Gaper Day 2012 at the boat
April 1 is widely acknowledged as April Fool’s Day, a day of jokes, pranks and good-natured fun at the expense of friends, family and colleagues. In ski towns this day is known as “Gaper Day,” a day when skiers and riders rock the hand-me-down and often fluorescent one-piece ski gear of a previous generation and head for the mountain. It usually involves adult sports drinks, lots of neon clothing, and of course, ridiculous stunts.
Locally, the term “gaper” is often applied to visitors who stand out.
Gaper: One who cannot ski or snowboard. An amazed onlooker. A Tourist, particularly one who stops and looks with open mouth while being completely oblivious to everything. Usually wearing and skiing in an out-of-date style.
According to the history books no one really knows who and where this glorious holiday started. Many say it started back in the early 2000’s in Summit County at a little place called Breckenridge.
Excellent conditions on Strom Face
This year at Steamboat, gaper day was pretty low key compared to years past. Of course there was forest service and cops everywhere! THE AUTHORITIES WOULD EVEN SEARCH BACKPACKS THAT WERE LOADING THE GONDOLA! But with the warm weather and horrible conditions the party was soon brought down to the base at the T-Bar.
haha my boys!
2nd most fun day ive had on the mountain this year which looks like it will be the last since the lower mountain closed due to 95 degree temps
Wait, CO really has pigs that search you before you get on the gondola? Or is that an April Fools joke…?
yep true story! kinda lame. you just have to plan and get the goods up the day before
Doesn’t surprise me after my experience at Steamboat in January!
be warned that Gaper day is not the only time there are cops searching folks loading the gondola at the Boat. doesn’t happen all the time, but it does happen.