Both long-time winter sport enthusiasts and beginners will have the chance to participate in a snow obstacle course at the Dartmouth Skiway Saturday, thanks to a charity event sponsored by the Dartmouth Ski Patrol.
The event will benefit the Women's Information Service, a local domestic and sexual violence support group.
Participants will be able to compete against other skiers and snowboarders on a boardercross, an obstacle course in which contestants race each other in an attempt to be the first down the mountain.
The custom-made boardercross course will feature bumps, small jumps, rollers and berms. Participants will compete in various heats for a variety of available prizes.
"We've been working on the boardercross course for the past week, and I'm really excited about it," said Lauren Brown '05, a member of the Ski Patrol. "The recent snow dump has allowed us to extend the course and build up many of the terrain features to make for a more exciting contest."
Registration for the event will begin tomorrow at 10 a.m. for those who have not pre-registered online. Organizers will charge a $10 minimum donation to WISE to compete in the race, which will begin at 11 a.m.
In an effort to encourage participation, Skiway General Manager Doug Holler is offering all-day lift tickets for both sides of the mountain for only $10 for anyone who participates in the event.
According to Brown, this fundraiser will help to benefit a group that provides vital services in the local community.
"While this event is geared toward collecting money for WISE, its real value lies in raising awareness around campus about this organization," Brown said. "The assistance that it provides is invaluable to the surrounding communities and getting the word out that this service exists is crucial."
The Ski Patrol has hosted charity events in the past. But the format of the fundraiser has differed over the years. In the past, participants would ride water kayaks down a course in the spring after the Skiway had closed for the season.
"This year we created a new event in an effort to generate more interest and cater to the interests of students that are in residence in the winter," Brown said.
Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels are welcome to participate, and contestants will have the chance to win such prizes as skis, snowboards, Skiway season passes and DVDs.
"This year has seen some amazing support from several companies, particularly Volkl," Brown said. "Many local businesses have also contributed to our efforts. We couldn't do this without their support."
For those who are not participating in the boardercross course but would like to support this cause, there are a number of other events planned for the day including a barbecue, a raffle for prizes and a mohawk contest.
