RUMFORD — The Black Mountain Ski Resort will host the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge on Sunday, Jan. 5, with skiers trying to qualify for the finals March 29, spokesperson Paige Carter said.

Skiers will be able to register from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, with the races going from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There are no requirements for participating in the race, Carter said. “The event will be open to anybody, regardless of age or experience. We aren’t charging a registration fee for the event either. All you need to participate is a lift ticket, which costs $15.”

Participants may also register online at www.snocountry.com.

The event consists of a series of smaller races at mountains in New England, Carter said, where skiers will have the opportunity to qualify for the finals at Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont.

Carter said the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge has been held at Black Mountain in the past, though not in the past couple of years.

“There just wasn’t room for us in their schedule last year, but we’re hoping that we’ll be an annual stop from here on out, now that we’re back on our feet,” Carter said. “This year is my first time being around for the Vertical Challenge, so I’m pretty excited. The event is meant to be something fun for anybody to participate in.”

In addition to the races, Carter said the event will feature product samples from sponsors of the challenge starting at 9 a.m., along with raffles and giveaways the rest of the day.

“I can tell you now, there’s going to be a lot of Mountain Dew flying around,” Carter said.

Following the races, a Vertical Victory Party will be held for participants.

The event is produced by snocountry.com and sponsored by Mountain Dew.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

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