Coinciding with National Safety Awareness Week, January 13-19, Beaver Creek hosted a free avalanche and backcountry awareness class on Monday. Everyone met at Patrol Headquarters for a two hour class where we learned how not to die in the backcountry.

After watching a short movie of people getting caught in slides, Tyler, part of Beaver Creek Ski Patrol, went over how recover someone caught in an avalanche. He spoke of timing, last point of sight, following debris lines, and how to use a beacon.

Ski patrol then set up a beacon training area outside the hut where we practiced some hands on. They buried a couple beacons around the area and we had to find them. Considering it was my first time even holding a beacon, I'd say I did pretty well. Although it wasn't breathing, I believe the beacon survived.

Dave, another Beaver Creek Patroller helping out with the awareness class, was volunteered to be buried so we could see the avalanche dogs in action.

When you hear that dogs are man's best friend, they are referring to Blu, the avalanche dog on Beaver Creek's Patrol team. We all watched as Blu came out of Patrol Headquarters and sniffed the open field of snow searching for Dave. It was almost surreal how fast Blu found him. Within 15 seconds Blu had the location and was digging. To my relief, Dave was still alive. Crisis averted.

After lunch, came the beacon search contest. Everyone who participated in the morning classroom session was given the chance to win a free Tracker Beacon. Patrol had simulated an avalanche, buried a beacon, and one by one each of us were timed while we searched and retrieved it. The fastest time took home a free beacon.

Unfortunately my 1 minute 59 seconds took home nothing more than second place. My new nemesis, Nick Tamarcs, scored a winning 1 minute 48 seconds.

I left without a beacon, but I did acquire backcountry knowledge that could eventually save my life and/or the life of my friends.

To Beaver Creek's Patrol, "Thank you." To Nick Tamarcs, "I will have my revenge!"

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