remains a catalyst for change and a witness to the consequences of ignoring warnings.

Bruce Scott is a globally known ski champion and rival who becomes entangled in the disaster's aftermath. He demonstrates bravado but also vulnerability as he navigates the avalanche and its consequences. His fate underscores the peril inherent in extreme sport and ambition. He survives at times but endures lasting impact from the catastrophe.

Mark Elliott is a television host who is present during the opening festivities and on the ski ramp. He becomes a casualty of the avalanche and the ensuing chaos, illustrating the thin line between spectacle and danger. His death serves as a reminder of the indiscriminate reach of disaster. The event reframes the resort's gleam into a cautionary tale.

Henry McDade is a timid bookkeeper who reveals the financial and bureaucratic challenges behind the resort’s construction. He warns Florence about the mounting pressures, and his cautious nature contrasts with David's bold plans. He is trapped under a staircase during the crisis and is rescued alongside others. His survival underscores the human cost of risky development.

Jason is a young boy who survives the avalanche, symbolizing the community's fragile hope. He witnesses the chaos and shows resilience amid the wreckage. His presence underscores the personal stakes of the disaster.