Twenty-five years ago, Les Otten wanted to call attention of his new steep bump run, White Heat. They came up with Bust ‘n’ Burn, a competition open to bump skiers who would challenge the steep bump run.

The results were so-so. Skiers came and the event got a little press, but not the big results that were anticipated. A few years later, then-Marketing Director Bill Jensen came up with an idea to make it bigger.

For the winter of 1989-90, the first Legends of Freestyle competition was added to the Bust ‘n’ Burn. Once again utilizing the bumps on White Heat, this event celebrated the original freestyle skiers, a group known for breaking new ground.

Scott Brooksbank and Wayne Wong led the parade, and Sunday River skiers got to watch some of the best bump skiers ever demonstrate their skills. Regular recreational skiers who struggled with such bumps or skied them slowly and carefully could only look on with envy as these skiers made it all look easy.

These were the heroes of the ’70s. Deno Dudenake and John Clendenon were there along with others who had thrilled crowds of skiers as they toured, swiveling through the bumps and grabbing air two or three times on each run. Jensen had gone out on a limb, betting the budget of $42,000 that it would pay off in publicity and drawing skiers who wanted to ski the same challenging White Heat where the legends competed.

Moguls champion Deno Dudenake proved he still had it skiing away with the first prize of $2,500. The event paid off the top eight, with No. 8 getting $250. But it wasn’t the prize money that the freestyle legends appreciated most. Deno remembered, “They really rolled out the red carpet for us. They put us up and wined and dined us for all three days.”

Jensen recalled later, “Until Saturday morning at 9 a.m. I did not know if this bet (My bet with Les’s money) would be one of the best days in Sunday River’s history or my last day. Fortunately for me the bet paid off big time.”

At the time Sunday River was out to promote White Heat and Bust ‘n’ Burn over Killington’s Outer Limits and their bump competition. For the record the bet paid off big time with 6,000 skiers each day and close to $500,000 in revenue. Not only was it a huge financial success, but the event was a breakout moment for Sunday River, proving it could host and promote a truly world class ski event.

Today the Legends are long gone from Bust n’ Burn. Parrot Head festival, a huge party, dominates the weekend, and Bust ‘n’ Burn is a side attraction. And this year, it fall on Easter weekend with the annual specials that entails.

Bust ‘n’ Burn needed an injection of enthusiasm and a focus of its own, so the folks at the mountain approached the Sunday River Ski and Snowboard Club. The idea was that with its core of volunteers and its ties to competition at the mountain, the club could inject new life into the event and keep it going.

The club has been undergoing a rejuvenation in recent years with a new focus on competition working with programs at Gould Academy and Sunday River. Bob Harkins, who works in admissions at Gould, has taken on the job of Executive Director of the club. It has fallen on him to head up the event this year. It’s going to be a big job.

In recent seasons 100 to 120 competitors have participated in Bust ‘n’ Burn each year. At $50 each that’s barely enough to cover the extra insurance required. To cover the rest of the expenses and prizes, sponsors are needed. With the events scheduled for April 7-8, that leaves just two weeks to pull it all together and for competitor to register. Sponsors to date include, Dunkin’ Donuts, Cloudveil and Fischer skis.

Registration is $50 and competitors can buy a lift ticket each day for $10. There are eight categories: male/female 12 and under, 13-18, 19-35 and 36 and over. Prizes will be awarded in all three categories including skis, Cloudveil jackets and other ski related swag. Entry is open to all USSA and non-USSA skiers. Registration can be online or Saturday April 7, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Gould Competition Center at Barker Base. Complete details can be found at www.sundayriver.com by clicking on Events.

The competition is planned for the mogul park on Tempest Headwall right under the lift that carries skiers from Whitecap base to Lower Cascades. This area is used for training and competitions through the season. It’s less intimidating than White Heat but still has a steep pitch. It’s also easier for spectators to get to and can be watched from the Whitecap base lodge.

A check of the Sunday River website and Parrot Head Festival will find all the other activities for the weekend. There will be a lot going on at Whitecap base including pond skimming so the entertainment value is high.

Obviously, the biggest challenge for both the mountain and ski club is the recent weather. Sunday River has made tons of snow this season and has a lot on the trails, but with temperatures as high as we’ve had has taken a toll. Most years snowmaking would have ceased completely by now, but with the commitments and reservations the snowmakers will take any windows of opportunity to add snow where needed to keep trails open and cover problem areas.

In addition, if the 25th edition of Bust’ n’ Burn is postponed until next year due to weather all registration will be refunded. It’s a big challenge for the Sunday River Ski and Snowboard Club, but it’s always fun to watch. See you on the slopes.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.