KELOWNA – Spring is in the air and for most ski resorts this marks a time of transition – it’s time to wrap up the winter season and look ahead to the summer. However, they can’t possibly say goodbye to the snow without a good send off. Here are just a few of the quirky things that B.C. resorts have planned to celebrate the end of an epic winter season.

Big White Ski Resort’s Dummy Downhill
On April 13 hundreds of people will gather on the slopes of Big White’s tube park to watch a bunch of dummies careen down the slopes. Usually about 12 teams compete, having constructed their “dummies”, which have to be between 2-10 feet in height and weigh under 150lbs. There are prizes for the dummies that catch the biggest air, sickest crash, and fastest run, as well as for best design and costume. It’s important to note in the rules that the use of explosives is frowned upon. The action starts at 1pm and is open to anyone who likes a good crash. For more information visit: http://ow.ly/v0ReI

Fernie Alpine Resort’s Slope Soaker
On April 13 prepare to see to see some of the best and most imaginative costumes you can think of (bikinis encouraged) as the participants, full of adrenaline and valour, speed straight down the slope and hit a frigid pond in the hope of crossing it. Dryness equals success, but impressive wet failures can win prizes too. You’ll see plenty of both outcomes and have a blast closing down the season with some giggles. All proceeds will go to Fernie Search and Rescue, who will be on hand to drag contestants from the water. For more information visit: http://ow.ly/v0S7s

Whitewater Ski Resort’s Dogstacle
Do you own a retriever yearning to prove his balancing skills on a high beam? Or perhaps a husky who likes a good dress up? Part of Whitewater’s “Beach Party” event on April 6 the “Dogstacle” has been an annual event at the resort for over ten years. The event kicks off with a doggie parade around the lodge to draw attention to their “dog gone good looks” then the obstacle course begins. This year the top prizes will go to: best costume, number one in course agility, and best trick. The canine craziness begins at 3pm, for more information visit: http://ow.ly/v0UaQ

Whistler Blackcomb’s Big Air Jump
Every spring Whistler Blackcomb hosts the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, the largest annual winter sports and music festival in North America. New for 2014, the resort will host Freestyle Progression’s free-fall setup at the base of Whistler Mountain, which will allow Festival-goers to get a taste of the airtime the athletes they watch are so familiar with. The jump will be open to the public during the day for the entire duration of the Festival (April 11-20) and will have two platforms – one at 6 metres (20 feet) and the top platform at 10 metres (33 feet). Jumpers will have to test their nerves on the lower platform before being allowed to jump from the top. For more information visit www.wssf.com.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014