It's a year-end tradition at ski hills...often a barbie is fired up, people dress in costumes and a series of wacky events are scheduled.
In what is likely the last weekend of skiing at Laurentian, there were plenty of smiles and eager participants for the "puddle jump"...a 40 foot long stretch of cold water that requires some speed and balance to traverse.
Austin McLaren-Stewart, dressed in a gorilla suit, gave it a couple of successful shots. Austin is 10 and started skiing at age four.
"I used to wear a gorilla suit and pretend it was a Sasquatch because I like Sasquatches so much. I decided to wear my old Halloween costume and it's funny."
Is he nervous about the water hazard?
"No really because when I was younger, around sevenish, there was a puddle jump and I sunk into the middle of it but it was pretty fun."
Someone who knows what Austin is talking about is Alivia Purcell, 7. She gave it a valiant effort, but a lack of speed caused her to sink about halfway across.
Parents Andre and Shannon were there to cheer her on, and towel her off. Andre says events like this provide an excellent bonding experience for his family.
"Absolutely. Whenever we get a chance to do more as a family its a lot of fun and I think sport does that."
The whole family skis or snowboards, and Alivia, the oldest of three girls has been waiting a couple of years to "take the plunge."
While the weather was perfect for skiing Saturday, this week will be tough on the hill as temps will be above freezing the entire week, reaching plus 9 by Friday.
Due to the weather, Laurentian Ski Hill Snowboarding Club will be closed today (Sunday). With the expected rain and freezing rain the hill conditions will not be ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Nevertheless, the hill is still hoping to open the weekend of April 1st and 2nd, weather permitting.
