Ski Apache Big Mountain Vertical Challenge
The period between late February and early March is witness to celebrations in the Americas such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These self-indulgent public street parties are usually marked with the general reversal of everyday rules and norms whereby revelers allow themselves to lose their customary individuality and accepted social guidelines. In short, festivities without etiquette.
Lincoln County has its own lively communal gathering, too – the annual Ski Apache Big Mountain Vertical Challenge scheduled for March 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only this event has definite rules of qualification and accepted conduct. Teams of three people each will compete and be comprised of: someone over 50-years-old; a person under 20; a snowboarder and a woman.
This eminent Ski Apache Big Mountain Vertical Challenge will pit squads of entrants against each other to see how many vertical feet can be covered within a certain time frame. All competitors are required to download the SNOCRU app (for androids or Apple devices), which will reveal the vertical distance and duration of each individual contestant.
“Everyone is welcome to participate,” explained Marketing Manager Justin Huffmon. “This race is designed to explore the mountain, disclose how much skiing and riding can be done in a 3-hour period and to challenge each racer. We expect to have 10 to 15 teams this year. One individual can win a season pass and one team can collect $500.”
This renowned ski resort may close for the season sometime in early April, but in the meantime, there are more competitions planned for March. The 11th will see the Apache Star Races (weather permitting). As always, this contest will be held off Chair 2 near midway. Participants can race friends and compare times. The cost is $5.
The Shamrock Relay is set to go on the 17th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details are available at the Central Information Booth (next to the snowboard rental shop) or by calling here.
The big blowout will happen on the 18th – the Beach Body and Pond Skim contests. This eagerly anticipated contest will witness men and women in beach attire make one snow run and then parade on the Plaza. The two winners will then become judges for the Pond Skim competition. A large pond is dug in the beginner’s area whereby skiers and riders attempt to “graze” over the top of the water course from a small ramp. Victors will be judged on distance and style. Both events are free to enter. “During spring break week, Ski Apache will present one of the last hurrahs of the season with the Beach Body and Pond Skim contests,” exclaimed Huffmon. “It will be a crazy, busy weekend.”
As you can see, New Mexico’s second-largest ski resort is well prepared to entertain visitors and skiers alike for the remainder of the month of March. Further information may be attained by calling here.
—Michael Curran