KILLINGTON, Vermont ??” Soft snow, sunshine, music, events and the famous Bear Mountain deck are all typically characteristic of spring skiing and riding at Killington Resort, however, this year’s spring events schedule is getting an uncharacteristic amount of buzz.

The spring events kicks off with the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships March 23-26 setting the stage for more than 150 of the top freestyle skiers to compete in moguls, aerials and superpipe. This event will mark the first appearance of U.S. Olympic Team members on U.S. soil after the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. On Saturday, March 25 following the aerial finals Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk performs live on stage at Bear Mountain followed by fireworks.

Moving into April, the 26th Annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge will be hosted April 1-2 with 200 of the best amateur bumpers competing. This event takes place on the notorious Outer Limits bump trail and is marked by intense mogul competition while spectators barbeque and relax on couches in the sun. Legendary Killington entertainers Joey Leone’s Chop Shop will perform live on stage at Bear Mountain following the competition.

A week later the wildly popular Spring Loaded event takes place April 8-9 at Bear Mountain. The 13th Annual Spring Loaded embraces the free wielding mentality surrounding snowboarding since its inception. With a $5000 cash purse, music and competition in rails, slopestyle and superpipe, this event extols the true spirit of snowboarding in a party atmosphere extending far beyond Bear Mountain. Live music from Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys will follow the event on Saturday, April 8th on stage at Bear Mountain.

The famous Bear Mountain deck, featured as one of the top five ski resort spectator viewing areas in the November issue of Outside Magazine, will once again be the place to sit back, soak up the sun, libations and enjoy the vibe and scene.

The complete spring lineup is as follows:

Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships ??“ March 23-26, featuring Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
26th Annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge ??“ April 1-2, featuring Joey Leone and Chop Shop
Bear Mountain Rail Jam ??“ April 2
13th Annual Spring Loaded ??“ April 8-9, featuring Dropkick Murphys
10th Annual Sunshine Daydream ??“ April 15
25th Annual Pond Skimming ??“ April 22
16th Annual Killington Triathlon ??“ May 13

Special lodging packages available

Killington Resort is the perfect place to shake out the winter blues with an abundance of not only sunshine, but the best Ski and Stay packages in ski country.

Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships package: Enjoy the same sun-splashed variety of terrain that the Olympic athletes are enjoying in between their competitive runs! Killington Ski & Stay package with arrival March 22 for four nights of lodging and a four-day lift ticket start at just $93 per person per night, based on four people in a one-bedroom condominium. Tax and service fees not included. Optional extras include lessons, rentals, kids programs, dog sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and spa programs. We can even book your airline or train tickets, rental car or transfers.

Two-to-Seven day Ski and Stay Packages: Start at just $63 per person per night after April 2nd. Rates are based on two people in a motel room or four people in a one-bedroom condominium. Tax and service fees not included. Some restrictions apply. For booking, visit www.killington.com or call 1-800-621-MTNS.