Ludlow, VT – It’s no joke – on April Fool’s Day this Friday, skiers and riders who donate at least three nonperishable food items can purchase a full-day lift ticket to ski or snowboard at Vermont’s Okemo Mountain Resort for $10. All donations will go to a local food bank.nThen on Saturday it’s a chilly spring dip for costumed skiers and riders who don’t make it across an 80-foot long slush pond at Okemo’s annual Slush Cup pond skimming competition. This popular competition is open to the first 125 participants. The entry fee is $20. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including best costume, driest competitor and best wipeout. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the pond skimming starts at 11 a.m.

New this year, a wet and wild Tug o’ War will determine the strongest (and driest) team in the Okemo Valley. This single-elimination battle will land one team in the slush pond during every round. The victorious team of eight will win $250. Registration is free and limited to the first 16 teams.