Snowy Range Ski Resort concluded another ski season with a weekend full of festivities that even included a blizzard.
The ski resort kicked off its “Screamin’ Final Weekend” Saturday with events including a moustache contest, live music, fresh BBQ, 70’s and 80’s costume contest and a slalom ski race. Although people skied without shirts on Saturday, the weather dropped to a frigid 15 degrees, with snow on Sunday.
The snow flurry, however, did not keep skiers away – if anything the fresh powder attracted them. According to the Snowy Range Ski Club, a record number of contestants entered the slalom race on Sunday.
“It’s been our best closing weekend yet, with a good response and a happy vibe – which is good, that’s what we’re after,” said Aaron Maddox, Snowy Range Ski Resort co-owner.
Skiers sported unconventional outfits – including Garfield and Winnie the Pooh costumes, afro-wigs, neon pants, tie-die, cowboy hats, handlebar moustaches and full-body Santa suits.
The giant finale weekend symbolized the exceptional season Snowy Range had this past winter. There has been a plethora of snow and activities all year long, including ski club races, high school ski races, terrain park competitions and night tubing. One of the races was even canceled this season due to too much snow.
“It’s been a great season – we’ve owned it [Snowy Range Ski Resort] four years, and every year’s been better than the last, and this year really caps it off for us – so it’s been amazing,” Maddox said.
Maddox said Snowy Range’s popularity could be attributed to its proximity to Laramie and the welcoming community it offers. All ages from toddlers to college students to retirees come out to enjoy the ski resort on a weekly basis.
“I grew up skiing here, so it’s kind of like a personal thing,” said UW student and ski club coach Riley Shogren. “I feel at home at Snowy Range ski area.”
The ski resort manages several programs designed to help beginners advance their abilities. The ski school offers individual or group lessons to snowboarders and skiers throughout the season. For a program arranged to have more structure, there is a ski club that works similarly to a ski camp, with young skiers meeting every Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter to improve their skiing abilities. All seven coaches for the ski club are UW students.
“This is my sixth season this year,” ski club member Eloise Fadial said. “It’s a great ski hill. They have a lot of fun activities and things they do a lot of.”
In preparation for next season, the ski resort is looking to provide for a bigger attendance. Maddox said the resort is making some minor additions to improve the experience for next year. Forming a terrain park club team, expanding the parking lot and re-painting the chair lifts are goals for the resort.
“[Snowy Range Ski Resort] seems to be a popular choice on the weekends,” Maddox said. “We are working on little projects here and there that people seem to appreciate.”
The resort begins selling season passes in August for discounted rates. In collaboration with Steamboat Ski Resort, Snowy Range will offer a season pass with an option to purchase five discounted lift tickets to Steamboat. Snow permitting, they hope to re-open for the 2014-2015 ski season near Thanksgiving.
As the clock hit 4 p.m. on Sunday, the die-hard skiers began to say their goodbyes for the season. The band played the Beatle’s classic “Here Comes the Sun” as raffle prizes were distributed to children and adults drank $2 beers.
“I stood right here five months ago and said it was going to be the best season ever,” said resort co-owner Becky Maddox, “and it was, so thank you.”
