Cardboard Classic

It's easy to guess the socioeconomics of the last three Montana Resorts just by looking at the clothes. Haute skiers who ski at Big Sky wear Patagonia. Bourgeoisie skiiers at Bridger Bowl wear LL Bean. And my very favorite folks, the Proletariat skiers at Red Lodge, wear anything or nothing at all. The conditions and trails of all three have been superb but between the three, the archetype couldn't be more different.

At Red Lodge Resort, 60 miles from Billings, the 21st Winter Carnival was in full swing and the theme of the day was Mardi Gras. It was a day of debauchery and drunkenness and skiiers wore a whole lots of beads around their necks. The crazy Cardboard Classic contest kicked the day off with sleds made of cardboard, tape, and glue. They pushed off 1/4 mile from the finish line with usually 5 or 6 people pushing or pulling. There were crashes and snowbank collisions and cardboard shapnel trailing from behind. I nearly got knocked out by a float shaped like a set of boobs! Nearing the finish line some sleds were hauling at 25 miles an hour. Slamming against a make-shift barricade most of the revelers went flying. And I thought the Beehive Rockets in Taiwan attracted a zealous bunch.

Saving the best for last, the historic Pollard Hotel offered a hottub, lobster bisque and a friendly ghost. I think I caught sight of the shadowy figure looming from atop an adajent theater building. George, the General Manager, says the white bearded fellow has roamed the halls for years but causes little stress. More to come on Yellowstone County including several videos to download online March 20.