Gaper Day
Within the ski community every April 1st is known as “Gaper Day”, although the definition varies on what Gaper Day really is, the definition of a gaper is almost unanimous. Urban Dictionary (definitely a credible source) says:
A gaper is a skiier or snowboarder who is completely clueless. Usually distinguished by their bright colored clothes and a gaper gap, the gap between goggles and a helmet/hat.
The whole crew on the “beach” at Arapahoe Basin
Gaper Day to most skiers is a day on the mountain where people will wear “gaper clothes” and imitate gapers. This ultimately translates into a day of wearing neon or jeans, and throwing daffys and spread eagles off of every bump or jump in sight. Some folks like to make gaper day into a day to torment and make fun of tourists that are actual gapers, but that seems to be reserved to those who are a bit more malicious and less about having fun skiing and drinking beers. Gaper Day is about fun and hilarity found in old school neon, trying to find enough air to rip a perfect double twister spread and occasionally telling your friends how much better you are than them. So like Biggie said, If ya don’t know, now ya know.
The venue was Arapahoe Basin, which is a great place to be for any spring skiing day when the “beach” comes alive with tailgaters adorn with BBQ grills and beer kegs in the snow. Add Gaper Day to a spring day on the A-Basin beach, and garnish with some 80′s tunes blasting in the background and you have a great way to spend any ski day.
Don’t want to pull a hammy!
Steezin’ out
Blue Steel, but I hear Magnum is going to blow us all away
Take a lap, chill, repeat
Duke!
Ben and some careful razor work
Just too much fun on skis for one day really… Look for a repeat on the last day of Vail.
