Closing Day at Vail 2011

What a ski season it has been with record breaking snow fall for almost every Colorado ski area, the snow really never quit. It’s hard to say goodbye to a season like we had but the ebb and flow of the seasons is what makes skiing special. Celebrating the end of ski season is such a bittersweet tradition, you never really want it to end, but know it’s inevitably will, so you give thanks and remember the pow you did slay.

Vail is one of the last resorts to close (except Loveland and Abasin, of course, who are open for what seems like forever) and is renown for having one of the best, somewhat unsanctioned, closing day party in Colorado. Top of chair 4 at 4PM is the place to be on that coveted last day. The scene feels very local, as most tourists have optioned the beach. The costumes everyone wears on “last day” is something I can’t really explain, but it sure is fun!

Hotdoggers Jeny and Ben

The scene

It was Easter Sunday…

Best make-shift table EVER!

Lesson in rock

Jeny

Amen!

Everyone at last day is your friend

The one and only Ron Tarson, who also gets credit for dressing all of us!

Also, had a holster with tequila in it

Never seen em’ look better

See ya next year, time to dust off the bikes and golf clubs.

EDIT 8/3/2011 – Ben, after being tasked to cut up the GoPro footy from the last day, finally got around to making a little video. Nice job Ben! A few words from Ben:

As Brandon did mention, I finally managed to put together a short video from the footage shot on the last day of Vail. This season was one of the best seasons in recent memory and it was only fitting that on Vail’s last day Old Man Winter decided to drop another 6″ of the white stuff. The conditions were great, so we decided to start the day with some Chair 11 laps, and then head out to Blue Sky for one last cornice drop. Of course the highlight of the last day of Vail is never the skiing, but the crowd and the 4 at 4 celebration.

I find myself constantly amazed by the creativity and energy put forth by the skiing (and snowboarding) community when it comes to wearing costumes and partying. I do believe the only thing running through a skiers head on the last day is how much booze can be bodily carried up the mountain and how utterly ridiculous they can look doing it. Needless to say, it is a day that should not be missed. A special thanks goes to our friend Derek who allowed us access to his closet full of the awesome one-pieces shown in the photos and in the video.

Anyway, enjoy the video, it is short and sweet, and hopefully captures a bit of what was like to stand in the crowd during the 4 at 4 party and celebrate an end to a truly unbelievable season.