Winter Goes Out With a Splash!
Nothing signifies the transition from Winter to Spring more than Ski Roundtop’s annual pond skimming contest. While not really a contest it is a rite of passage for both participants and spectators alike. This past Sunday was no different.
Thirty or so brave skiers and boarders hiked their way up the Minuteman slope, about 70 yards above their intended target: a thirty-foot long, three-foot deep “pond” filled with icy cold water. For those of you who’ve never witnessed this spectacle the object is to ski/snowboard straight downhill towards the pond gaining enough speed to hopefully carry you across the surface of the water. But speed doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. Without the proper technique you can bet you’re going to end up very cold and very wet.
In the 30+ years I’ve been at SKi Roundtop I’ve never taken on the “pond” myself, and I’m not ashamed to say so. While I applaud those brave souls who have taken on the challenge, I can say that my momma didn’t raise no fool. I’m a firm believer that if God had wanted me to swim in 35 degree waters he would have at least provided me with a nice, thick coat of fur, seriously.
Congratulations to all the pond skimmers and thank you Ski Roundtop for another great year of snow. See you again next season.
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- Landing or taking off?
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- Some made it look too easy
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- Definite 10 for style
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- Uhm, no comment…
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- Not a happy pirate
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- Helmet?
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- Now that’s called skimming
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- Made it!
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- Why skim when you can fly?
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- Surfing the big waves
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- What pirates do for fun
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- Neal makes everyone smile
Amateur Ski Racing Comes to Town
I had the opportunity recently to spend a Saturday covering the Amateur Ski Racing Association’s (ASRA) event at Ski Roundtop. Partially sunny skies, temperatures in the mid 30’s, and perfect snow conditions greeted 56 racers as they prepared for two runs of Giant Slalom and two runs of Slalom.
I always look forward to covering ski racing events not only because of my background as a race coach but also for the technical challenges it presents as a photographer. Bright, white snow and back lit subjects always make for interesting shooting.
Not that they need or want any recognition but I’m going to put a plug in for Ski Roundtop’s Competition Services department.They did a phenomenal job at setting up and running the race as they have been for years.
Another stop for the Mid Atlantic Snowboard Series found snowboarders gathering at Ski Roundtop this weekend for two days of racing. Warm weather and soft snow made for less than ideal racing conditions but thanks to the hard work of the Ski Roundtop Racing Club Snowboard Team and the dedicated crew of Ski Roundtop’s Competition Services the event went off without a hitch. And what better way to end a weekend of great racing than with free Cholula hot sauce!
More pictures of Sunday’s Giant Slalom race can be viewed and purchased on our GALLERY.
