Anne and her boyfriend Marc are on standby duty with the mountain rescue service in the Tyrolean mountain village of Vent when they are called into action: Anne’s brother Michael is in mortal danger. Despite their best efforts, the two are unable to save Michael and must watch as he falls to his death. This accident breaks up Anne’s relationship with Marc, who then turns his back on Vent and never learns of the birth of his son Nik. When Marc returns to the valley years later, the avalanche warnings have increased and a catastrophe is imminent.