Everyone knows that skiers can be a bit wild and crazy but on March 2, there will be a whole new level of goofy when the 43rd annual Slush Cup takes place at Shanty Creek Resort at Schuss Mountain.
Just how crazy will it get? Well, how about a competition of skiers and snowboarders, all dressed in costumes trying to see just how far they can make it across an icy, slushy 40-foot pond. Or what about fish tossing or a seal slide.
Sponsored by Shanty Creek and Monster Energy Drinks, the event has become a favorite of skiers. The day begins at 9 a.m. with free event registration and then it is time for the fun to begin!
At 10:30 a.m., it is the first event of the day, the seal slide. How do you slide like a seal? Very easily, you don a trash bag and head down the slope on your belly, like a seal. First one to cross the finish line is the winner.
Next, at 11:30 a.m. is the frozen fish toss, which is exactly as it sounds, who can toss a frozen fish the furthest. According to Lindsey Southwell of Shanty Creek Resort, the fish toss competition all comes down to technique.
"The fish toss is kind of like a fish shot put," Southwell says. "Although, some swear by their techniques - some are shot put style, some are granny style (under the legs and a heave) or others are thrown like a baseball."
Once the seals have slid and the fish have flown, it is time for the shovel race. Racers take their place on snow shovels, after all it is a ski slope, and race down the hill. Again, like the seal slide, whom ever makes it down first wins, but trying to slide down a hill on a snow shovel poses the threat of crashes and other mishaps, all adding to the fun of the day.
Finally it is time for the big event, the race of races, for the day at least, the Slush Cup.
Skiers and snowboarders will attempt to cross a 40-foot wide slush and water filled pond placed at the base of the hill. To do this, participants begin at the top of the slope, ski down, pick up speed and hope to hydroplane over the top of the water.
Those that make it across move onto the next heat, but this time they begin lower on the hill. This continues until one lucky and by this time very wet participant, is the only one left crossing the pond, or at least the greatest portion of it. Oh yes, they do this while wearing a variety of odd costumes from bears to clowns.
To this grand champion goes a medal as the winner. In fact, everyone crazy enough to take part in the event receives a medal. After all it is like climbing Mt. Everest. Why did you ski across the slushy pond? Because it was there.
Each year skiers flock to this fun filled day of madness which should not be missed.
Shush Mountain at Shanty Creek offers 55 runs on its two mountains, six terrain parks and a vertical drop of 450 feet.
For boarders, new this year is the Monster Energy Park with the Purple Daze, Boulevard and The Natty along with The Big Air Launch Pad featuring a 25- foot and 40-foot "booter". For those new to a "park", there is the Low Rider beginner's park.
As part of the Slush Cup weekend, Shanty Creek Resorts is offering a special weekend package which for $99 includes one nights lodging, breakfast, a one-day Super Ticket and a 90-minute ski clinic for those 13 and over who want to take part. You can book Slush Cup Weekend online or by calling the resort at (800) 678.4111.
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