BLANFORD, Massachusetts ??” The Springfield Ski Club’s Blandford Ski Area will proudly host their third annual Military Appreciation Weekend January 27-29, 2006. Active National Guard, Reserve and retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines & Coast Guard personnel and their immediate families are eligible for free lift tickets all weekend. It’s simply our way of saying thanks to all who serve our country and their families at home who support them. Military ID required for free tickets.

The family oriented Blandford Ski Area, celebrating its 70th year as the oldest club-owned ski area in North America, will operate Friday 08:30-21:00 and Saturday and Sunday 08:00-16:30. Events planned for the weekend include Blandford’s Great Cardboard Box Race on Saturday, an Apres’ Ski Party with live music and the Club’s annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday night, and the InterClub Race on Sunday featuring some of the fastest kids on the snow from Western Massachusetts.

The Club’s Snowsports Education Center will be in full operation with Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages available at our regular low rates. The acclaimed SKI WITH ME program can teach kids as young as 3 to ski and with the Club’s new carpet tow ??“ affectionately called Peppermint Patty’s Polar Xpress ??“ you’ll find them learning to ski down the hill just so they can ride back up again on the carpet! Lessons and rentals are available for all ages so first time moms and dads can try out their snow-legs as well.

The Blandford Ski Area is located just 30 minutes west of Springfield, Massachusetts. Directions, information and snow conditions can be found at www.skiblandford.org or by calling 413.848.2860.