Buried Alive: Inside the Alpine Meadows Avalanche Documentary

On this episode of Center Stage, I had the privilege of sitting down with filmmakers Jared Drake and Steven Siig to talk about their gripping documentary, BURIED: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche. Their film revisits the devastating events of March 31, 1982, when a colossal avalanche—unleashing millions of pounds of snow—swept through the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in Northern California, tragically claiming seven lives. But BURIED is more than just a recounting of disaster; it's a profound exploration of community, resilience, and the extraordinary efforts of ski patrol and locals who risked everything to save lives. In our conversation, Jared and Steven share what it was like to reconstruct this painful chapter of mountain-town history and why the story continues to resonate over 40 years later. As our conversation wrapped, it became clear that BURIED is not just a documentary—it’s a tribute. Jared Drake and Steven Siig have created a film that honors the memory of those lost, while shedding light on the raw courage and humanity shown in the face of nature’s unforgiving power. Whether you're a skier, a filmmaker, or simply someone who values stories of resilience, BURIED is a film that will stay with you. Tune in to hear how this unforgettable project came to life, and why its message of unity and survival still echoes today.