It’s not every day that you get to enjoy the backcountry with friends, improve your beacon search efficiency and hydrate with beers by a bonfire. Yesterday, however, was one of those days thanks to Colter Hinchliffe and Jordan White hosting the first Backcountry Beacon Party atop Aspen Mountain. The two lead an ever growing group of interested individuals through drills, educational sessions and inspiring conversations through out the day.

The staging area on the top of Aspen mountain.

One of the colder days yet this season called for beers by the bonfire.

Colter Hinchliffe providing some quick refreshers before heading into the slide zone.

Different companies make different beacons, know how to use yours.

Knowing when to ride, unstrap and search by foot is crucial to saving a life.

A skier practicing the beacon search enters the mock “slide zone.”

Colter demonstrates the finer points of the beacon search, especially when you’ve closed in on the target.

The crew gets educated.

Shaka’s all around!

We believe in the perfect balance of safety and adventure. Spending time in the mountains, a beast of their own, is both dangerous and inexplicably addictive. Keep shredding, pushing the limits and practicing your precautionary efforts. We hope to pair up with these guys again and support another Backcountry Beacon Party for you!

Photos (the better ones): Jeremy Wallace/The Aspen Times

Cheers,

 Aspen Brewing Company