Couch skiing hits the Star

Photo: Contributed - Rowan Thornton - skisilverstar.com

Finally, a use for that broken down old couch that's been taking up space in the garage.

Silver Star Mountain Resort will hold its inaugural couch race at the resort.

On April 6, teams of up to five people will be involved in racing a couch that has been mounted with skis through the village on a gradual slope with $500 in prizes up for grabs.
 
The new event combines with the popular Showdown Throwdown Hoedown event now in its 9th year. On March 28 – March 30, Silver Star teams up with BC Freestyle Ski Association and the BC Snowboard Association to host the Showdown held in the terrain park.

The event gives skiers and snowboarders the chance to earn points in the world rankings Open Pro and Open Amateur categories. Entry costs $100 for Pro/Open competitors and $60 for amateurs.
 
“Spring skiing is a special time for many folks. It’s a long-running tradition that many look forward to every year,” said Anne Haight, director of sales and marketing at Silver Star Mountain Resort.

“Unlike during the regular season, there is no rush for first chair and first tracks, but rather, it is a much more relaxed vibe with goggle tans and socializing becoming priority.”
 
Silver Star closes its alpine terrain on April 6 this year. For its last weekend (April 4-6), the resort will be celebrating spring skiing with a Retro Day on April 5 where guests are invited to dust off their old school ski outfits for a fashionable day on the slopes.

A fashion show at 3 p.m. will give retro spring skiing enthusiasts the opportunity to strut their stuff on the runway. April 6 is Hawaiian Shirt Day and all season pass holders are invited to attend a free barbecue hosted by Silver Star managers.
 
Silver Star is offering visitors a fantastic opportunity to embrace spring skiing with their “Ski Free Into Spring” offer valid until April 6. When you book two nights or more at one of Silver Star’s feature properties, receive one free downhill lift ticket. This is an all-inclusive ticket that includes unlimited snowshoeing, Nordic, tubing, ice-skating and skiing or boarding.
 
A new “Spring Fling” lodging promotion is also in effect from March 30 for Silver Star season pass holders, Flexicard pass holders and guests that have purchased My1Pass from Costco. Visitors will receive 20 percent off on one night of lodging and 50 percent off for two or more nights booked.
 
“Closing day is always a party. This is the chance to gather your best Jimmy Buffet shirt, splash on the sunscreen and soak up the rays for one last time. We encourage everyone to line up at the top of Milky Way and do a “hero run” down the mountain. Then, enjoy some après ski on the deck with a nice cold beverage under the warm Okanagan sun," says Haight.

In addition, on closing weekend Silver Star is hosting the 2014 Spring Loaded Telemark Festival. All abilities are invited to ski and socialize with the local Telemark community and meet racers and skiers from around the world.