Afton Alps’ Spring Fling brings the party to the hill
More stories from Zak Mantel
Every year the winter season comes to an end, the snow melts, and ski resorts must close for the summer. However, Afton Alps enjoys giving one final hurrah before closing in their annual Spring Fling event. Held on Mar. 15, Spring Fling includes a barbecue, music, public race courses, obstacle courses and the beloved water skipping.
Ski instructor Carissa Phelps looks forward to the event every year, and believes it to be her favorite part of the ski season.
“I wait and wait all season for Spring Fling every year. I have been going with my family since I was about six, and we have always had a blast. Now, I bring my friends and we have the most fun we ever have during the season,” said Phelps.
Although geared for the customers, Spring Fling is just as much a celebration for the Afton Alps employees.
“Every year I find myself very distracted by the Spring Fling events and pray that I don’t get lessons so I can go have fun,” said Phelps. “Don’t get me wrong, if I do get a lesson I would be focused on that and think about the event later.”
I have been going with my family since I was about six, and we have always had a blast.
— Carissa Phelps
In the 2012, Spring Fling was even more exciting for those who have a low tolerance to the cold with the strangely hot temperatures.
“My freshman year it was 80 degrees outside,” explained Phelps, “and even though there were only five runs open my friends and I had a blast skiing in t-shirts through the slush.”
Every year, hundred of people come solely to witness or participate in Spring Fling’s most cherished event, water skipping. Essentially, the skiers and snowboarders attempt to water ski on alpine skis. At the bottom of a 200 yard hill sits a four feet deep and 20 feet long pool of water. The skiers and snowboarders ski down the hill and skip across the water and try not to tip in, but make it all the way across. After everybody has made an attempt, those who make it across go again, but this time start closer to the water. They keep moving closer until a winner is redeemed.
“I participated in the water skipping last year,” explained senior Maggie Zeidel, “and I made it until the final round with about 10 other people before I fell in. Water skipping will always remain as my favorite part of Spring Fling.”
On Mar. 15, Afton Alps invites everyone to help spring into spring with their annual Spring Fling party on the slopes.
Nick Lecy • Jan 8, 2015 at 12:04 am
I really like how creative the heading is! Its nice that you were able to get quotes from people that actually work there during the event. If someone has never been to Spring Fling, they will definitely want to attend it after reading this!
Brooke Gedatus • May 7, 2014 at 12:23 pm
There was some really nice quotes and good information to go along with them. I really liked the opening sentence, it really made you feel and this article really captured what the spring fling is all about.
Brianna Gedatus • Apr 2, 2014 at 1:00 pm
This is a very well written article. I personally really liked it. It is great that you got quotes from people who actually went and had lots to say about it. It was really informative. Love how you put in lots of detail, and said everything that is relevant to this.
Natalie Gjermo • Apr 1, 2014 at 10:18 pm
I really liked the article. I go to Afton Alps a lot and this really captured what the spring fling is all about. Also the article had some really informative quotes that helped build the story.
Brooke Gedatus • Apr 1, 2014 at 6:59 pm
There was some really good quotes in this article. I liked how the article kind of talked to the readers instead of only giving information and facts. It was very well written.
Alex Pierson • Mar 31, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Its nice seeing quotes from not just people who go to the event but employees too. Article is very informational and a nice flow.
Quentin Ikuta • Mar 25, 2014 at 11:23 am
Really great article about Afton Alps Spring Fling. It is really great that you got quotes from people who actually went, and had a great time. The quotes make me feel the excitement, enthusiasm for the Spring Fling – it seems like it was a real party! Great job of including all relevant details about when the event takes place, as well as some fun events on the itinerary. However, next time try to include more links. Three is ideal. Overall, good, informative article.
Madison • Mar 25, 2014 at 11:10 am
Well written article! Good quotes and it flowed nicely throughout the article. The heading was also creative and compelling.