Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Right around the time of the vernal equinox, Sierra-at-Tahoe is going to welcome spring in a big way with a series of competitions and lift ticket promotions.

First off, there's the Highlander event Saturday, March 14, when amateur shredders of all abilities will compete for cash and other prizes in a rail jam in a one-on-one format with riders being eliminated until only one is left standing high. The entry fee is $10 and is open to the first 128 riders who register the day of the competition.

Then on Sunday, March 15, it's the Billabong Flaunt It, a girls-only slopestyle and rail jam for amateur snowboarders. This is the final event in a continent-wide six-stop series, and the winner at Sierra will be given a free ride and lodgings at Mt. Tremblant in Quebec for the Flaunt It finals March 29. Registration information can be found online.

Sierra-at-Tahoe will present the Buckle Up Big Air competition for skiers and snowboarders Saturday, March 21. The event, which is being conducted in memory of freestyle skier Greg Smith, includes music and a barbeque in addition to the slopestyle competition.

As for the lift ticket promotion, any skier or snowboarder who comes to Sierra with a current student ID between March 16-20 and March 23-27 can ride the lifts for $51 a day (an $8 to $18 savings, depending on age).