RUMFORD — Black Mountain of Maine ski area is among 17 state ski areas to be included in the fifth anniversary of Ski Maine Association‘s Peak-to-Peak Challenge.

The Challenge is the simple tally of the number of ski areas a person visits over the course of the winter, Greg Sweetser, executive director of Ski Maine, said Wednesday morning in a news release.

“The format is based on the popular concept that hikers have followed over the years of ‘bagging peaks,'” he said.

The Peak-to-Peak Challenge card can be downloaded from the association at SkiMaine.com. Holders fill in the date they visit any one of the participating ski areas.

The 17 areas in this year’s Peak-to-Peak Challenge include: Sunday River in Newry, Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Saddleback in Rangeley, Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Lost Valley in Auburn, Camden Snow Bowl in Camden, Hermon Mountain in Herman, Bigrock Mountain in Mars Hill, Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent, Quoggy Jo in Presque Isle, Mt. Jefferson in Lee, Titcomb Mountain in Jay, Spruce Mountain in Jay, Baker Mountain in Moscow, Black Mountain in Rumford, and Powderhouse Hill in South Berwick.

Sweetser said the genesis of challenge was a tour of all Maine ski areas in January 2008 by an intrepid group crisscrossing the state during a four-day marathon.

The 2012-13 season marks the fifth anniversary of the Peak-to-Peak Challenge.

“The event has introduced many to the hidden gems of Maine skiing and snowboarding and highlights the vibrant local areas,” he said.

“Maine’s community areas continue their valuable role in the industry by introducing thousands of families and children to the sport each winter.”

Ski Maine Association’s mission is to promote Maine ski areas, which operate in every corner of the state.

The Association offers special lift ticket products complimenting the Peak-to-Peak Challenge, Sweetser said.

The Ski Maine Mountain Pass includes a pair of lift tickets to all of the participating areas and the Maine Winter Activities Pass offers discounts at all of the areas. Details on the Peak to Peak Challenge are available at www.skimaine.com.

Ski Maine Association also supports the contest with end-of-season prizes for individuals submitting the Peak-to-Peak Challenge form.

Three levels of the contest are established so a person does not need to ski all the areas to participate.

All entries are gathered by Ski Maine Association and are categorized by three levels of visits. The first level is for individuals who visit six areas, the second level for visiting 12 areas.

These entries qualify to win gift certificates sponsored by Kittery Trading Post.

“The ultimate honor is for those visiting all 17 sites,” Sweetser said.

Those entering the highest level qualify for the chance to win an overnight ski and lodging package at the Comfort Inn in Farmington and a lift ticket package containing a day pass to all 17 areas.

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