RUMFORD – Skiing, snow tubing, competitive races, music and more are planned at Black Mountain of Maine, beginning this morning with the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference cross-country race.

Mountain spokesman Craig Zurhorst said the coming week offers something for all ages. Today’s race is sanctioned by the Maine Principals Association and will draw high school-age skiers from all over.

Other races include state cross-country and downhill slalom races for high school classes A, B and C throughout the week, along with the Maine Ski Challenge Mountain Dew Race, which starts at 1 p.m. Feb. 17, then continues on Feb. 24. Cost for entering the Mountain Dew Race is $4 for a numbered bib and ski lift use.

Zurhorst said the informal race offers a chance for competitors from ages 5 to the 70s to earn points toward a state championship as well as prizes from Pepsi and Sam’s Pizza.

On Feb. 23, the third annual Greg Waite Race, which is a downhill competition in memory of the longtime SAD 43 teacher, coach and avid skier, takes place.

For those who aren’t into ski racing, the Daytona 500 auto race will be broadcast on the big screen in the ski lodge, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Music jams with local musicians Peter Everett, Rick Greene, Peter Koch, Barry Miller and Gary Petrie begin at 7 p.m. Friday and again on March 8. More music will be performed by blues artist Paul Lowell Friday night Feb. 22. That same night, skiers can see ski equipment demonstrations beginning at 6 p.m.

“It’s a superb week, it’s going to be a happy place,” Zurhorst said.

School vacation week special hours for skiing and snow tubing are: Sunday through Wednesday, skiing, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tubing, noon to 4 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, skiing, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; tubing, 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Costs are $15 per day for tubing; for skiing, $25 per day for adults, $21 per day for youth up to age 17, seniors over age 61, and for half-day adults. Free for children 5 and under, and adults, 75 and over.

Zurhorst said this year’s ski season has been good for the mountain.

For more information on events or to register for a race phone the lodge at 364-8977.