ARAPAHOE BASIN — Snow fell softly Saturday morning as Travis Pugh quickly grabbed a probe pole, clicked out of his skis and began searching for a simulated avalanche victim.

In about 2 minutes, he'd hit the target.

“For my first Beacon Bowl ever, I can't cry about it,” he said. “The time is completely inconsequential — it's a beautiful day at A-Basin.”

The Denver resident said he competed in the recreation class of the Eighth Annual Beacon Bowl at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area to get outside — and because Colorado Avalanche Information Center is a “pretty good cause.”

Proceeds from the event benefit CAIC.

The event draws recreational and professional backcountry enthusiasts who use the opportunity to practice their skills amid friendly competition.

They use their own beacons to race against the clock to locate packs buried under snow. The recreation competitors need only strike the beacon with the probe while the professionals use their own shovels to dig out packs.

Ryan Zarter with A-Basin Ski Patrol said he practices with packs of beer as a “motivation to find it faster.”

“It's a good hut-trip game,” he said.

Saturday's event also included free beacon clinics, avalanche dog and snow-pit demonstrations and a telemark clinic.

Robert Allen can be contacted at (970) 668-4628 or rallen@summitdaily.com.