Manitoba snowboarders, skiers make a splash at Slush Cup

On a day that saw parts of southern Manitoba double the province's historical highs for March 15, a wet and wild spring event took place earlier than usual at Stony Mountain Ski Area.

The Slush Cup takes place every year at the base of a Stony Mountain’s bunny hill run.

• Manitoba boarders hit slopes, get soaked at Stony Mountain Slush Cup

Skiers and snowboarders bomb down the hill before gliding across the surface of an open water pit. Some manage to skip their way from end to end; others make a splash and end up having to pull themselves out of the chilly water.

“The kids basically pond skim, try and go across it on their skis or snowboard, and they keep going until they really get soaking wet,” said Dewar. “We have prizes for the biggest splash and best trick and we've got some Oakley sunglasses and dry socks and different things for them.”

Robert Page with the Stony Mountain ski patrol said there were mixed emotions on the hill Sunday. The warm weather spells the end of the season for winter recreation lovers.

“It’s kind of the end of the season wrap up. We do this and everyone comes out enjoys the last day of skiing,” said Page.

“Kind of mixed emotions. We have the cold, we love the snow and skiing all year, but summer is around the corner,  so we mix in skiing and swimming at the same time.”

Over 100 skiers and snowboarders typically show up for the Splash Cup every year.