JAY, Vermont ??” If pushing your body to the point that you can barely walk for a month (or more) sounds like fun, check out the Ambassador to the UN (April 2, 2006) competition. Skiing or riding 20 laps on the mountain’s biggest and longest bump run will bring a whole new meaning to “feeling the burn.”

The Randon?В©e Race (February 11, 2006) is another not-to-be-missed event for bionic types. Standard fare in Europe and out West, randon?В©e races are relatively new to east coast ski areas. Like the mountain itself, the race is all about “old school” attitude. Go up and down the mountain a couple of times ??“ getting to the top the old fashioned way: under your own steam ??“ and whoever finishes the course first gets free stuff.

You don’t need to be an expert racer to participate in Jay Peak’s George Syrovatka Downhill (March 11, 2006). The race, initiated in 1981 by former Czechoslovakian National Ski Team member (and one time North American speed skiing record holder) George Syrovatka, is open to anyone confident, or crazy, enough to squeeze into a spandex speed suit.

The New England Powder 8 Championship (February 2006) is also open to amateurs. Jay Peak is the only eastern resort to host a Powder 8 comp and will be running the event again in February 2006 (watch jaypeakresort.com for specific dates). Amateurs will be competing against elite teams so be sure your 8s are smooth and pretty.

Not all of Jay Peak’s events are big and scary. Jay hosts lots of fun-for-everyone events like the Spring Mogul Comp and Beach Party (both on March 25, 2006) and Pond Skimming (April 8, 2006). If you’re looking for family fun, it doesn’t get much better than Mardi Gras week. Block off February 27 to March 4 on the calendar ??“ ditch work and pull the kids out of school, if necessary ??“ for a week of great conditions and big fun Big Easy Style.

*Things don’t always go as planned in snow country so go to www.jaypeakresort.com to confirm event dates and other details.