Ready for the ‘Outhouse Races’?
Ready for the ‘Outhouse Races’?
Donated photo
A beloved winter spectacle in Western North Carolina, the 19th annual “Outhouse Race” will return to the slopes at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Sapphire Valley Ski Area.
Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt. Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line.
The “Outhouse Races” have been named a “Top 20” event in the southeast for February by Southeast Tourism Society.
Homemade outhouses can be made of wood, cardboard, plastic or any other homemade items. There are three people on a team, and outhouses are secured on a set of skis. These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member “sits” inside.
Outhouses are equipped with a seat with at least one hole and a roll of toilet paper or alternative wiping source. The race course is a two-lane track on packed snow (or on ice), with two teams racing each other head-to-head over a length of approximately 120 feet (40 yards), the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 feet under its own gravitational power.
Admission is $5 per person, with guided parking $5 per car. Check-in is at noon, with the “Potty Parade” at 2:45 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served by the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley. Limited internet, bring Cash.
For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresorts.com or call 828.743.1163.
