Crash Test Dummies

Winter Park wanted to do something a little different during Spring Blast, its annual end-of-the-season farewell to snow, skiers and riders. And the Dummy Downhill Race certainly qualifies as, um, different.

Here's how it works: Twenty teams — with a maximum of four people per team — mount a dummy on a pair of skis or a snowboard. The entire craft then gets shoved down a race track that ends in a massive jump. No living entities are allowed on the craft, and no human contact is permitted during the race. Prizes will be awarded for the best jump, biggest crash and most creative craft.

"It's right at the base of our resort," says Winter Park event coordinator Kelly Nelson, "so people who sit at our bar can watch it from the decks. We also have Hunkered Down, a funky bluegrass psychedelic-type band — they're really fun to be around."

Grab a drink and hunker down at noon today for the spectacle; call 1-970-726-1564 or visit www.winterparkresort.com.
Sun., April 1, noon