KILLINGTON, Vermont — The Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge returns for the 28th annual competition as a part of 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 29-30.

In addition to the on-hill action, the Bud Light Concert Series continues with 80’s rocks band The Smithereens, from Carteret, New Jersey, performing on Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m. Spanning three decades, The Smithereens have a long and storied history with numerous hits, including “Girl Like You,” “Only a Memory” and “Blood and Roses.”

The famous Bear Mountain deck, featured as one of the top ski resort spectator viewing areas in Outside Magazine and SKI Magazine, will once again be the spot for spectators place to sit back, soak up the sun and libations and enjoy the vibe and scene of the Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge.

“The Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge has been a springtime favorite at Killington for nearly three decades,” said Josh Arneson, Killington’s events manager. “This is a chance for skiers to enjoy the warm sunshine, soft spring snow and party atmosphere that makes spring skiing so special.”

Skiers 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 10:00 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 run a dual course with sudden death format; only the winners remain. Awards are presented to the first, second, third, and fourth place finishes for both men and women. These winners’ names are engraved on the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge trophy.

Pre-registration is required and will open online at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday March 11. Only the first 200 prepaid registrants will be entered for competition. A link will be provided from the event page of www.Killington.com to Mogul Challenge registration.

The action at the base of Outer Limits will be lively as spectators are encouraged to bring barbeques and lawn chairs for the best on-snow viewing. There will be a barbeque competition featuring prizes for best appetizer, entr?В©e and desert.

This year Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge spectators and competitors will not be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages to the event, including the parking areas of Killington Resort. Killington will expand its beer garden, barbeque selections and food vendors to provide a variety of delicious and value priced options.

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.

28th Annual Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge Schedule:

Saturday, March 29
10:00 a.m. Mogul Challenge qualifying runs
3:00 p.m. The Smithereens performs on the outdoor stage
4:30 p.m. Mogul Challenge Awards on the outdoor stage

Sunday, March 30
11:00 a.m. Mogul Challenge finals on Outer Limits
1:00 p.m. Mogul Challenge Awards at the base of the course

Killington’s “King of Spring” events lineup:
March 15-16: Chevy U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix
March 23: Easter Sunrise Service and Easter Egg Hunt
March 29-30: Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge
April 5-6: Spring Loaded
April 12: Sunshine Daydream Festival
April 13: Pond Skimming