Ski season ends with huge splash

Winter ended at Eaglecrest yesterday (Sunday) with a splash.  The city-owned ski area wrapped up its 36th season drenched in sun, warm temperatures, plenty of snow, and the sometimes annual Slush Cup.

That’s where brave skiers and snowboarders race down Hilary’s run to a pond filled with water.  The idea is to get across the pond  without sinking.  Forty-four entered the Slush Cup this year, but only seven finished.  The rest fell into the frigid water, but divers were on hand to quickly help them out.

Prizes were given for the longest and shortest distance across the pond, the biggest splash, the best costume, and the person who drew the loudest cheers from the crowd.  First place went to Andrew Campbell, also known as  “Captain Scurvy” for the event.  Bruce Griggs took second place and Lucy Squibb was third.

Hiram Henry made the biggest splash.  Ron Flint had the best costume; Jubal Skaggs was the crowd pleaser; Kemper Hart fell immediately on entering the water and got the prize for going the least distance.  Dan Ord went the longest distance,  skiing across the pond and way beyond before stopping.

Ord’s and Squibb’s results aren’t surprising: both are coaches for the Juneau ski team!  Assistant coach Patrick Shanley also made it across the pond, though his style was bit shakey.

Early Saturday morning, the pond was filling with water, then it sprung a leak. Eaglecrest General Manager Matt Lillard and a crew worked to restore the bottom for Sunday’s Slush cup.

The Slush Cup had been set for Saturday afternoon, but the pond sprung a leak about mid-morning and had to be repaired, so it was postponed ‘til Sunday.

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