Rescued Colorado Skier Says Her Companions Treated Her Like Slave

One of five skiers lost in the Aspen back country for four days says some of her companions treated her like a slave, ordering her to break trail and wash dishes.

Contrary to the others’ version of the trek, Brigitte Schluger said all was not rosy. “I don’t mean to be vengeful, but I want the record set straight,” she said Tuesday.

Schluger and Rob and Dee Dubin, all from Denver, became separated from their group while cross-country skiing during a blizzard on Feb. 20. They spent two nights camping out before reaching a vacant ranger cabin. They were rescued by helicopter on Feb. 24.

Schluger, 50, and Mrs. Dubin, 47, remained hospitalized in fair condition at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital for frostbite treatment.

Schluger said that she had known the Dubins for at least six years and had gone on similar excursions with them.

She said Dubin, 38, told her to drop her pack when she lagged behind, then forced her to break trail because she was the only one not carrying extra weight.

“I just felt like this little Roman slave girl, and there’s this guy on the cart behind going, ‘Faster, faster,’ ” she said.

Dubin said he was hurt, but not surprised by Schluger’s comments.

“She has been in seclusion” since the group was rescued, he said, “and alternately mad at every member of the group.”