Sugar Mountain, NC – Even if winter isn’t your time of year, SugarFest at North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain ski resort has something for you. And if winter is your cup of tea, it’s the Carolina High Country’s unofficial kickoff to the ski season.

Now in its 9th year, SugarFest, Dec. 10-11, is a presentation of Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and the Tourism Development Authority of the incorporated Village of Sugar Mountain.

“The unique collaboration between public and private sector has produced an alpine celebration that is surging in popularity every year,” says Sugar Mountain Resort President, Gunther Jochl. “Anytime you come to the ski slopes it should be a good time. Events like SugarFest help us do that and hopefully create interest in winter sports.”

Monster Energy launches this season’s event with a chance to win one of six Ride snowboards to be given away over SugarFest weekend. Text “RIDEBOB” to 35350 or visit www.sugarfestnc.com to enter for a chance to win.

Weekend festivities begin Friday, Dec. 9 when the 18th Annual Pre-Season Ski Clinic introduces Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe and U.S. National Super G Champion Keely Kelleher to an eager group of enthusiasts taking part in three days of personalized instruction on the slopes. The all-inclusive clinic is open to everyone and includes three days on the slopes, video analysis, tuning seminar, and a banquet Saturday night.

That weekend, ski and snowboard manufacturers roll out the newest equipment for an on-snow demo that allows any lift ticket holder with a driver’s license to sample the latest in ski and snowboard technology. Participating brands include Salomon, Völkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride, Line, Fischer and Forum. Just bring your boots, register, and test drive the “good stuff” from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

At the resort’s 10,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink, 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie will perform his signature skate routines for the public on Saturday at 3 p.m. The approachable Wylie is a great showman who interacts with all the skaters, from beginners to expert.

Après-ski, the fireworks continue with an impressive pyrotechnic display best viewed from the base lodge just before 6 p.m. with fresh food and warm drinks. Further entertainment will be provided by bluegrass musicians Boss Hawg.

On Sunday at noon, some of the area’s most creative riders and skiers will participate in the Ride Rail Jam Expression Session. First prize is another Ride snowboard, and additional awards and prizes will be provided courtesy of Alpine Ski Center and Ride Snowboards.

To learn more about SugarFest 2011, call 1-800-SUGAR-MT or go to www.seesugar.com.