Great Barrington, MA – Ski Butternut in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts will host the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge this Sunday, where speed is king for skiers and snowboarders who compete.

Sunday will be a day of racing, music, fun and giveaways at Butternut as the longest running and farthest-reaching ski and snowboard race competition in the United States is now in its 22nd season.

The event is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Entry is free with a lift ticket and a completed registration form. Contestants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is open from 8 to 11 a..m., when the race starts.

Product samples, contests and raffles will be prevalent throughout the day and all race contestants will automatically be entered to win a snowboard, Hot Finger gloves, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more. The Victory Party will start around 2:30 p.m. with a raffle and concludes with an awards ceremony for the top three finishers in their respective age category, both male and female.  These winners will be presented with a medal, as well as a qualifying packet including a free lift ticket to attend the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Finals at Mount Snow in Vermont on March 31st.

For more information and a complete schedule of tour stops visit www.snocountry.com.