The North American Telemark Organization (NATO) will hold its annual telemark festival March 13 and 14, celebrating 35 years. This year the fest celebrates its "Retro Fest, old school, new school, it's all cool" party on snow. This event takes place at Mad River Glen ski resort in Fayston.
Registration begins each day at 8 a.m. on the top floor of the base lodge. During the weekend telemarkers are treated to clinics ranging from beginner to radical terrain skills. All the major telemark equipment reps will be on hand to give skiers the opportunity to demo all the latest and greatest gear.
There are various competitions including the world championship Berserkebeiner, a real all-mountain no-whining race. The après-ski highlight is the infamous Magic Hat Brewery tele-dance party on Saturday night featuring a festival favorite band, Guy Burlage and the Detonators.
Not to be missed are the wild antics of the "Freeheel Free For All" contest on Sunday afternoon. Spectators will be wowed with zany retro costumes, creative skiing styles, and good old-fashioned tomfoolery on skis. All this tele-fun is included in the purchase of a Mad River Glen Telemark Festival lift ticket.
For more information about the North American Telemark Festival contact NATO at 496-4387 or visit NATO's website at www.telemarknato.com. For more information and directions to Mad River Glen call 802-496-3551 or visit MRG's website at www.madriverglen.com.
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