Lake 38 brings world-class skiers to Gadsden County

Lake 38 - a man made lake located between Quincy and Havana - is a skiers paradise.

The long, angular lake was built in 2012 by Keith Albritton as his own personal ski-getaway, and has since become a popular spot for skiers from around the world, and has played host to several of the world’s best Slalom Skiers.

On Friday, September 17, and then September 18 and 19, skiers from around the United States gathered at Lake 38 for the second stop of the traveling 55K World Elite Slalom Tournament; the first stop was in July at Clermont, Florida.

“We normally do 2-3 events here a year,” said Albritton of his lake.

While skiing seems to be a traditional summer sport, Albritton says not all of the tournaments at Lake 38 adhere to the warmer weather - in particular, Lake 38 will be a stopping place for skiers in December, as the lake will be hosting the December 5 Ski Freeze or Die tournament.

Slalom skiing, which is the skiing style at Lake 38, involves a multi-buoy course that a skier must navigate through as they complete the pass.

At Lake 38, the skiers are pulled behind a boat at over 30 miles per hour, and must navigate the course without falling or failing to avoid a buoy.

Additionally, the rope used by the skier is shortened in the more difficult tournament levels, making it more difficult for a skier to navigate.

“By the time you move up to a shorter rope, you are no longer behind the boat,” Albritton says. “You are practically skiing right next to the boat’s driver.”

While the private lake is open during events for the public to come out and watch, Lake 38 is not open to swimmers and beginner skiers.

“This is high-end skiing,” Albritton says - although he does encourage anyone with an interest in learning how to slalom ski to get through the basics on their own and then come to him.

“I’ll work with you - but you’ve got to know what you’re doing first.”

For experienced skiers, Albritton opens the lake on a reservation-basis - as a result, Albritton says Lake 38 has seen many experienced and nationally accomplished skiers pass over the lake’s waters.

“We’ve had Jamiee Bull here,” said Albritton of Ontario, Canada’s world renowned pro-skier.

Bull has competed and placed at several of Lake 38’s tournaments.

But for those who are just interested in watching the tournaments, Albritton says to come on out.

“Bring a pop up tent for some shade or a blanket,” he encourages.

The lake offers an athletic competition for skiers around the world - but for Gadsden County locals, it's a soothing getaway from the rest of the world and a chance to see a unique sport in action.

Ashley Hunter - editor@gadsdencountytimes.com

Lake 38 brings world-class skiers to Gadsden County

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Lake 38 brings world-class skiers to Gadsden County

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Donuts for Dads at Chattahoochee Elementary School

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