WATERVILLE VALLEY, New Hampshire ??” Snow sports enthusiasts will experience the thrill of sliding down snow-covered mountain slopes this winter when the Verizon Luge Challenge visits Waterville Valley Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30.

The Verizon Luge Challenge, first introduced in 1996, brings the luge experience to the masses, free of charge during the winter season. The program uses a recreational version of the luge sled used in the Olympic Winter Games. Participation in the Verizon Luge Challenge is free, and no experience or lift ticket is required. After learning the basics of accelerating, steering and stopping from USA Luge athletes and coaches, anyone 10 and older can take practice runs down a track complete with curves and timing equipment.

The afternoon features timed races with results flashed on an electronic scoreboard. “Sliders” don racing bibs and are timed against a course standard set by the USA Luge National Team athletes.

Prizes will be awarded in categories for men and women 18 and over, and boys and girls 10-18. The five fastest times in each division will win prizes from Panasonic, DMT, Duofold and other prize sponsors. An awards party with a live DJ, complimentary refreshments and drawings for prizes will make the Verizon Luge Challenge a fun event for the entire family.

Since 1996, the Verizon Luge Challenge has exposed the sport to more than 12,000 fans nationwide. To learn more about the sport of luge, visit http://www.usaluge.org.

For more information about Waterville Valley, please visit www.waterville.com, or call 1-800-GO-VALLEY.