KILLINGTON, Vermont — The Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge returns for the 27th annual competition as a crown jewel in Killington’s “King of Spring” celebration, and one of Vermont’s largest spring skiing events, as 200 mogul skiers tackle the steepest, longest mogul run in the East March 31-April 1.

And just when folks thought the infamous Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge couldn’t get any bigger, along comes Mother Nature, signing up as an event sponsor and promising to deliver sunshine, warm temperatures and soft snow for the first time in four years.

“We’re due for a warm, sunny event this year,” said Josh Arneson, Killington’s event manager, “but no matter what the weather holds, this year’s event has all the makings for another historic mogul challenge.”

In addition to the on-hill action, the Bud Light Concert Series continues with 70’s rock group Blue ?–yster Cult performing on Saturday, March 31 at 3 p.m. Spanning three decades, Blue ?–yster Cult has a long and storied history with numerous hits, including “(Don’t fear) The Reaper,” “Burnin’ for You” and “Godzilla.”

Outer Limits, the steepest mogul slope in eastern North America, covering 1,200 feet of vertical in a half a mile, has been the training ground for 1992 Olympic Mogul Champion Donna Weinbrecht, and 2006 Olympic team members Hannah Hardaway and Evan Dybvig. Each year 200 amateur bumpers line up to show their stuff in this spring event, while spectators relax in the sun at the bottom of the trail on lawn chairs and sofas with barbecue grills and coolers in tow, ready to officially celebrate the rites of spring skiing. In addition, skiers will be competing on the same course used the previous week for the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships.

Competitors will tackle Outer Limits in seven different age categories for both men and women. Skiers are judged on turns and line (50%), air (25%) and speed (25%). Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, competitors each get one run. The top 32 men and 16 women will return to compete in a dual format on Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Pairs of competitors will run a dual course with sudden death format; only the winners remain. Awards will be presented to the first, second, third, and fourth place finishes for both men and women. These winner’s names will be engraved on the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge trophy.

The famous Bear Mountain deck, featured as one of the top five ski resort spectator viewing areas in Outside Magazine, will once again be the place to sit back, soak up the sun and libations and enjoy the vibe and scene of the Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge. In addition to Blue ?–yster Cult, the Bear Mountain Lodge will feature live entertainment on Sunday afternoon from the Joey Leone Duo.

Pre-registration is required. Only the first 200 prepaid registrants will be entered for competition. Entry forms are available at www.Killington.com

27th Annual Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge Schedule:

Saturday, March 31

10:00 a.m. – Mogul Challenge qualifying runs
3:00 p.m. – Blue ?–yster Cult performs on the outdoor stage
4:30 p.m. – Mogul Challenge Awards on the outdoor stage

Sunday, April 1

11:00 a.m. – Mogul Challenge finals on Outer Limits
1:00 p.m. – Mogul Challenge Awards on the outdoor stage