Skiers strip down to their bikinis and hit the slopes to keep cool in scorching US heatwave
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are still piled high with snow in the middle of summer
SKIERS have stripped down to their bikinis and hit the slopes to keep cool in the heatwave that is scorching the US.
After months of heavy snowfall, the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California are still piled high in the middle of summer.
At least 200 inches fell this winter and the slopes are likely to remain open until August.
Many trails that should have already melted contain deep snowfields.
But novices skiing half-naked ran into trouble after promises of high temperatures and sun led them to the slopes for the first time.
Ski patrol workers have reported dealing with severe skin abrasions on bare-skinned skiers who tumble over in addition to the need for stitches for those who fall at speed.
Stev Fagran, a 56-year-old teacher, has had the chance to improve on his personal record of 164 consecutive months of skiing.
A June snowstorm added a fresh 8 inches of snow to the snow pack which was already twice as deep as usual, he told the .
“Powder day! Or rather, chowder day!” Fagran cried skis strapped to his back as he climbed a steep hill on his way to meet a friend.
“This is a quirk in the weather. We’re going to make the most of it,” he said.
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