With 12 inches of new snow this week at Purgatory Resort and more in the forecast, skiers and snowboarders have been able to make a few more powder turns at the mountain before it stops spinning its lifts.
Purgatory will end its daily operations for the season on Sunday. It will then reopen for two weekends, April 9-10 and April 16-17, to conclude its 2021-2022 season.
To celebrate the end of the season, Purgatory will hold its annual pond-skimming competition from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday in the mountain’s base area.
In a pond skimming competition, skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a pool of icy water. Catching an edge on water, however, is much easier than on snow, and the entrances into the pool are often tricky. Wipeouts are standard fare.
The farewell to the winter season has been a spring ritual at Purgatory since 2001.
Prizes will be awarded for best skim, both male and female, as well as the best wipeout and best costumes. There also will be live music playing while Ska Brewing pours beer in the base area.
Space for the pond skim is limited to the first 100 people to sign up on Sunday inside the ticket office/will call desk, beginning at 10 a.m. There is a $10 entry fee, and participants must be at least 12 years old. Kids under 18 years old must have a parent sign a waiver.
