Mile High SnowFest to Showcase 6 Days of All Things Snow

DENVER, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the SIA Snow Show, the world's largest snow sports trade show, schusses into Denver from Jan. 27-29, 2011, Colorado's capitol city is going to welcome them in high style with the Mile High SnowFest – six days of all things snow.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101210/DC15827LOGO-b )

From the high-flying acrobatics of Denver Big Air to an outdoor gallery of ski and snowboard artists; from free ice skating to great deals at Downtown Denver's top restaurants and bars, Denver will be thinking "snow" from Jan. 25-30.  Some 30 events, specials and deals have been logged on the www.MileHighSnowFest.com website, with more being added all the time.

"Denver is the number one snow sports urban center in America, and for six days, we want to show Big Air's national television audience and the 19,000 delegates coming to the Snow Show that nobody knows snow sports like the Mile High City," states Richard Scharf, president & CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau.   VISIT DENVER is sponsoring Mile High SnowFest and has put together more than 40 events, deals and activities for locals and visitors alike.

Mile High SnowFest is organized by VISIT DENVER, Colorado Ski Country USA, Downtown Denver Partnership and the City of Denver. It is sponsored by the Denver Post's Snow Report.

Some of the activities taking place during Mile High SnowFest, Jan. 25-30, 2011, include:

DENVER BIG AIR, Jan. 25-26, www.DenverBigAir.com

Denver Big Air event offers the unique opportunity to experience the talents of the world's best snow sports athletes in the downtown urban environment of Civic Center Park. Denver's passion for snow sports reigns supreme in the U.S. and will provide the perfect backdrop for the inaugural event. The ramp is a combination of steel truss and scaffolding that will stand 101 feet high, 300 feet long and 80 feet wide. The riders throw themselves off the huge jump performing their best tricks for World Cup ranking points, their share of the prize purse, and your viewing pleasure. Opening night, Tuesday, Jan. 25, will feature the Nature Valley Big Air Challenge, a skiing big air event showcasing some of the best male skiers in the world, followed by a concert from Grammy-nominated Switchfoot. Day two, Wednesday, Jan. 26, will feature the LG FIS World Cup Snowboard Big Air, a World Cup sanctioned event that boasts an international roster of the top male snowboarders from around the globe, followed by a concert from Colorado's own One Republic. Ticket info: http://www.denversports.org/denverbigair-tickets.html.

THE SOUTHWEST RINK AT SKYLINE PARK, Through Jan. 30, www.downtowndenver.com

Skyline Park is the place for family fun during SnowFest! Head to 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver and take advantage of free ice skating, seven days a week. Skate rental is $2 – or bring your own pair and skate for free.

SNOWDOWN 2011 AT CITY HALL, Jan. 27, www.coclubs.com

Snowdown is Colorado's largest kickoff party during SIA, bringing headlining national and local entertainment to Denver's City Hall. Snowdown features an all-nighter line up of performances on five stages with headliner Z-Trip and TBA special guest.

ICELANTIC PRESENTS BIG BOI, Jan. 28, www.ogdentheatre.net

Hip Hop superstar Big Boi (one half of Outkast) teams up with snow sports giant Icelantic for a night of heavy beats at the Ogden Theatre.

TRANSWORLD SNOWBOARDING RIDERS POLL AWARDS, Jan. 28, www.livenation.com

Snowboarding's best will once again descend upon Denver's historic Fillmore Auditorium for snowboarding's biggest night of the year as TransWorld hosts the 12th annual Riders Poll awards, followed by a concert by Rebelution.

ACTIVITIES AT THE DENVER PAVILIONS, Through Jan. 30, www.denverpavilions.com

FREE Pedicabs to the Convention Center from Denver Pavilions

Wednesday-Saturday/Hours: Wed. 4-7 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Glenarm Place between 15th and 16th Streets, Denver Pavilions

Catch a green ride to-and-from Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall to the Colorado Convention Center via Pedicabs. Pedicabs will run complimentary round trip service during the show from Denver Pavilions where visitors will find more than 30 shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Win cash and prizes on our special PediCa$h Cab

Chalk It Up to Big Air!

Sunday & Monday – 3-D Chalk Drawing in creation

North Plaza, Denver Pavilions in front of Forever 21

Witness the creation of a spectacular 3-D chalk drawing of Denver's huge Big Air jump in Civic Center Park. Come see how it's done as local artist Stephen DeOrio turns Denver Pavilion's plaza pavers into a picturesque 3-D chalk drawing of epic proportions! Pose for prizes Tues.-Thurs, noon-2p.m.!

Apres Ski Show Bar and Restaurant Specials at Denver Pavilions

Denver Pavilions' restaurants and bars including Hard Rock Cafe, Maggiano's, Jazz at Jack's, Coyote Ugly and Lucky Strike will feature special all day and after-ski show deals and drink specials. For more information visit denverpavilions.com.

Big Air On the Big Screens

Enjoy clips from the award winning ski movie "The Way I See It" from Matchstick Productions on Denver Pavilions' giant outdoor LED screens. Watch the best of the best execute spectacular big air tricks on massive jumps. Featuring Denver's own 2-time X-Game gold medalist Bobby Brown. Runs throughout the week.

THE ART OF WINTER ON LARIMER SQUARE, Jan. 16 – Feb. 13, www.somethingindependent.com

This first-time outdoor exhibit from Something Independent (an initiative promoting the industry and culture of snow sports in Colorado) features artwork from today's top boutique ski and board companies, as well as original works from local artists. This exhibition is a free, outdoor gallery showcasing how intertwined today's industry and culture of snow sports is with the world of art and design. Historic Larimer Square, downtown Denver's most popular destination for local shopping and dining, hosts this unique exhibition of independent art & design.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE DEALS IN DOWNTOWN DENVER, Jan. 25-30, http://www.denver.org/milehighsnowfest/eat-drink.aspx

Throughout SnowFest, take advantage of great deals and events at Denver's best restaurants, bars and clubs, including:

Baur's Ristorante

Happy Hour all day! Mention "SnowFest" and get your second drink free. Also 15 percent off all food items!

Lola's

Show your SIA Snow Show pass and get the "deal" – two chicken tacos and a Tecate for only $5!

Marco's Coal Fired Pizza

$9 Beer & Pizza Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday 11-2, get a delicious deal! Ten-inch Margherita Pizza, House Salad and a Great Divide Beer.

Rocky Mountain Diner

Mention "SnowFest" to your server and receive a complimentary draft beer w/purchase of entree (DINNER ONLY). One per person per entree.

SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau