The Mountain Top Inn & Resort to Host Annual Paintball Biathlon

CHITTENDEN, Vt. -   The Mountain Top Inn & Resort, in partnership with the Mountain Top Nordic Ski Club, Tippmann and TOKO, has just announced dates for hosting the sixth Annual Paintball Biathlon, Saturday, January 22 and Sunday, January 23 at the Resort’s Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center. With the increased participation this year, the 2011 event will again take place over the entire weekend.  Details of the Paintball Biathlon schedule is still to be determined.  One day will feature the High School and Adult divisions and one day the Bill Koch Youth Ski League division.  Paintball biathlon combines the sports of Nordic skiing and target shooting with paintball markers. Unlike traditional biathlon, where competitors are penalized for missing the targets by skiing a penalty lap, skiers in paintball biathlon are rewarded with time deductions for each target they hit.  Depending on their age, BKL skiers ski laps around a 1K, 2K, 3K or 4K loop while the High School and Adult divisions ski 5K.  Midway through each lap, the skiers visit the shooting range where identically sighted Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball markers (guns) await them to take their shots before skiing off for another lap.

“We continue to be amazed at the popularity of the Paintball Biathlon and feel it a privilege to be the host location for the sixth year”, says Roger Hill, Director of Programs & Facilities for the Resort.  “At a time when families are looking for fun and affordable sports to enjoy, cross-country skiing should certainly rank at the top of the list.  It is only with the support of our volunteers, our marketing partners Tippmann and TOKO and the collaboration of NENSA and the US Biathlon Association, that we have the ability to host this event for another year.”
Participants come from all over New England to be a part of this unique event.  Paintball guns will be provided by Tippmann and awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race.  Pre-registration is required and the deadline is Thursday, January 20, 2011.  For additional race and registration information call the Resort’s Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center at 802-483-6089 or Mary Anne Levins at 802-775-0779.

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort offers 60km of cross country ski and snowshoe trails, horse drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice skating and snowmobile tours.  They have snowmaking capabilities on a 1km Loop and daily grooming on 40km.  Only 11 miles from Killington, the Resort is set on 350 acres and is known for its sweeping mountain vistas, endless winter and summer adventures, sumptuous innovative cuisine, and warm hospitality.  The Resort, open year-round, has 30 Lodge guest rooms, five “pet friendly” mountain cabins and a selection of private homes for rent.  For information call 802-483-2311, visit www.mountaintopinn.comand stay current with Resort events on Facebook and Twitter.

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