You did WHAT...			...on Schnai Day?

It is 3:30 and time for the "Slush Cup". In this event, sane people, both young and old, try to cross a pond of freezing water using their skis, boards, toboggans or whatever they dare. A large hole has been dug in the snow between the Orange T-Bar and the Rental Shop. Plastic sheeting lines the inside to hold water, which has been delivered in truck loads from town, then pumped into the waiting "cup". Fans line the runway from the slope above to the icy pool and cheer as contestants try to reach the far side without getting wet. Much to everyone's joy, not everyone will make it.

Slush Cup Anyone? (Approaching the icy bath)

The lifts finally close. For the day. For the season. Inside the Main Lodge, prizes are handed out and draws made. People are saying their farewells and thank you's, the door opens and closes steadily. The cafeteria crowd begins to dwindle, while the lounge begins to fill. Customers pour in for the final tradition. It wouldn't seem like Schnai Day without local songwriter and entertainer Mark Perry winding us up, then gently burning us out. We challenged each other in the "Cossack Dance", the "Joke Telling" and "Let's Talk Dirty In Hawaiian" contests. I said farewell to the lifties, to friends from other cabins and to the last Jello Shooter. Night fell up on Hudson Bay Mountain.

"I know that ski is in here somewhere..."

When table dancing became the "norm", I knew the festivities were coming to a close. It had been a huge success. The Ski Year 1998-1999 had produced enough interest from November to April to ensure that the hill will operate for another year. Leaving customers with fond memories of a great season, lots of snow, perfect Spring skiing, along with the best Schnai Day weather ever, will, hopefully like that best golf game ever, have them returning in the Fall. (April 29, 1999)

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