Special to Vail Daily: Ride of the Penguins

Special to The Vail Daily: Ride of the Penguins
By Juliana Broste and Jody Petit
Originally published in The Vail Daily newspaper on March 5, 2009

As any innocent bystander would attest, Vail was invaded by a rookery of penguins on Monday, March 2nd. 38 skiing and snowboarding animals did what any visitor would do in Vail. They lapped the Gondy, posed for Sharpshooters, frequented local watering holes, browsed gift shops, and even attempted business transactions at financial institutions…all the while entertaining tourists and locals alike.

“It was the single greatest day in both the history of skiing and penguins,” according to Penguin No. 7.

The day started at 11 o’clock, when the crew picked up their costumes and prepared to make history. The Penguins marched in line from Mezzaluna to the Lionshead ski yard, gathering before dozens of interested spectators.

“We had to be the biggest huddle of party penguins that Vail has ever seen,” said Penguin No. 4.

The colony took runs down Born Free and Lodgepole, appearing to be rather comfortable on snow. They ripped down corduroy, tore through the trees, mastered moguls, and even breezed through Bwana terrain park—proving these flightless birds are quite capable of flying through the air.

“I don’t think that humans can have anywhere near as much fun as we had!!!” Penguin No. 4 continues.

While searching for colder temperatures, the penguins received a warm welcoming.
Similar to other popular mountain mascots, like Pork Chop the Safety Pig and Crazy Coyote, the colony had quite a following. Friendly penguins paused often for paparazzi. They also charmed both young ladies and the parents of small children.

But not everyone was happy to see the penguins. There was a brief altercation with Ski School mascot, Ripperoo. And, one penguin even admits to being kicked in the shins and mugged by a small child. Luckily, the only loss reported was a Nature Valley granola bar and his dignity.

Penguin sightings continued well after lifts closed. Creatures in suits were seen scattered throughout Lionshead and Vail Village. Penguins paraded up and down Bridge Street, serenading patrons in bars and nibbling in restaurants. “They came in waves,” said Jenna Wazny, local bartender at the Tap Room, “People thought they were hilarious. But they didn’t eat any wings.”

The Ride of the Penguins concept began during a brief chairlift conversation three years ago and was revisited late in 2008. Three penguin suits were presented as Christmas gifts to the Founding Feathers, Jody Petit, Paul Rogers, a.k.a. “Laughing Crow”, and Jarrett Davis. Interest spread from there. Before long, over fifty aspiring penguins had signed up to be part of both an independent ski and snowboard movie / mockumentary and of what hopes to be an annual event in Vail.

Alpha penguin and Ride of the Penguins organizer Jody Petit says, “It’s a good excuse to cut loose and have a great time riding. Based on the turnout, I expect to see penguins on this mountain for years to come.”

“It was the best day I’ve had in the 18 years that I’ve lived here—and I’ve been to B. B. & B. 8 years,” said Penguin No. 2. “I can’t wait ‘til 4 @ 4 in penguin suits!”

Filming for the Ride of the Penguins movie will continue throughout the remainder of the season. Stop by Mezzaluna in Lionshead or visit www.rideofthepenguins.com for more information.