BARTLETT, NH ??” Winterfest 2004 gets underway at Attitash on Sunday, Dec. 26 with the 4th Annual Fruitcake Toss. The launching of fruitcake is the opening act of eight days of events, races, apres-parties with live entertainment, and games that turn Attitash into an on-going festival, thus Winterfest.

“Folks will recognize some of the activities,” said Heidi Loecher-Duffy, events coordinator for Attitash. “There are few that are less common like the fruitcake toss, snow golf and sumo wrestling. Guests will also have the chance to get their competitive juices flowing with open public racing every day of Winterfest.”

The majority of Winterfest events require no pre-registration allowing guests to walk up and be flinging Fruitcake, swinging golf clubs, popping balloons, or wrestling family members sumo-style right on the spot.

The Next Snow Search event on Sunday, Jan. 2 serves as the culmination of Winterfest as kids age 9-13 compete for prizes and chance to go to the national finals in Keystone, Colo. Winners are judged on skiing or riding ability and star power in this event, which is a unique combination of X-Games meets Star Search.

While space is limited, the Grand Summit Resort Hotel is offering ski and stay packages for the holiday week. For more information or reservations guests can visit attitash.com or call (800) 223-SNOW.