SPRINGTIME FUN The end of the ski season at Panorama is always a good time the resort is hosting multiple events before closing on April 12th. Above, skiers enjoy the sun on last years closing day. File photo
By James Rose
Special to The Pioneer
As the days get longer, we march into spring and the temperatures steadily rise, Panorama Mountain Resorts ski season is, alas, coming to a close. With recent fresh powder, one might think a season extension may be in the cards. This, however, is not the case as George Harrison once said: All things must pass. This is not to say, though, that all good things involving Panoramas 2014/15 ski season have come and gone yet.
In the upcoming two weeks, the hill has plenty of great events planned that will have everyone wishing December was right around the corner for another season! But as Panoramas Marketing and Media Specialist, Jamie Hurschler, emphasizes, spring is a time when the pace is a little more relaxed and the warm weather helps let the good times roll.
First up this weekend is tonights (Friday, March 27th) inaugural Toby Creek Film Festival. The free entry event is taking place in the Jackpine Pub and aims to give budding cinematographers a chance to showcase their latest work to an audience eager to check out the latest in tricks, jumps, stacks, epic fails, cheeky shenanigans, smiles, jam nights, and all that is Panorama life.
Starting at roughly 8 p.m., the evening showcases films shot from GoPros, DSLRs, drones, you name it will roughly be five to ten minutes in length. Dont miss your chance to see the next Warren Miller.
Planned for the following weekend are two long-running events that have proved popular year after year. On Friday, April 3rd, the 19th Annual Easter Paragliding Event will be taking off once again. Pilots in this event will be launching from runs off both the Champagne and Summit chairs. Tasks for the pilots will include dropping Easter eggs into targets on the Greywolf driving range, aiming for target landings and, if possible, racing to Lake Windermere weather permitting.
Beginning on Saturday, April 4th is the 28th Annual Easy Rider Snowboard Cup. This event takes place over the entire weekend with each athlete racing through a banked slalom course. Participants will complete two runs one on Saturday and the second on the Sunday.
Awards will be handed out at a ceremony in front of the Ski Tip Lodge following Sundays action and there also will be a prize draw for all participants. Mr. Hurschler is hoping for another great turnout this year.
Its so much fun crossing the finish line at the Easy Rider Snowboard Cup, getting a high five from a fellow snowboarder and then recalling your run through the course over a cold one on the deck of the Great Hall at the prize giveaway, said Mr. Hurschler.
Registration for the event takes place on Friday, April 3rd at the Ski Tip Lodge from 5 to 8 p.m., and is open to snowboarders of all ages and skill level.
Panorama also has a full list of Easter-themed family activities planned for the Easter weekend. Throughout Saturday, activities include Easter egg hunts, carnivals, and hard-boiled egg and gingerbread house decorating. Additionally, the Panorama Fire Department will be giving fire truck rides in the lower parking lot.
For an hourly schedule of all the different activities, check out the Easter Celebration page at www.panoramaresort.com/events.
Notably, this years Peak to Valley Race, originally planned for Saturday, March 28th, has been cancelled due to low registration.
The last day to strap on the boards for the winter season is Sunday, April 12th.
