Waitsfield, VT – Vermont’s Mad River Glen and Sugarbush Resort, situated side by side in the Mad River Valley, have decided it’s time to come together to kick off the ski season and celebrate their recognition as the East’s best ski town in Outside magazine. The two ski areas are co-hosting an event to kick off the 2010-11 ski and ride season at Waitsfield’s Big Picture Theater & Café on Saturday, Nov. 20.n”The Mad River Valley is unique, for the incredible skiing and riding it offers as well as for its beauty and authenticity. At Sugarbush, we realize that Mad River Glen only enhances the experience we can offer to our many guests. So we want to be doing more to celebrate that partnership,” says Sugarbush President and Owner Win Smith.

“When Sugarbush has more skier visits, Mad River Glen has more skier visits. We’re in this together,” says Eric Friedman, marketing director for Mad River Glen.

“The Big Kicker” will get underway at 5 p.m. on Nov. 20 with a Rail Jam demonstration by the Sugarbush Parks team in the theater parking lot, weather permitting. A photography exhibit entitled “In Your Dreams Snow Photo Show” will be on display in the lobby of the theater, and an open reception for the photographers — Brian Mohr and Emily Johnson, Sandy Macys, Mike Rydell, John Atkinson, and Aaron Blatt — will take place at 6 p.m.

Dan Egan, half of the talented Egan Extreme Team that co-starred in twelve Warren Miller films, will speak about some of his extreme skiing adventures before sharing his latest “Wild World of Winter” free movie. DJ Kaoss and Friends take over the entertainment at 8:30 p.m., presenting a laser disco dance show to get the crowd grooving. Indoor and outdoor slideshows, vintage ski footage, an ice bar and a bonfire will round out this season kick-off event.

Both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen representatives will be on-hand to raffle off a free season pass to each ski resort. The raffle will take place at 9 p.m. and winners must be present to collect their prizes.

The Big Kicker is intended to be an annual, community-wide celebration.