At the start of the story Ian is about 35 years old and is injured when he gets trapped in a small avalanche while skiing in Switzerland along with his friend Mike McGill (who is an expert in the study of snow).

While recuperating in London at his mother's home he is visited by his grandfather, Ben, who offers him the job of managing director of a gold mine located in Huka which is indirectly controlled by Ballard Holdings.

Witnesses are called in this inquiry who recall their experience before, during and after the avalanche and the story is presented through these explanations, at the same time alternating between events in Huka during June/July and the government hearing in December.

Finding himself alone in this place Ian invites Mike McGill (who is planning to go to Antarctica soon with a government expedition) to visit him in Huka for a little time.

In spite of this, McGill takes samples of snow from the nearby mountain slopes and concludes that the danger is very real and imminent.

After witnessing these events John and Eric Peterson begin to believe what McGill told them and start to mobilise the town resources to prepare for an avalanche.

During the government inquiry, some surprising evidence is presented which shows that Charlie Peterson had actually deliberately started the avalanche by skiing very aggressively at the top of the mountain slopes.