Avon, CO – Beaver Creek is hosting an ultimate challenge for skiers and snowboarders at the ninth annual Talons Challenge, slated for Saturday, March 3, 2012 and the first annual Talons Kids challenge on Sunday, March 4. Participants test their mettle and attempt to tackle all 13 of the Colorado ski and snowboard resort’s steepest and bumpiest black diamond and double black diamond runs on the legendary Birds of Prey World Cup downhill course on Golden Eagle, Grouse Mountain, and on the flanks of Larkspur Bowl. In total, the event includes skiing or riding nearly 24,000 vertical feet in one day.

Those who successfully complete the Talons Challenge will receive a Talons Challenge Beanie, Commemorative Talons Challenge Pin and earn a spot on the electronic Talons Wall-of-Fame at Red Tail Camp. Participants should plan to stay around for the famous Talons Après Party and raffle at Red Tail Camp from 3:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Registration for the Challenge includes a Talons Challenge Lanyard and Credential, and a free Bratwurst and either a Bud Light or soft drink at the party. Talons Challenge is recommended for ages 13 and up.

On Sunday, March 4, kids age 5-12 will have a challenge all their own with the new Talons Kids. Designed to give younger skiers and snowboarders their very own day to tackle the Talons Challenge, Talons Kids participants can ski and ride at their own pace, amongst others in the same age group and with similar experience levels, all in a relaxed, family friendly environment. All participants will receive an official Talons Kids Beanie, Commemorative Talons Kids Pin, and the opportunity to win prizes at the Après Party and raffle at Red Tail Camp from 3:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Registration for Talons Kids includes a Talons Kids Lanyard and Credential, and a free Hotdog and a Pepsi soft drink at the party. The event is limited to children ages 5-12 and participants must be at a minimum a level four skier or snowboarder.

There will also be two spots to pick up credentials for the Talons Kids on Sunday, March 4.

Registration for the Talons Challenge and Talons Kids is now open and information is online at www.talonschallenge.com. Participants must supply their own ski pass or lift ticket for this event. Lift ticket discounts are available if pre-purchased online at www.beavercreek.com at least seven days in advance. Advance online registration for the adult Talons Challenge costs $35 ($40 day-of entry, cash only); space is limited to the first 1,500 people who sign up. For Talons Kids, advance online registration costs $25 ($30 day-of entry, cash only); space is limited to the first 500 entries.