Each first time skier or snowboarder receives a Lemon Lodge Ski Bar cowbell, hung around their neck by their instructor. Cowbells are on every table so guests can cheer for family, friends, co-workers or strangers who are skiing or riding on the simulator. Authentic Olympic and World Cup cowbells are also prominently displayed on the Lemon Lodge Ski Bar merchandise wall.
But why cowbells? (And no, it’s not based on the SNL skit.) In alpine ski racing, the skiers glide past gathered crowds at speeds between 60-90 mph. With racers and fans dressed for winter weather, you can’t clap in mittens and expect to be heard. Instead, it’s a long-standing European tradition to ring cowbells loudly and quickly to cheer for racers. Listen for bells ringing during the alpine winter Olympic events, World Cup alpine racing, bobsled and skeleton competitions, the Tour de France and other bike races. At Lemon Lodge Ski Bar, ringing cowbells is just one way we want to encourage guests – whether it’s their first time trying to ski or they’re regulars at the top of the course leaderboard – and build a positive snow sports community.