Published March 12, 2007 11:30AM
March 8, 2007
KILLINGTON, VT – (News Release) – Soft snow, sunshine, exciting events, live music and the famous Bear Mountain deck are the crown jewels of Killington Resort’s “King of Spring” celebration, kicking off on St. Patrick’s Day and followed by the return of the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships at the largest ski and snowboard resort in the East!
The “King of Spring”, which features the highest lift-served skiing and riding terrain in Vermont, adds another jewel to the crown beginning March 17 with free admission to the Snowshed Adventure Center, Kids Zone Arcade and Snow Action park; free admission to the Wobbly Barn, The Outback and Tabu nightclubs (ages 21 and over), plus special discounts at area businesses with every three-day or more combined lift ticket and lodging package. Simply present your “King of Spring” credential to receive these extra benefits. Packages start from $83 per person/per night.*
The “King of Spring” season at Killington kicks into high gear when more than 200 of the top freestyle skiers in the country will compete in moguls, aerials and halfpipe at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships March 22-25 . Last year, the four-day championships drew an estimated 25,000 spectators over four days of competition to watch Vermonter’s Hannah Kearney and David Babic take mogul titles.
Amateur mogul skiers get their chance to shine the following weekend at the 27th Annual Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, March 31 – April 1 as 200 bumpers compete on the notorious Outer Limits bump trail on the same course used for the U.S. Freestyle Championships. In addition to the intense mogul competition, spectators soak up the sun while barbequing and relaxing throughout the Bear Mountain base area. Classic rock group Blue Oyster Cult will perform on Saturday afternoon, March 31 on stage at Bear Mountain following the competition.
“Spring skiing and riding, combined with music and events are a tradition here at Killington,” said Dave Rathbun, vice president of sales and brand management for Killington Resort. “And this year with nearly eight feet of snow since February 1st we’re taking spring to a whole new level: It’s good to be king!”
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The famous Bear Mountain deck, featured as one of the top five ski resort spectator viewing areas in Outside Magazine, will once again be the place to sit back, soak up the sun, libations and enjoy the vibe and scene as the wildly popular Spring Loaded snowboard event takes place April 7-8, closing weekend at Bear Mountain. The 14th Annual Spring Loaded embraces the free wheeling mentality surrounding snowboarding since its inception, complete with live music on Saturday, April 7. With a $5,000 cash purse, music and competition in rails, slopestyle and superpipe, this event extols the true spirit of snowboarding in a party atmosphere extending far beyond Bear Mountain.
April 14th the action moves to the K-1 Lodge and the base of the Superstar trail for the 11th Annual Sunshine Daydream Festival as Jerry-followers as well as those who simply enjoy soulful music will find an all-day party plus classic New England spring skiing and riding. The 11th Annual Sunshine Daydream Festival is part of the Bud Light Concert Series and features bands playing Grateful Dead covers.
The annual rite of spring, the 26th Annual Pond Skimming takes place April 21st at the base of the Superstar trail as skiers and riders negotiate a 100-foot long icy pond and compete for prizes in best overall skim, best splash, best costume and the mysterious judge’s award.
*Special “King of Spring” lodging packages available
To celebrate Killington as the “King of Spring”, beginning on March 17, 2007, every 3-day and longer Killington lift ticket purchased in a package with lodging will include added value: One free admission per lift ticket to the Snowshed Adventure Center, Kids Zone Arcade and Snow Action park, and free admission to the Wobbly Barn, The Outback and Tabu nightclubs (ages 21 and over), plus special discounts at area businesses, including 10% off all food at Casey’s Caboose, Birch Ridge Inn, Wally’s American Grill, The Santa Fe Steakhouse, Cedars Restaurant and Outback Pizza. More benefits to come! Simply present your “King of Spring” credential to receive these extra benefits. (Added value extra benefits available until supplier of benefit closes, and may expire without notice). Tax and service fees not included. Some restrictions apply. For booking, visit www.killington.com or call 1-800-621-MTNS.