Since 1999, Simapalooza has become a yearly tradition for Yukoners to enjoy their local ski hill with a variety of events and prizes. Now in its 19th year, Simapalooza is bigger and better in anticipation for its 20th year anniversary next year.

“Simapalooza has been going on for years as a way to celebrate Mount Sima, the coming of spring, appreciation of our community, and the nearing of the end of the season,” said Tim Sellars, volunteer ski patroller since 1996.

“The day includes events for families such as the slush cup, which is a pool of water that you can try to ski across, competitions like snowcross, rail jam, and Big Air as well as attractions for an older audience with a bar and live music outdoors. There are prizes for a range of events.”

The name originated from the Lollapalooza music tour that was started in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the frontman for the band Jane’s Addiction, and shows continue to draw in huge crowds around the world. Jason Basnett, a ski patroller with Mount Sima since 1997, “borrowed” the idea to create Simapalooza.

“The first year was great. We had Kayak and Canoe Drag races down the bunny hill and a bunch of other great stuff,” Basnett said.

Simapalooza will take place on April 7 and 8 and, along with music on the ski hill and the favourite event The Slush Cup, like previous years, there will be the various events in the parks.

The theme this year is “Pirates,” and prizes will be given to the best dressed. There will be some added events, such as a public market at Mount Sima throughout the weekend and Simapalooza is extending the music festival for even more people to enjoy great local bands at the hill. On Saturday night, Mount Sima will host Soda Pony, the Dope Tones and Soul Migration.

Tickets include entrance to the evening festival and a free shuttle from Shipyards Park to Mount Sima and back starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 2 a.m. Guests the evening music festival must be 19 years old and over to attend.

“This is a chance for Mount Sima to give thanks to our local community who supports us throughout the year,” said Jeremy Flamand, guest services manager for Mount Sima.

“We are excited to bring some new elements to this year’s festival, such as a community market and an evening music festival. I can’t wait to see all the great community spirit on the mountain!”

For more information visit the Mount Sima Facebook page or contact guest services by phone at 668-4557 and by email at [email protected].


Simapalooza Schedule

Saturday, April 7
11a.m. to 5 p.m. DJ Sweet Jones
11 a.m. – Junior Jam at Pokey Park
12 p.m. – Trudeau Method Comp – Upper Park
1 p.m. – Slopestyle at Lower Park (Ski and Board)
2 p.m. – Mountain Bike Downhill at Bordercross
3 p.m. – Dummy Downhill at Mogul Pitch Goldrush
6 p.m. Beer garden closes to all except Music Fest patrons
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Soda Pony
8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – The Dope Tones
11 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Soul Migration

Shuttle Services from Shipyards Park to Mount Sima: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
From Mount Sima to Shipards Park 1:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 8
11a.m. – Snowcross (ski and snowboard)
1 p.m. – Big Air (ski and snowboard)
2 p.m. – Dual Alpine Race (ski and snowboard) at Dan’s Descent
3 p.m. – Slush Cup at the Bunny Hill

He builds them (and they are coming)

 

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