Thousands of snow sports enthusiasts will experience the thrill of sliding down snow-covered mountain slopes this winter when the Verizon Luge Challenge visits ski resorts nationwide.

The Verizon Luge Challenge, first introduced in 1996, brings the luge experience to the masses, free of charge during the winter season.  The program uses a recreational version of the luge sled used in the Olympic Winter Games.  It gives both youngsters, 10 and older, and adults a chance to feel, first-hand, the excitement of luge.  USA Luge National Team athletes demonstrate this Olympic sport to the participants and teach proper technique.  After a few morning practice runs, they’ll be able to take the “Ultimate Slide” on a track complete with banked curves and timing equipment on a luge sled made for snow.

The afternoon features timed races, with results flashed on an electronic scoreboard.  “Sliders” don racing bibs and are timed against a course standard set by the USA Luge National Team athletes.

The event is conducted in four categories: men/women 18 and over and boys/girls 10-18. The five fastest times in each age group win great prizes from Panasonic, CW-X, JetBlue, U-Haul, LG Electronics and other great companies. A live DJ, free hot chocolate, and drawings for exciting prizes are all what makes the Verizon Luge Challenge a fun family event. Verizon provides all of the equipment, prizes and hospitality.

The Verizon Luge Challenge reinforces the long-term Verizon sponsorship of USA Luge, since 1985, through media coverage, regional advertising and internal publications.  It also increases awareness of the sport of luge among Verizon customers, employees, their families and the public.