For something different this Easter, why not join in the fifth annual ‘Beacon & Eggs’ Beacon Search contest at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in California.  This unique event combines an Easter Egg hunt with an avalanche beacon search practice session.  Not only is it fun, free and open to all ages, but it also raises vital avalanche awareness.

“This is a great opportunity for skiers and riders to practise their search and rescue technique and win great prizes while doing it,” remarked Ken Bokeland of Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol.

Here’s how it works: Avalanche beacons are buried in a one-acre area at Alpine Meadows.  Competitors find the buried treasure using their beacons in “search” mode, and then work individually or in teams (up to four people) to recover the beacons.  These beacons can then be swapped for prizes from such sponsors as Mammut, Garmont, Truckee Sports Exchange, Tahoe Adventure Company, Moody’s, Cosmo’s Custom Footwerks, Mountain Hardware, Alpenglow Sports, The Backcountry and River Ranch.

To join in: Registration is free if you hold a season pass or a lift ticket.  Register between 9am-11am at the Beacon & Eggs tent near the top of Subway Chair Lift (next to the base lodge). The hunt begins at noon near the top of the Subway beginner lift, adjacent to the base lodge. Competitors must provide their own beacons, probes, and shovels. For further information and details, go to the Alpine Meadows website.