Toward the Last Ski: Come Again Soon, La Nina

By Guest Writer, 4-14-11

Nothing says the end of ski season like corn snow, sunshine and costumes. April is a time of closure as Forest Service leases expire and chair lifts are turned off.  The mechanisms that run each resort operation will stop to gather dust. Sadly, the shoulder season is very near.

But first, let us revel in the year that will forever be known as…. drum roll.. 2010-2011! A season of maniacal weather patterns and 100-plus bases. We skiers made a new best friend and her name is La Niña. Here’s hoping she bucks the pattern and comes calling next year. La Niña kept it snowing. La Niña brought the inches of delight. Our powder-filled smiles are still wide in reminiscence.

Many skiers like to cap off their season with a final display of gratitude to the mountains that gave them so much vertical. On the last day we traipse across the remaining snow in all manner of costumes and outfits, all for the entertainment of nature. I’ve seen Batman and Robin, the Blues Brothers, Superman, and Eeyore. People in birthday suits, uni-suits, wigs and the ever popular lingerie over long underwear. 

No matter what you wear on the last day of the season, be sure to say “here here” to 2010-2011! We are sad to see this one go. In the meantime, someone get La Nina’s phone number, Facebook page or 401K to hold as ransom because we want her back next year.