It looks like the investments that the Killington Resort has been making in the terrain parks at Bear Mountain are starting to pay off. It was reported in the Rutland Herald this morning that the Killington Resort has been selected as the site for the 2006 Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships, to take place between March 23 and March 26, 2006.

There are several "Big Deals" in this announcement. First and foremost, it validates and reinforces the resorts strategy to market to younger skiers and riders by creating the Bear Mountain Terrain park. Secondly, it should bring the region substantial publicity for the event. This will be the first event after the 2006 Olympics in Torinno Italy where the U.S. National team will compete. The US National Freestyle team is among the worlds strongest. It is expected that 2006 Olympic medalists will all be participating in the Freestyle Championships at Killington. Thousands of people are anticipated to visit the area for the Freestyle Championships, to both watch the event, and to congratulate any participating Olympic champions.