BARTLETT, New Hampshire ??” Winterfest 2005 gets underway at Attitash on Saturday, Feb. 19 with the 2nd Annual Budweiser Rail Jam where New England’s finest skiers and riders compete for a cash purse and prizes in front of the Attitash Base Lodge. A special apr??s-ski party in Ptarmigan’s Pub will complement the opening event with help from the WCYY and WBLM radio stations.

“This is our premier freeride event,” said Alex Kaufman, communications manager for Attitash. “When there’s cash to be won the spots can fill up quick so I’d say pony up and register. The spot right next to Ptarmigan’s Pub should make for a lively vibe.”

The Budweiser Rail Jam gets underway at 2 p.m. with snowboarders hitting the rail for 30 minutes followed by 30 minutes for skiers. Afterward the top three will be selected from each division to take part in a final round where the remaining six will vie to be the top skier and rider.

“The fun-box to rail set up gives competitors a lot of ways to jib it up,” said Greg Keeler, marketing and interactive services manager for Attitash. “You’ll really need to be on top of your game. If you are though, there’s cash in it for ya.”

There is a $25 entry fee and the event is limited to the first 15 competitors in each division. The top three competitors in each division will be awarded cash prizes. Each competitor will be entered into a drawing for a pair of skis and a snowboard provided by Atomic to be awarded at the conclusion of the event.

Pre-registration is available via the events page at www.attitash.com and is strongly encouraged as only 15 competitors will be entered into each division.

A complete listing of Winterfest 2005 events is available at www.attitash.com. This edition of Winterfest is occurring with the 40 Days and 40 Nights of Attitash, which culminate on the weekend of March 5-6 with the highflying stunts and fireworks of the All Star Aerial Show.