No snow? No problem for SnoFest

Shrugging off a mid-February thaw that erased all but a few traces of the Blizzard of 2011, snow sport enthusiasts hit the ski hill at Four Lakes Village in Lisle Saturday to help celebrate its 50th anniversary and its annual SnoFest.

A few hundred snowboarders, skiers and spectators gathered at the ski area to play in the snow and compete in dual slalom races, timed runs and snowboard events.

The day also featured ski and snowboard lessons, a costume contest, an appearance by Pancakes the Clown and an event called a “penguin slide” that involved swooping down the hill seated inside plastic trash bags. There was also a barbecue and a raffle, and evening plans called for a torchlight parade down the hill, led by staff.

And thanks to snow-making technological advances and temperatures that stayed in the 30s, there was enough synthetic snow packed on the hill to stage all the events.

“We’ve increased our snow-making capabilities with a new pump. We can make more snow in less time,” said Casey Blunk, Four Lakes’ assistant recreation manager.

The ski hill first opened in 1961, a few years after the Four Lakes community opened its doors to apartment residents, said Kevin Serio, manager of the Four Lakes Recreation Department.

The community today includes seven condominium associations, two townhouse associations and one apartment community, said Wanda Mariscal, Four Lakes community manager.

SnoFest, an annual homage to the snow season, began about 40 years ago, Serio said. It was discontinued for eight years after a few winters with light snowfall and a change in management philosophy, but brought back last year.

“Our customers love it and our staff loves it,” Serio said.

The Big Air jumping competition started around noon Saturday with 42 snowboarders and one skier. Bret Duesdieker, pro Four Lakes Ski Patrol director, was on hand, ready to help anyone who ran into trouble.

“We get people hurt,” he said. “We average about an accident a day. The kids are going bigger. They’re trying for bigger air. They’re trying to outdo their friends, so they’ll take a bigger risk.”

While a few boarders took a tumble during the early part of the competition, no serious injuries were reported.

Chris Mazurk, an instructor, ski patrol member and competition judge, said he was looking for creativity in the competitors, most of whom come from the DuPage County area.

“Really, it’s something that separates them from everyone else. Everyone has their unique style,” he said.

Bob Drawz, longtime Four Lakes Masters Homeowners Association maintenance director, watched from the sidelines, near the bunny hill. He said he’s also seen all sorts of weather scenarios greet SnoFest.

“You select a date six to eight months earlier and hope the weather cooperates and everything is good,” he said.