Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 23, 2006 issue
Hometown Advantage Ski/Snowboard Race and Party February 24
Story by Sam Calhoun
Attention all lovers of fun and snow. Don’t be left out in the cold by not attending the ski race and social event of the season when the second coming of the Hometown Advantage Ski/Snowboard Race and Party carves into Beech Mountain on Friday, February 24, from 6:00 p.m. until midnight.
The event, which starts with a fun ski and snowboard race and ends with a party complete with live music and drink specials, is designed so that any skier and snowboarder of any ability will feel at home and have a good time.
At 5:00 p.m. on Friday, registration kicks off in the Beech Mountain Group Sales Office, followed by a briefing in the Beech Tree Bar and Grill. Racers will assign themselves into one of four divisions: beginner, intermediate, advanced and pro—with skiers and snowboarders competing independently. Men’s and women’s times will be tallied separately, and it is up to individuals to assign themselves into the proper categories. After registration and briefing, the race will begin atop Beech’s Robbin’s Run at 6:30 p.m.
Racers will take two runs, with their fastest time counted toward placement. There will be two races—one for skiers and one for snowboarders. Medals and prizes will be handed out in each division—for men and women and for skiers and snowboarders.
After the race, things will heat up in the Beech Tree Bar and Grill with a Post-Race Gala from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. An awards ceremony will get the ball rolling, followed by a party that is free and open to racers, fans and anyone who likes to have a good time with locals. The good times will continue with the live sounds of regional Ameri-rock-cana favorites, Possum Jenkins. The Possum’s rambunctious repertoire will be accentuated by the local keyboard wiz-kid stylings of Aaron Burleson, and together, the musicians will keep the party going strong for hours. As always, no High Country News party would be complete without some fun and games, so get ready to do some “interesting” stuff for some great prizes.
Hometown Advantage is being presented by Ski Beech and is sponsored by High Country News.
The entry fee for the race is $23, or $8 if you have a season pass. For more information, call 828-264-2262.
Want To Go?
Date: Friday, February 24
Time: 6:00 p.m. to midnight
Location: Ski Beech/Beech Tree Bar & Grill
Cost: $23/$8 if season pass holder