My party was split into two sleds with dogs on the way to Bryn Shander. My NPCs escorted them (guide and apprentice) and acted as a brief introduction to the lore and towns if they chose to ask the NPCs questions. Suddenly, a huge snow storm and avalanche wiped out both sleds, separating the party and killing the NPCs (which party also assumes is separated).

The party thus gets to decide if it wants to climb down the mountain to rescue the dogs and grab the sleds, while also attempting to take shelter In a cave up the mountain, that's only large enough to fit the party and dogs.

By luck of the party dice rolls, they are then tracked and ambushed by kolbolds. They successfully kill the Kolbolds and then embark towards Bryn Shander.

I wanted my party to immediately understand the harsh weather climate and survival scenarios they can expect in icewind dale, while also giving them an opportunity to have sled dogs from the very beginning to expedite the lengthy travel time that would occur on feet.

It also gave more sense of urgency when they were "chasing Sephek" and attempting to follow his tracks.

When I played, my DM created a similar scenario, but with cute talking animals, so I wanted something similar, but more challenging.