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| You did WHAT... | ...on Schnai Day? | ||
| by Debi Osborne |
| Holy Schnai Day, Batman! It's the last day of the season for skiing on Hudson's Bay Mountain! It is Sunday, April 18, 1999 and even before 9 a:m, the groomed runs are glittering and twinkling, an effect caused by a beautiful, sunny-blue sky. The glow can be seen for miles across the valley surrounding the mountain, and all three parking lots quickly fill to overflowing. The twenty-minute drive from downtown Smithers seems to take forever today. |
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| The hills are soon alive with the sound of music, laughter and skis swishing through corn snow like a hot knife through butter. The sun feels very warm, mind you, even at the bottom of the Orange T-Bar, the elevation is at 3700'. I abandon my normal ski suit and face the day in shorts, suntan lotion and sunglasses. Today, any outfit might earn you a prize for the "Best Costume" award, although contrary to belief, wearing clothes is not "an option" and is mandatory to be eligible. |
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Winning costumes included "Pumba" from the Lion King show, a Wizard, and a Dragon for the children's category. "Sister Shred" blessed the audience, the entertainer and the Adult First Place prize. Other mentionable costumes were the "9 Bare Butts From Prince Rupert", the Flamingo Dancers, a "Black Magic Babe" and Private "Dan" Ryan. There were many hippies and cross-dressers at various stages in their lives, some looking strangely at ease with their outfits.  |
