Everyone’s heading to shred town

With April right around the corner, Yukoners are getting some spring into their step. For many, it means the bittersweet transition from winter to summer sports. The warm weather wax comes out, the jackets come off and soft, warm snow appeals to most outdoor enthusiasts. It’s here for a good time, not a long time just like Mt. Sima’s annual Simapalooza, happening April 5 to 7.

Packed with such events as the classic Slush Cup and Big Air Competition, as well as fun events for kids and family, keep your eye in the sky for the parasailers doing tandem trips from the peak to parking lot where the food trucks will dish out their goods.

Visitors are welcome to the observation deck, located at the top of the mountain, to view Grey Mountain flanked by Lake Laberge and Golden Horn. Food trucks fill the air with sweet and savoury smells as the day grows long. Always dress up with a “be free and have fun” mentality. This year’s theme is “Pajamas or Go Bananas” and everyone is invited to sport their best PJ’s, or go crazy and dress however they like! Do whatever it takes to claim the best costume awards which have, in previous years, gone to everything from wolf packs to pterodactyls.

This is the second year for Simapalooza’s Sound Stage, a two-night music festival showcasing some local talent. Some of those performing this year include Major Funk and the Employment, Midnight Sons and Soda Pony.

The Last Run Lounge is home to the sunniest deck in the west. It sets the stage to view the action for all those not riding the slopes. The beer garden has got more than enough space for everyone wanting to dance away those winter blues, or watch the competition.

At the end of each Sound Stage night, Mt. Sima gives back to the community by giving away a season’s pass for the next year, so you’re not going to want to miss out on these draws.

The Big Air Comp is home to the all the high-flying action. Some of these kids practice all season long on a 60-foot feature so they’re prepared for all types of national and international events. It’s visible from the lift, so make sure to look up as the brave get sendy. You won’t want to miss all the double back flips, Cab 900s and Hardway Truck Drivers.

In the Knuckle Huck event, riders launch from the crest of where the large landing starts, sending tricks deep into the landing.

Mt. Sima’s changing and challenging slopestyle course provides skiers and boarders a worthy battleground to showcase Yukon’s amazing talent.

The Trudeau Method Comp is a funny, laid-back event that pays tribute to our prime minister. Prizes are predominantly Canadian flags, so make sure to enter and claim yours.

One event guaranteed to sell out is fan favorite, the Slush Cup. Traverse 36 feet of cold, water to get back to solid ground. It’s a sink or swim situation, undertaken on tubes and skis, by twos and threes. Protect your phone if you’re in the front row watching. It may get soaked!

The downhill racing events are hard and gritty, as the locals momentarily drop friendship for a few laps down Dans Descent, vying for prizes, but, most importantly, for undisputed bragging rights.

Issue: 2019-03-20, PHOTO: Graydon Keenan
Sam Reimer, Emerald May and Bee Smyth are on the lookout for fun times at Simapalooza

The Champ of the Hill contest will also have racers speeding down Dan’s, but with a full cup of water, adding to the challenge. Dummy Downhill invites you to build a crash test dummy and strap it to a board or skis to test the slopes.

Mt, Sima’s amazing Border Cross track is fun and challenging. The competition is fun, fast and slightly furious as four racers share the narrow, windy run, which is filled with sharp banks, rollers and mandatory gaps keeps.

The vibe at the base of the mountain is alive and electric, with people sharing stories of their stoke. The bonfire is lit and we revel in the coming of spring. Simapalooza highlights a community full of hard-working, dedicated people who push hard to create what we have here at Mt. Sima. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate active living here in the wilderness city. Catch you on the slopes! Tickets are available for either Friday or Saturday, or at a discount rate for a weekend pass. A bus ride is included with Simapalooza ticket ensuring a safe ride home.

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