Mardi Gras Weekend

IMG_1694Spring skiing was supposed to start this weekend, but the snow gods have been playing with us. It was warm and raining for most of last week, but we were caught in a snow storm on the drive down to the chalet on Friday night.

Saturday we woke to bright sun and a few inches of fresh snow, so we dressed in our finest and headed out to partake in the annual Mardi Gras winter carnival at the Holiday Valley ski club. It is a weekend of costumes, parties, races, girls skiing in bikinis and general shenanigans. A huge mound of snow is built in front of Yodeler lodge and around it they build a snow bar where everyone gathers to drink and watch the fun.

Despite the crazy weather last week, the skiing was fantastic. If anything, it was a bit cold for the way we were dressed. Juliette wore a bright orange spring ski jacket over a short black dress and crazy stripey tights. I pulled out my kilt and my favourite hat and was loving the comments from all the women.

IMG_1698The skiing was so good Saturday, that we didn’t spend too much time at the bar, but instead exhausted ourselves racing down all the great runs. Except for around Yodeler lodge, the club wasn’t busy and we spent most of the day skiing straight onto the lifts.

We had planned on going out Saturday night to see the parade in town and have a few après ski drinks, but we were all exhausted from a great day and the snow had turned to light rain, so we bailed; curling up on the couch with movies and a few beer.

Unfortunately, the temperature dropped over the night and skiing this morning was terrible. The soft, fun snow from yesterday had turned to ice and it was desperate work to just hold an edge, so after four runs we packed up and called it a day. That is one nice thing about having seasons passes, you don’t feel like you have to stay out if you aren’t enjoying it.

We returned to Hamilton early today then met Dave and Mari at Earth to Table for dinner. Earth to Table is a great restaurant on Locke Street in Hamilton that serves local food. If you haven’t been, then I highly recommend it.

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