Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area (HVHSA) ended their 2017-18 ski season with a splash.
The annual Puddle Jump on March 24, 2018, complete with a slope-side pancake breakfast and an invitation to skiers to dress up in costume, was a day to celebrate the ski and snowboard season.
“Winter weather was weird this season, all over the place,” said Courtney Payne, HVHSA’s Communications and Events Manager. “But our snowmaking crew did an amazing job during December and early January to make a ton of snow in a short time frame. We had a couple of opportunities where the snowmaking weather was optimal, right around the -10°C mark and no wind. Man-made snow holds up so much better than natural snow and it has carried us so well into the spring season.”
This fun-filled day was a way for the Muskoka Ski Club, which owns the ski hill, to say thank you to their dedicated members and season pass holders for their support.
“Events like the Puddle Jump are a great way to celebrate the season and have some fun, and to have nice sunny weather is a real bonus! Especially for those who are going to try and cross the pond,” added Payne.
HVHSA’s Operations staff build the pond each year. It took this year’s crew — Outdoor Operations Manager, Chris Thomson, and brothers Derek, Ian and Graham Pascoe, affectionately known as ‘Team DIG’ — about 24 hours to shape, line and fill the pit for this event.
Many of the brave skiers and boarders came across the ice-cold puddle with ease, some with smooth sailing while others had a rough ride. One spectator said that they actually make it look easy.
Others bailed and crawled out of the icy waters with the assistance of Greg Miller from the Muskoka Zone Ski Patrol. The ski patrol donates their services to keep everyone safe for this event every year.
Those who went for a swim made comments like, “Man that’s cold,” and “That’s BRISK!” and “Get me out of here!” A few times the swimmers lost their equipment and Miller had to retrieve it from the bottom of the pond. “I wish they made skis that float,” he said.
This year, a few duos upped the challenge to make the attempt side by side or one after the other. It didn’t go as planned for one pair when the second skier caught the wake of the first.
One skier made a backwards attempt, which had him landing on his backside! And another attempt was made not on skis or a board but on a GT Snowracer. The jumper could not pick up enough speed and the GT took him for a nose dive.
Andrew Rusynyk, HVHSA’s General Manager, was the final jumper. He made it across as smooth as glass. “I was trying to spray everyone,” he said and his wake made sure of that.
HVHSA’s season ended on Sunday — the staff thanks everyone for a great year.
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It was a ton of fun and a great way to close out the winter season. Thanks for the great pictures. You have captured the fun and adventure that everyone experienced.
The day was gorgeous and fabulous conditions thanks to the ski club. Puddle Jump is always a great turnout to end the year.