When it comes to what one does in the privacy of their own bathroom, competition is the last thing that comes to mind. Fortunately, “doing one’s business” is not the goal of the Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley. Being the first person across the finish line at the bottom of the Sapphire Valley ski slope while riding in a thematically decorated outhouse is the goal. Think it sounds hilarious? It is. The Outhouse Races is an annual winter event that is held in February on the Saturday afternoon of President’s Day weekend. The race involves brave teams racing downhill in outhouses on skis. Teams consist of at least three people, with one person “skiing” while sitting on an outhouse “potty,” and the others pushing from behind to send the outhouses down the snowy slope. There are plenty of outhouse “roll overs,” making the competition very exciting for the spectators and, at least for the “skier,” not for the faint of heart. Participant fees are donated to local charities, making this not only an entertaining event, but one that benefits the community. The outhouses are decorated in a variety of themes that can be quite imaginative. While the winner’s trophy goes to the fastest outhouse on the slope, there is an unofficial “shadow” competition within the spectators regarding which outhouse is the most creatively named and decorated. In 2018, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) – a tourism marketing organization based out of Roswell, Georgia - named The Great Outhouse Races as one of the STS Top 20 events in the southeast. The event always attracts a big crowd, so get there early and enjoy food, drinks, live music, and more while you wait for the races to begin. WHEN: Saturday, February 15, 2025 WANT TO PARTICIPATE? Call 828-743-7663 to learn how to get involved. MORE INFO: www.skisapphirevalley.com/great-outhouse- races-ski-sapphire.html Calling All “Party Poopers”
PHOTOS: Nancy Albers
THE GREAT OUTHOUSE RACES AT SKI SAPPHIRE VALLEY
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