11th Annual Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival

The 11th Annual Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival is taking place March 2-3, 2013 in Keene Valley, N.Y.

This year's featured local skiers will present slideshows and films at the Keene Arts Playhouse, located in the Old Methodist Church, Route 73 in Keene (between Stewart's and Town Hall) on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. This event is open to the public, and will feature one of The Mountaineer's legendary raffles of gear generously donated by our sponsors. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Demos and mini-clinics will be held at Otis Mountain in Elizabethtown on Saturday. Otis Mountain is a private ski area that offers a great venue for testing out the latest skis and boots as well as clinics on skinning, telemark skiing and more. In addition to skis and boots, guests can demo avalanche safety equipment and practice rescue techniques at the avalanche beacon park, sponsored by Mammut. Mini-clinics and demos will be free of charge.

The Skifest is a benefit event, with proceeds supporting the New York State Ski Education Foundation's Nordic racing programs and the Adirondack Ski Touring Council, stewards of the Adirondack Park's backcountry ski trail system, including the famous Jackrabbit Trail.

Last years event saw Glen Plake stop by for some turns so if you are in the East go and check it out.