What: Alpine Meadows' unique take on an Easter egg hunt, Beacon and Eggs, designed to give backcountry skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to practice a vital rescue skill using beacons.
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday
How to get there: Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, 2600 Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 east to Truckee. Turn south on Highway 89 for about 10 miles and go right on Alpine Meadows Road.
What the organizers say: "The object is to find whatever is buried under the snow quickly. It's nice because it really gives you practice to be proficient," says Alpine Meadows spokeswoman Rachael Woods.
To participate, skiers and boarders will need to bring their own avalanche beacon. The beacons, which cost $200 to $300, send out radio signals that can be detected by other beacons.
About 10 beacons attached to vouchers good for outdoors-oriented prizes will be buried in the snow for the fourth annual event. In addition to the beacon search, Alpine Meadows will offer a traditional Easter egg hunt.
Avalanche beacons have grown in popularity among snow lovers – and they are certainly vital in an emergency. For a person stuck in the snow, the beacon is a lifeline. In search mode, one beacon searching for another will beep. The louder the beep, the closer you are.
Other tools for Sunday's event include a shovel and a probe to feel for objects, or "subjects," in the snow.
Admission: Free; reservations aren't needed
Information: (530) 581-8238 or www.skialpine.com
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