Cut lift lines while raising money for a good cause during the 18th annual USARCfest on March 1 at Bear Mountain.

    Formerly called the Ski-a-Thon, by any name the event is a winner as it raises money for the resort’s Adaptive Sports Program. This is fundraiser with an emphasis on fun as skiers and snowboarders cut lift lines all day, enjoy a great lunch and apres party on the 13,000 sq. ft. deck, and help the disabled get out on the slopes...while getting a tax-deduction at the same time.

    Truly everyone wins during this popular event. Getting in on the fun is easy—just raise a minimum of $150 or $600 for teams of four by getting friends to sponsor you or do as many do and just write out a check for the tax-deductible amount. Of course, those who solicit larger amounts can win great prizes that range from quality equipment to destination resort trips.

    The donation includes lift ticket, line cutting, lunch, event T-shirt, raffle ticket, and the famous “Survival Kit” swag bag filled with all kinds of goodies. The apres party on the deck is legendary with free-flowing beer, wine, entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and auction.

    Registration is from 7-11 a.m. in Trapper’s Lounge. Call (909) 584-0269.

    Beautiful opening ceremonies make way for two days of athletic competition that’s just as memorable when the Special Olympics Winter Games return to Bear Mountain March 3-5.

    Some 250 athletes with varying degrees of mental retardation plus their coaches will compete in alpine skiing and snowboarding at the ski resort, and cross country skiing and snowboarding across the street at the golf course. In addition Munson Snowboards is hosting a first-time snowboard clinic for the athletes.

    Winter Games gets underway with breathtaking opening ceremonies on March 3 at 7 p.m. that are free and open to the public. Watch the ceremonial Parade of Athletes and the moonlight descent of the Special Olympics torch as it winds down the mountain to light the “Flame of Hope.” A spectacular fireworks show concludes the evening, ushering in two days of hard competition by special athletes.

    March 4 sees competition in all four events from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with the final events March 5 from 9 a.m.-noon. Closing ceremonies follow from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

    Racing and a terrific silent auction are on tap during the 12th annual “Ides of March” Victor Alvarez Memorial Race at Snow Summit on Saturday, March 15.

    The race is a pro-style giant slalom (no pro bump) down the Widowmaker course that gets underway with qualifying runs at 10 a.m. Each racer gets two timed runs on the two courses with the top 32 combined times advancing to the afternoon’s action in the men’s racing, 16 for the women.

    That’s when exciting head-to-head racing takes place, as top racers from not just Big Bear but also Mammoth and Lake Tahoe resorts compete for the $3,075 cash purse—more than $500 larger than last year! The top 16 men and eight women get a payday, but everyone has a great time.

    Entry fee is $70 ($50 15 and under) and includes lift ticket, race fees, T-shirt and apres party with food and cheap beer. Register from 8-9:30 a.m. in Bear Bottom Lodge. That’s where the silent auction is held with great items to bid on like ski and snowboard equipment, trips including roundtrip air and lodging for two to Montego Bay in Jamaica and a stay at Desert Hot Springs Spa and Hotel, backpacks, Goodyear tires, sweet snowboards, clothing and more. The auction is open to the non-racing public so come on up and get some great deals!

    Proceeds benefit Summit’s Junior Race Team, and the Alvarez race has grown to become the group’s second largest fundraiser. Call (909) 585-5246 or 866-5766.

    Join Rossignol team riders and local instructors for a free clinic and fun when the nationwide Jeep Terrain Park Challenge visits Bear Mountain March 15.

    Skiers and snowboarders learn how to safely ride features in the park, as well as proper etiquette, during the event, now in its third year. Some 60 clinics will be held at resorts in six different regions, as Rossignol demo team riders demonstrate how to ride terrain park features from jumps and jibs to walls.

    After the clinic, held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., there’s a fun competition from 1-2 p.m. followed by awards ceremony with prizes. All participants receive swag including Trick Tip DVDs and magazines, T-shirts and hats, plus giveaways from event sponsors which include Jeep, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Rossignol, National Ski Areas Association and Professional Ski Instructors of America.

    The tour also visits Bear Mountain’s sister resort Sierra Summit as well as Snowbird, Taos, Timberline, Whitefish and many other resorts. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and is free for all ages. Call (909) 585-2519.