The sun's intrusive rays seep through the lobby's windows. The lift-ticket line grows longer and longer. This last day of the season at Moose Mountain promises great rides erasing an otherwise frustrating season.

"It's always a bittersweet ending, especially with a day like today," says Luke Kline, a snowboard instructor at Moose.

He couldn't think of anywhere else he'd rather be.

"It's definitely the busiest day we've had all season too," Kline says.

On average, the temperature at the base of the mountain was minus 17 degrees this winter, leaving nothing but piercing winds and choppy trails for those who elect to collect on the $5 discount on lift tickets when the temperature falls below zero.

"Your season in Fairbanks is so limited," says Terence Rallo, a student at UAF. "I love boarding so much that I try to go whenever possible."

Available hours on the slope dwindled with the mercury. The mountain doesn't open until noon when it's 20 below and colder. And temperatures were not the only thing keeping cold-weather enthusiasts off Moose Mountain this past season. The snowfall was shameless compared to previous years, with a mere two to three feet on the ground. All is forgiven in this sunny farewell fling.

"It was definitely a bad season," Kline says. "But it's days like today that make it all worthwhile."

The last day at Moose Mountain tends to be a big deal. This year riders are going out in style. It's 30 degrees above. Snow gear is not even necessary, leaving other memorable options for those who wish to be remembered.

"It was quite a riot seeing those guys step on the bus," says Luke Dahlman, laughing as he describes three skiers who chose to ride in anything but ordinary clothing.

Flying down the mountain, Weston Howe, Alec Vendchuck, and Olin Twitchel sport blonde wigs gracefully flapping in the wind.

"It's all about having a good time," says Howe, as he ties a leopard print piece of fabric to his knee brace.

"And even more importantly, it's all about the flare," chimes in Vendchuck, pointing to the dangling cloth. He tops off his attire by slipping a can of chew into the back pocket of his extremely tight denim jeans. "I like to call this the Canadian tuxedo," he jokes as he grabs his skis and heads for the bus.

The main event isn't necessarily the skiing and snowboarding either.

Ken Carr, dressed in pink and orange overall shorts, chose to sit the last day out and take his position as grill master.

"I'm feeling a little sore from yesterday," says Carr. "And on a day like today I'm happy just drinking a beer and grilling some food."

From about 2 p.m. on, the front part of the parking lot turns into a mini tailgate party, keeping the parched hydrated and the hungry fed.

"People like to go out in style," Howe claims, zipping up his florescent pink pullover.

Snowboarders and skiers in Fairbanks have learned to make due with what they've got and know not to expect glamorous riding conditions. Decent snowfall and bearable temperatures are not too much to ask for however, and that is where this season failed miserably.

But this last day delivers smiling faces and great memories to last all summer.

"It's always a gamble as to what you're going to get," says Kline as he joins his fellow partiers around the barbeque. "We'll just hope for something a little better next season and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day we've got."