SugarFest set for Dec. 14-16

Sugar Mountain Resort's annual SugarFest will be held Dec. 14 to 16.

The schedule of activities remains the same, only one weekend later.

For next week, weather forecasters are predicting temperatures cold enough for snowmaking, which will give the resort the opportunity to continue building its base and expand open terrain.

Weekend festivities begin Friday, Dec. 14, when the 19th annual Pre-Season Ski Clinic introduces Olympic gold medalist Diann Roffe taking part in three days of personalized instruction on the slopes. The all-inclusive clinic is open to everyone and includes three days on the slopes, video analysis, tuning seminar and a banquet Saturday night.

Later that evening at 7 p.m., 1992 Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie will perform his signature skate routines for the public.

"The approachable Wylie is a great showman who interacts with all the skaters, from beginners to expert," Sugar marketing director Kim Jochl said. "If you've never seen or held a real Olympic gold or silver medal, stop by the ice rink. Paul and Diann will share their medals and Olympic experiences with you."

During the evening's skate show on Sugar's 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink, visitors can partake in the beginning of the three-day SugarFEAST.

"To keep you warm and well-hydrated, a hot chocolate and whip cream bar will flow creamy, smooth chocolate pleasures," Jochl said.

The weekend, in what has been described as a "can't miss" opportunity, ski and snowboard manufacturers roll out the newest equipment for a demo inventory that allows any valid lift ticket holder with a driver's license to sample the latest in ski and snowboard technology.

Participating brands include Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride and Line. Visitors can bring their boots, register and test drive the "good stuff" from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

SugarFEAST continues throughout the weekend, and diners can browse through the cafeteria line each day to experience the "Soup Safari." Or, later at 5 p.m., diners can enjoy North Carolina barbecue and sweet tea.

Later, a fireworks display can be viewed from the base lodge just before 6 p.m. Live bluegrass music from SugarFest's favorite local band, Boss Hawg, will keep toes tappin, as the Last Run Lounge features SugarBrew's award winning "best in show" Southern Tier Choklat Porter, brewed in Lakewood, N.Y. Spaten beer will also be on tap, among others.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, beginning at 10 a.m., SugarFesters are invited to come out and watch or throw down with some of the area's most daring and creative riders and skiers, as they take part in the Rail Jam, featuring more than $4,500 in cash, prizes and giveaways, courtesy of Alpine Ski Center, RIDE Snowboards, Salomon, Burton, Scott, Oakley, 686, One Ball Jay, The North Face, Dalbello and Dakine. Those wanting to participate can preregister at any Alpine Ski Center throughout the Southeast.

To learn more about the 10th annual SugarFest celebration, visit http://www.skisugar.com/sugarfest or call 1-800-SUGAR-MT.