True, spring is here, but there's still plenty of snow on those slopes and offbeat action as well. Check these out:
-- Lake Tahoe's original pond crossing, the Lake Cushing Classic, is back by popular demand. The snow and water competition returns to the waters of Lake Cushing on Sunday.
The annual event, now in its 13th damp year, has continued to grow in popularity with more than 50 contestants and hundreds of spectators turning out to watch local lunatics and adventurous guests attempt to cross Lake Cushing.
The goal is to get enough roar down a snow ramp and make it to the opposite side of the lake without falling. This contest is notorious for its cannonball-sized crashes, costumes and creative pond skimming contraptions. Judging is based on style, grace, flair and, of course, successfully crossing the lake.
Prizes are awarded in five divisions -- men's and women's ski and snowboard divisions and the fifth unlimited division, known to attempt the crossing on beach chairs, old snowmobiles without engines and even a chairlift affixed to three snowboards.
Registration takes place on the Bar One sun deck at 1 p.m. with the competition starting at 3 p.m. The cost to participate is $10. All entrants must have a life preserver and a helmet and sign a release of liability. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Prizes include a mid-week season pass for the 2003/2004 winter season to the overall winner and summer club passes for winners in each individual division.
-- Alpine Meadows Ski Resort will host its annual Snow Golf Tournament Sunday May 25. As the only top-to-bottom snow golf course, this spring event is a great way to say farewell to winter and welcome summer.E
The nine-hole course starts at the top of Summit Six chair, meanders its way down Alpine Bowl, Terry's Return and Rock Garden, with the last holes bringing competitors back to the base lodge.E
Alpine Meadows provides players with scorecards, pencils, clubs, and tennis balls -- but if you're steadfast on using a particular club from home, feel free. Pairs and/or foursomes will be started by the official Alpine Meadows golf pro, Rich Wrenn.E All competitors must be wearing skis or a snowboard to compete and navigate from hole to hole but are allowed to remove one foot to drive, chip, and putt.E
Winners receive season passes, golf gift certificates, and ski and snowboard gear. Golf tournament registration is free at the top of Summit Six. First come, first serve, no time limit, no registration cutoff
Alpine Meadows last day of the season is May 25. Call (530) 581-8328 or visit www.skialpine.com.E
-- And they haven't quit at Kirkwood, although they shut down a couple of weeks ago. The resort reopens May 24-25 with the Cornice and Solitude chairs in operation. Kirkwood got 130 inches of snow in April and another 30 inches in May. Lots of side action here, with Hawaiian barbecues, rail jams and snow sculpture contests. Lift tickets are $25 for adults, juniors $20, seniors and children $10. Call (209) 258-6000.
-- Heavenly ski resort is kicking off its summer season with a weekend of spring skiing and riding. Heavenly is set to open at 9 a.m. Friday, May 23, for the Memorial Day weekend.
The festivities will feature live music from Trey Stone at East Peak Sun Deck both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an on-mountain barbecue and plenty of sunshine.
Base depths are currently ranging from 3 to 6 feet with spring corn snow surface conditions. The resort will operate two lifts for skiing -- Tamarack Express and Dipper Express -- with 10 trails open, Milky Way Bowl and all of the trees on the upper Nevada side of the mountain. Lifts will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with access to the mountain via the Gondola.
Tickets will be priced at $30 for adults, $22 for children, $28 for teens and seniors. Both 2002/03 and 2003/04 season passes are valid over the holiday weekend. Gondola and sledding combination tickets will be available.
Parking is limited to the rear lot of the Crescent V shopping center and the lower lot at Harvey's. Heavenly's complimentary shuttle service will be in full operation.
-- Mammoth Mountain, located 150 miles south of Carson City on Highway 395, hasn't set a closing date yet and plans on staying open until mid-June.
Sam Bauman is the Nevada Appeal Diversions Editor
