Frou-frou frocks and finery: the dress code for a spring fling

Back by popular demand, the second Annual Ski Down in a Gown is scheduled for March 14, with an after party at Masa’s.

When Vera Steinberger first suggested the entertaining escapade last season, she envisioned just a few friends joining in for a lark.

But as word got out, more and more people asked to participate, and in the end over 40 gals in gowns were led down Sundance by Olympian Nancy Greene Raine, suitably attired in a long pink frock and Easter bonnet.

Already planning her outfit for this year, Jody Oetter is keen to take part again.

“Last year I found a lovely green gown at Value Village,” she reflected. “It fit like a dream, though I did wonder if I would be able to ski in it.”

Many people had similar problems especially those in tube style dresses in which the slightest hint of a snowplough would rip seams.

The scene at the top of the Sundance Chair was high octane last March, with a wide variety of costumes in a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours.

“The ski down turned out to be much easier than I had anticipated,” Oetter said. “I wore a small sweater over top,” says Oetter. “There was no way I wanted to mess with the dress.”

For many, the highlight of the day was having Nancy Greene Raine lead the parade to a cacophony of chairlift cheers.

“I even heard about it from a salesperson in Kamloops the following week who had seen us,” Oetter said. “She asked lots of questions and said that we had looked great and were obviously having a great time.”

For those considering joining in this year’s jaunt, she recommends finding a dress early – either short or long – as well as some fun accessories. The costume code is very flexible – evening dresses, ball gowns, bridesmaid or wedding regalia, colourful frocks of any kind, plus plenty of bling, sequins, sparkles, boas and decorated helmets.

Who knows if the weather will be as kind this March but there will be a team in tuxedos to look after jackets. And, after several people forgot last time, Steinberger’s savvy reminder: “Remember to put your lift pass in a pocket!”

To join in, meet at the Village Day Lodge at 1 p.m. on March 14. For more information email Steinberger@shaw.ca