The event kicked off with the first-ever Ski Boot Race. Over 50 competitors tackled a challenging course around the perimeter of the Gallivan Center to win a new pair of Rossignol alpine ski boots and the title of the Fastest Ski Boot Racer. “I was so impressed by the speed and technique of the racers,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty, “It is hard enough to walk in your ski boots let alone run.”
Three winners were crowned at the end of the races. Todd Glew blew away the competition in the men’s division, Caitlin Morgan won the women’s division and 11-year-old Colby Stevenson claimed the title in the children’s division.
Hundreds of contestants also dressed in vintage-ski-apparel in the attempt to win new gear from Eider and skis from Rossignol or a Burton snowboard. Participants in this year’s vintage ski outfit contest pleaded with local resorts to be selected as each resort’s vintage representative. At the end of the night, thirteen finalists lined the stage in stretch pants, neon and fur. Justin Stoddard, a coach for the Snowbird race team, and his dog Taylor were awarded the grand prize.
The Godfather of winter oversaw the festivities. With a team of drummers and fire dancers, he summoned the snow gods and rallied the crowd to beg for another epic Utah winter.
“It is really wonderful to see our local community come together to celebrate winter,” said Rafferty, “After all, Utah does have The Greatest Snow on Earth.”
This was the third annual Fat Flake Festival hosted by Ski Utah.
