Start Planning for SnoFest ’09 Published Oct. 3, 2008 90th Force Support Squadron F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. -- SnoFest 2009 is just around the corner. Start planning now for the 19th annual military snow sports weekend, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2009, at Keystone Resort in Colorado. SnoFest features a variety of activities geared just for members of the military community and their guests, including competitive ski and snowboard racing, fantastic parties and other activities. Discounts on lodging, lift tickets, equipment and more make SnoFest a fun and affordable winter vacation option. SnoFest is hosted by the Services and Morale, Welfare and Recreation folks from the U.S. Air Force Academy; Buckley, F.E. Warren, Schriever and Peterson Air Force bases; Air Force Space Command headquarters and Fort Carson. Variety of accommodations set aside A wide variety of discounted accommodations have been set aside at Keystone - hotel rooms, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom condos are available for booking Oct. 1. Rates at Keystone start at $124 per night (not including tax and surcharge) for a deluxe studio in Gateway that can accommodate a family of four. For the best rates and availability, book your reservations as early as possible by calling Keystone at 1-800-258-0437. Mention Peterson AFB and the group code - GV7SNF. For lodging near Keystone, call Colorado R&R at 333-7367. Party tickets sell out fast Because seating is limited at Friday's and Saturday's fabulous after-ski parties and tickets often sell out well in advance, partygoers should plan to get their tickets as soon as possible. Party tickets go on sale Nov. 1 at the Information, Tickets and Tours office (ITT, Bldg. 640, 556-1760). Parties of 10 may reserve an entire table by purchasing a block of 10 tickets at once and signing up at that time. All other seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year, partygoers took home thousands of dollars worth of prizes and giveaways. Each night's party in the Keystone Conference Center includes an outstanding all-you-can-eat buffet and entertainment. Proudly wear your favorite team's apparel for Friday's sports-themed "Get Ready to Rumble" party. Tickets for Friday's party are $16 for adults. Saturday's party is themed "The 1940s: A Decade to Remember." Wear the fashions and military attire (or your favorite costume) of the '40s. Celebrate the invention of the Slinky, Tupperware, and aluminum foil while you jitterbug the night away to live big band sounds. Tickets for Saturday's party are $18 for adults. Children's tickets are $11 for ages 5-12 each night, and children age 4 and under are free unless they occupy a seat. Discounted lift tickets Lift tickets for SnoFest will also be available at ITT (Bldg. 640, 556-1760) beginning Nov. 1. The discounts are significant, too. An adult SnoFest lift ticket will be $47. Lift tickets for cadets and Prep School students are $43, and lift tickets for children ages 12 and younger will be $31. Children under 5 ski free. Liberty Passes offer unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin to active duty, including Reservist and National Guard on active duty status and their immediate family members for just $189 per adult and $109 per child, ages 5-12. Free ski racing NASTAR ski and snowboard racing competitions among all represented military installations, fun races and open skiing are free with the purchase of a SnoFest lift ticket. Commander's Cup traveling trophy and team and individual competition in both skiing and boarding for 17 years and older will be held on Friday. On Saturday, ski and board races will be held in several categories: Youth (12 and under), Teen (13-16) and Open (17 and older.) All racers must preregister. Activities for non-skiers Non-skiers attending SnoFest are never left out in the cold. Available activities include daily ITT tours, ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, the Cardboard Derby, and, new this year, a wine tasting. Enter the cardboard derby Saturday's Cardboard Derby is, arguably, the weekend's most fun event. Families, squadrons, teams and individuals build snow racers from cardboard, tape, paint, paper and rope. Build one at home and bring it to the mountain, or build it on-site from provided materials. It's not too early to begin creating your entry.