Military Winterfest Announces Action-Packed Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:            Linda Hughes email hidden; JavaScript is required or 410-703-8352

 

Military Winterfest Announces Action-Packed Schedule

Features American Flag Jump-in, KidFest & Inter-Service Races

 

ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (Feb. 3, 2016) – Angel Fire’s 2nd Annual Military Winterfest is a Rocky Mountain celebration in the snow for veterans, working military and their families.

A five-day schedule features skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, tubing, snowshoeing and a KidFest. But the highlight of the festival is when Dana Bowman, a retired U.S. Army Golden Knight and double amputee, dazzles audiences with his signature American Flag Jump In Saturday morning, Feb. 20. Skydiving from an airplane, he’ll make a precision landing onto the base of Angel Fire Resort’s ski mountain. Bowman, who has two special prosthetic limbs when he lost both legs in a parachuting accident, is determined to prove his long-held motto – “It’s not the disability; it’s the ability™.”

Military Winterfest, known for its snow sports activities, has expanded its ski and snowboard school offerings to include more lessons for vets, by vets. As well, organizers have bolstered its adaptive program for vets with disabilities. And, for those with a competitive spirit, organizers have slated Inter-service Fun Races and a prize-giving ceremony on Sunday.

Saturday night, there will be a Celebratory Dinner featuring a speech by Dana Bowman and live music. Daily activities include a Twilight Colors Retirement Parade down the mountain.

Recognizing the family nature of the festival, organizers have added a KidFest with several activities: a Snow Dog Show, photo ops with a “Snow Bear,” Skijoring, a Juggling Sheriff, a chance to meet a real cowgirl, a Snow Ball Corn Hole Toss, a Snowman Contest, an attempt to establish a Snow Angel Record, and a s’mores and cocoa party.

Robust snow conditions have helped the resort rack up more than 150 inches total snow this season with more to come. Winterfest is an opportunity to showcase a mountain boasting 80 runs, four terrain parks, gladed tree runs and nighttime skiing. Adults will be able to enjoy several après ski activities too.

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REGISTER TO GO

Exclusive military discounts and access to all Winterfest activities are offered to to all registered participants. Advanced Online Registration ($20 individuals, $30 families) is available at bit.ly/Military_Winterfest. Onsite Registration ($35 individuals, $45 families) is available in the Angel Fire Resort hotel lobby. Registration includes all activities throughout the festival, including: the Celebratory dinner with live musical entertainment (seating limited); VIP access to all outdoor and indoor events; a Gift Bag; a collectable Military Challenge Coin, discounted lift tickets; and half-priced equipment rentals and lessons. Many Angel Fire restaurants and businesses are also giving military discounts to Winterfest attendees.

To book lodging, lessons and equipment go to angelfireresort.com or call (888) 371-7344. Use Promotional Code: VETS. To schedule one of three Vet2Vet lessons or an Adaptive session call (844) 218-4107. Additional Village lodging and equipment rental listings are also available at veteranswellnessandhealing.org.

For festival updates see Facebook.com/MilitaryWinterfest.

Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, retirees, dependent families and Gold Star families are eligible to participate but must have a valid identification card or other proof of service.

Key partners in Military Winterfest 2016: National Veterans Wellness & Healing Center of Angel Fire, event host and organizer; the Angel Fire Resort, 5-Star corporate sponsor; and the funded in part by the Village of Angel Fire lodgers tax.

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* The registration fees paid when attending Military Winterfest 2016 are tax-deductible and directly support the National Veterans Wellness & Healing Center. The Center provides treatment for military individuals and families that suffer with Post Traumatic Stress. Its creative therapies have been nationally recognized for their effectiveness in treating the “Invisible Wounds of War.” For more, see National Veterans Wellness & Healing Center Angel Fire.