Skiers, boarders take the plunge at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH - Downhill skiing and water skiing joined forces Saturday at Spirit Mountain ski area.

The water-skipping contest was part of the ski area's Spring Break Luau, and snowboarders and skiers took their best shot at skimming across a chilly pool of water. Some skiers also tried their luck at barrel jumping.
"This is really our kickoff at the end of the season to thank everyone for coming out all winter long," said Spirit Mountain marketing director Briana Johnson. "[It's] kind of a way to have a big celebration before the season winds down. We do have a couple weeks left of skiing – but we always like to have this last big hurrah at the end of the season."

Johnson said Spirit Mountain's man-made snow base generally holds up better than natural snow. There are still about 18 to 36 inches of snow on the slopes; Spirit Mountain's tentative closing date is March 28.