SHOT-SKI

The SHOT -SKI is a fun drinking game for Apres-Ski or Apres any outdoor or indoor activity. It is, simply a device, made from a downhill ski that allows 4 people to drink a shot at the same time. Obviously, this is not as easy as it sounds, and results in a fun group activity. You can make up your own rules for how you want to proceed.

You will need a ski for this. If you live in the North, near a Ski area, this is no problem as discarded skis are easily found. Or, you could buy used ones at a second hand store. You'll need shot glasses. Try to find ones that taper toward the bottom so they can be tightly wedged into the holes you drill. You could use plastic disposables, but why not be classy. You'll also need a Forstner bit of the correct size. To determine this, drill some holes into a scrap of wood and insert the glass into it. When you have a tight fit, that's the size you need. Mine was 1.5 inch. I suggest using a drill press but a hand held power drill will work if you are careful. The Forstner bit makes a smooth sided hole and won't tear out any material on the bottom of the ski resulting in a clean look.

Begin by removing the bindings. You'll need a Philips screwdriver. A power drill with a large Philips bit is the easiest method. Once the bindings are off you will have a number of screw holes. I suggest smoothing these down with a countersink bit to remove the burr. ( Material sticking up around the hole.) Now you have to do some math. Leave at least 10 inches at both the tip and tail of the ski. This provides a handle for the people at each end. Mark these locations with a marker. Be sure to measure the mid point of these marks as well because skis taper and you want each hole in the exact middle, so mark these points with a cross. Measure between these points. My distance was 55.5 inches. Divide this by 3 as you will need two more holes separated by 3 spaces. That was 18.5 inches for me. Measure and mark these and don't forget to mark the mid points with a cross. You will now have 4 marks where the holes should be. I used a 1/8 inch drill at each mark to give the Forstner bit an easy entry point.

Before you even think of doing this, CLAMP THE SKI DOWN ! WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Go slowly as skis are made of composite materials, layers of wood and plastics. Some heat may build up so take it easy. Also, make sure you have a scrap of wood under the ski. This will help prevent tear out and protect the surface below the ski.

Now is the time to remove any residue or glue from under the binding area. I used WD-40 and a scraper. Also you will have the unsightly screw holes where the bindings were attached. You could use wood filler and touch it up to the colour of the ski. I, however, filled each hole with silicone caulking and pressed a plastic screw cover into each. (You can get these at any building store- they are used to cover screws in pre- fab furniture.) That's it! Enjoy.

NOTE: I am not condoning drinking in any way. The game is just as much fun with ginger ale or cola. However, if you are taking real shots, provided everyone is an adult, Jagermeister is the classic choice.