Bear Valley, CA (Sunday, January 25, 2004) - The first Mountain Adventure Seminars Telemark Festival was held in 1997 out of a rented house in Bear Valley. Fourteen people attended and three M.A.S. telemark instructors were on hand to teach, clinic, cook, clean and entertain. The group's camaraderie fueled an energy that made the weekend seem to pass seamlessly and effortlessly. At the end of the weekend we were exhausted but inspired, so we decided to host another festival the following year.

The Bear Valley Telemark Festival hasn't slowed down since and now is one of the premier nordic downhill events in the country. For many the festival has become a centerpiece of the winter season. A time to gather and celebrate in the spirit of telemark skiing.

The 8th Annual Bear Valley Telemark Festival, an extended weekend of technical clinics, live music, banquets, demos, backcountry skiing, and free drawings, will take place at the northern California resort February 6-8, 2004.

Today the festival follows a 3-day format and sells out with nearly 300 telemarker skiers participating each year.

Friday All-Day Telemark Workshops (Beginning-Expert.): $75
A unique opportunity to spend the day learning with some of the best instructors in the business! These all day telemark workshops begin with a few warm-up runs before splitting into similar groups with a team of instructors. Then the rest of the day is spent learning, practicing, and skiing with your group and instructors working on skills to help push your telemark turns to a higher level. Preregistration required and discount tickets are available.

Discounted Lift Tickets: $39
Save $5. Must purchase through M.A.S. in advance. No tickets sold at the festival registration desk.

Discounted Guest Lift Tickets: $39
Bring some friends to Bear Valley!

Friday All-You-Can-Stuff Burrito Bar @ BaseCamp: $15
BaseCamp opens at 3:30 PM and the Burrito Bar at 5:30 PM the Burrito Bar. We won't stop serving until everyone is stuffed. A slideshow starts around 7 PM.
Burrito Bar Guests: $15/guest

Saturday Events: $35
Saturday is the big day! Registration includes a Patagonia organic T-shirt, telemark ski and boot demos, Beacon Olympics, All-terrain race & 2 - clinic passes. (Discount lift tickets available)

Saturday Evening Banquet: $30
Join festival goers at 5 PM at the Perry Walther Community Center in the Bear Valley Village for dinner, slideshow. monstrous drawing, live music and of course dancing. Space is very limited.

Saturday Banquet Guest: $30
Only one guest per festival participant and guests are not entered into the drawing.

Sunday: $35
Meet at 8:30 AM at Bear Valley Cross Country. Similar skill groups will focus on turns, backcountry skills or both in the Mt. Reba and Round Valley area. Trailhead shuttle from the Bear Valley Village included. Of course the tours are conditions dependent and alternatives will be available if the backcountry is unsafe.

Festival Package: $130
All Saturday and Sunday Events including Saturday Banquet and Saturday lift ticket.


For more information or to register, visit the M.A.S. website.