January 26, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Super race, bowl game infused into slopeside mix

by Marty Basch/

Maine residents pay $25 at Saddleback on Feb. 1. (photo: Saddleback)

Maine residents pay $25 at Saddleback on Feb. 1. (photo: Saddleback)

There will be a few former U.S. Ski Team members in the crowd at the 2009 Nature Valley NASTAR Open at Sunday River Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Expected to be on hand for the pre-race clinics are AJ Kitt and Doug Lewis.

Ex-coach Doug McNichol is also slated to be there. McNichol must know what he's doing because he used to help coach Bode Miller.

"Sunday River is very excited to host the Nature Valley NASTAR Open," said Dana Bullen, general manager for Sunday River, in a release. "NASTAR is a wonderful program and aligns perfectly with our resort’s commitment to competitive programs. It will be exciting to see so many different disciplines compete for this distinct honor."

Waterville Valley Resort is turning its mountain pink to raise funds for Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) on Feb. 1. There will be lots of ways for skiers and riders to participate, including an Oakley Pink Rail Jam and an Ultimate Pink Raffle. The Rail Jam starts at noon and the resort will donate the full $40 entry fee to Boarding for Breast Cancer. Waterville Valley has raised more than $20,000 for B4BC in the last three years.

Stratton holds its annual Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer event Jan. 31, a 3K or 5K snowshoe walk or 3K fun run. The jaunts will be augmented by free snowshoe demos and a pancake breakfast for participants.

Wachusett in Princeton, Mass., is starting off the upcoming weekend with the WZLX SnowBowl on Jan. 30, while Jan. 31 is the Kiss 108 Winter Games, which features some fun snow games and quizzes. On Feb. 1, it's J3s, J4s and J5s in the annual Michael Higgins Memorial Race. That's also the day for a USASA slopestyle race.

Gunstock in Gilford, N.H., has a weekend full of events starting Jan. 30 with the UNH Live Free and Ride Big Air. That's also the day of the second annual Cobble Mountain Snowshoe Classic, a 5-kilometer race. Saturday is another Gunstock Rocks Saturday Night ($30 lift tickets includes rentals) and Sunday is the GTP Huck to the Future Series.

Looking to get off the farm? Jay Peak Resort is doing its share for Vermont dairy farmers on Jan. 30 during Farmer's Day. A trio of free lift tickets are offered per farm with each additional one going for $15. On Jan. 31, it is the fifth annual Randonee Race.

Pats Peak in Henniker, N.H., will be filled with fuzzy mascots who will be part of a fashion show during the festive Mascot/Family Fun Day Feb. 1.

On a Patriots-less Super Bowl Sunday, there's no reason not to be out skiing and riding Feb. 1. Ragged Mountain in Danbury, N.H., will have free munchies with the game, King Pine in East Madison, N.H., features its #1 Fan Contest, where those who show up decked out in their favorite team's colors can enter a raffle with a shot at a season pass, and Cannon has two-for-one tickets at $64. Okemo is knocking $10 off the price of lift tickets Super Bowl Sunday. It's a super day to be a Mainer, with $25 tickets at Saddleback for Maine residents.

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