Whitewater Ski Resort is celebrating the season with its fourth annual Winter Carnival this weekend.
Head up to the hill for marshmallow roasts around the fire, a snow sculpture competitions and, of course, some great skiing.
“Conditions are still really amazing, it’s incredible considering we haven’t had significant snowfall in awhile,” said sales and marketing director Rebeckah Hornung, who hasn’t given up hope that the snow gods will bring some fresh powder for the festivities.
“Everyone will have to do a little snow dance for us,” she joked.
Snow or not, there will be lots of reasons to hit the slopes.
Gerick’s Ski and Cycle is hosting its second annual Summit Cup race, an all-ages skier/boarder cross event that will see four people race down the hill with the fastest two advancing to the next round until only one racer remains. The race starts at 11:30 a.m. and the top racers in four categories will be awarded at a 3:30 p.m. ceremony.
After last chair, the party will move into the lodge for the Snow Ball Apres Party, featuring live music by Bessie and the Black Eddies, a buffet dinner, torchlight parade and fireworks. Tickets for the buffet are $20, available at Whitewater’s downtown office or from guest services in the lodge.
For folks who want to drop off their vehicles at home before the party, Whitewater will be running a free shuttle to and from the lodge, with pickup at Safeway at 4:55 p.m. and following the same route as the morning shuttle up to the hill.
The next day, festivities continue with the Beacon Olympics aimed at making avalanche awareness fun.
“There will be beacons buried in the meadow and prizes for finding them,” Hornung said.
There will also be companion rescue and avalanche skills demonstrations.
“It’s a great weekend to head out, bring the family, and take part in the activities at the mountain,” Hornung said.
If you need anymore reason to get stoked to get out to Whitewater, a new video by Freeride Entertainment making the rounds on Facebook might be the inspiration you need.
Dropped on YouTube last Saturday, the one and a half minute film called All in a Moment features skiers and boarders making fresh tracks on and around Whitewater, as well as some beautiful aerial shots of the mountain. Hornung said most of the footage was collected last year and the year before.
“They film throughout the season, so year after year they’re gathering more footage,” Hornung said.
“It’s the third film they’ve done for us. We give them the theme and they make magic happen.”
Watch the film here.