Ski lovers wait in eager anticipation for the first glimpse of snowfall. True ski enthusiasts will settle for whatever fake snow they can get if it means they can hit the slopes a few weeks earlier. What happens, though, if you live in a warm climate where snow almost never falls? There’s no white wonderland, no ski lift, no slopes, and nowhere fun to jump.
That’s easy – you ski jump on the streets instead. Or, at least, that’s what the folks in San Francisco do once a year!
What is Icer Air?
Icer Air is a ski jumping event that started out on Fillmore Street in San Francisco, California each winter. Founded in 2005, the event was founded by Glen Griffin, Erik Gordon, and PlumpJack (a company partially owned by the then mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom. Icer Air is organized by a major ski supply and apparel company known as Icer, based out of Verdi, Nevada. Dozens of other local businesses provide sponsorship for the event as well.
So what happens at Icer Air? After jumping through hoops for government licenses and permits, the organizers bring in a combination of barricades, rails, and cables they will use to construct the massive ski jump. An enormous indoor/outdoor carpet will be laid upon the proposed track, upon which truckloads of fresh snow will be placed. The snow, of course, will be made by several machines.
On the actual day of the event you’ll find just under 30 professional skiers and snowboarders completing on the man-made slope. At the original Icer Air competition they glided down the 10-foot thick slope, flying off a ski jump to do tricks in the air, and hoping to land (and then stop) in time to avoid going past the barricades into oncoming traffic!
Is Icer Air Really All about Skiing?
Icer air is really a culmination of extreme sporting events, but the incredible ski jump happens to be one of the most incredible events. Spectators are also welcome to stop and enjoy bmx performances, skateboarding, and freestyle moto-x.
The event also features sports demonstrations, live music, food, and plenty of entertainment for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also find several sponsor tents, a beer garden, a VIP lounge, and several after parties in the surrounding area.
The Controversy Surrounding Icer Air
Icer Air, in its fourth year in 2008, was not always welcome by residents of the city of San Francisco. When the event first surfaced in 2005 it was met with tons of opposition. Residents complained that the city of San Francisco was breaking its own rules by allowing certain safety regulations to be altered or disregarded. Others worried that their homes would be damaged by the equipment and/or the spectators brought to town during the event.
There was some initial speculation as to whether or not the Mayor had unfairly influenced the ability of event organizers to obtain permits for Icer Air, considering he had known some of the gentlemen involved prior to its planning. The township maintained that they mayor had very little involvement, except in helping to alleviate community fears.
He did, however, ask Icer Air to change the date of their first 2005 event. No one wanted to disappoint the bride who had complained about the closing of Broadway and other surrounding streets on the day of her wedding.
Icer Air Today
Icer Air completed its 4th year in mid-October of 2008 and it continues to grow. Esurance sponsored the competition for the fourth year in a row and a portion of the profits is aimed at benefiting two incredible charities. City of Dreams is based out of the San Francisco area and helps children from low income families develop essential life skills. Right to Play is an international organization visits areas around the world, using sports and games to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged areas.
The 2008 event, held on October 18th, featured a number of incredible professional athletes. Top notch skiers included Colby Albino, Sammy Carlson, Simon Dumont, Tanner Rainville, and Jacob Wester. Amongst the ranks of brave snowboarders were Hampus Mosesson, Wyatt Caldwell, Tim Humphreys, and Bobby Witty.
Visiting Icer Air
While it’s just a bit too late for the 2008 event, make sure you stay tuned for the 2009 jump on Fillmore Street. Most events, including the ski jump, now take place at Lot A in McCovey Cove instead of on the streets, and ticket prices range from $28 – $48 depending on the times and number of events you wish to see.
You don’t need to be a sports fan to enjoy the events at Icer Air. It’s incredible to see professional skiers, snowboarders, and bikers show off their talents and skills while thousands of people look on. Even if they’re slightly nerve wracking to watch, the deserve plenty of credit for the death-defying work they do!
Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
As someone who works in San Francisco, this really is a wonderful event — having snow in SF is fun as we usually don’t get any otherwise.
Support the charities and have a great time!
Wild.