MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2021

BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT words :: Allison Kennedy Davies The sun is shining. It’s a bluebird day. You’re decked out in your ‘80s fluorescent retro one-piece, headed for Blue Mountain. Blaring some tunes (we suggest the Top Gun soundtrack) with the window down, the wind’s in your hair and a smile is on your face. Today is all about spring skiing. It’s all about slushy turns, forgiving park landings, outdoor lunches and après with your peeps. This is the vision the folks at Blue are committed to for the spring of 2021. It’s been a challenging winter for skiers and riders. But we’ve shown ourselves to be both resilient and committed, and now it’s time to reap some rewards. In their 80th year, Ontario’s largest resort is aiming to squeeze in as many days on snow as the weather will allow. If they can make their April 29 goal, Blue will celebrate a fitting 80 days on snow—a hefty accomplishment in the weirdest season on record. I’ve long been a lover of spring riding. It’s hard to beat a day spent riding in your hoodie, working on your goggle tan (well, goggle-and- mask tan this year) and banking as much patio time as possible. One of the best things about spring is experiencing every snow condition in a single day. Got a pair of super-sharp racing skis? Set your alarm and hit the frozen groomers at 9 a.m. This strategy maximizes your après time and earns some quiet runs with the coffee-club crowd. Working on a trick in the park? Sleep in and aim to get rolling after lunch, when the landings have softened up. Love the moguls? Show up around 3 p.m. for the squishiest bumps. Spring conditions are always variable, which makes for an excellent adventure if you can embrace it. Watch for snow snakes and make sure your skill level suits the conditions. And remember: When your legs start burning, the patio awaits. And for those of you in pursuit of the Georgian Bay trifecta— snowboard in the morning, skateboard in the afternoon and surf in the evening—remember it’s been done by a select few. Maybe this season you’ll join this crew. Getting on snow this season has been a true blessing, so it’s time to finish strong. Haven’t busted out your 5x7 yet? Blue is offering a $100 discount on next year’s pass for those who opt to use this year’s. There’s still time to treat yourself to a bluebird spring day, so when you feel the need for speed, roll down those windows, put on your neon flight suit and head to Blue. A SALUTE TO SPRING SKIING BLUE BACKPAGE 66 It’s all about slushy turns, forgiving park landings, outdoor lunches and après with your peeps.