Bear Pen Sports Mountain to Host USA Luge Challenge

PRATTSVILLE -  The purpose is twofold on February 10 when Bear Pen Sports Mountain in Prattsville hosts a unique USA Luge Challenge.

First and foremost is “providing kids and adults with a chance to experience the sport,” says event promoter and host Patrick delRosario.

“This is your chance to try luge at Bear Pen for free. This program was started to introduce to many people what may be an unusual sport.

“Not many kids we know say they want to do luge, but the word luge means “sled” in French and how many kids go sledding?” delRosario says.

Anyone from age nine to still-willing-to-go-sliding-down-a-hill-at their-age is welcome to participate, with training beginning at 10 a.m.

While having fun finishes first, next Saturday, finding possible future racers is a close-second reason for coming.

Luge is an Olympic event in which America has never won a gold medal, a tradition USA Luge would like - no, make that intends- to change.

The difference between a gold and silver or bronze medal - or perhaps not making the podium at all - can break down to 100th’s of a second.

So, in addition to fostering a passion for sliding, events such as these can and do serve as places where hidden treasures are found.

“Coaches will also be keeping an eye out for talented kids, kids who love to go fast,” delRosario says. “A camp like this can be the initial step on the road to becoming an Olympian.

“And speaking of Olympians, there will several on hand to coach the kids through the basics of steering and stopping the sled.”

Races begin at 2 p.m. in four categories; boys, girls, men and women, riding plastic replicas of steel sleds. Prizes are given to the top three finishers in each category.

A kid showing potential may be asked to try the sport on ice (rather than Catskills snow) at an official USA Luge talent screening camp in Lake Placid, New York, or Park City, Utah.

Three-time Olympian Summer Britcher, of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, was discovered in a USA Luge Challenge in 2006 at Ski Liberty.

“As the top luge athletes from around the world compete in Europe and North America, USA Luge will bring the thrill of the sport to ski and board areas during the winter months,” the USA Luge website states.

“Families and winter sports enthusiasts who attend these weekend events can experience the Fastest Sport on Ice® in a safe slope-side setting, with help from USA Luge Olympians, international medalists and coaches. 

“After learning the basics of accelerating, steering and stopping, adults and children can take practice runs down a track complete with curves and timing equipment.

“Fans can enjoy a live DJ/emcee and prize drawings while participants spend the afternoon tackling the course in a race against the clock,” the USA Luge website states.

Bear Pen has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Bear Pen was also once home to the Princeton Ski Bowl from 1955 to 1969. 

The mountain was founded by Ben Lane, then a student at Princeton University. As the president of the Princeton Outing Club, Lane scouted areas in upstate New York for hiking and skiing.

He eventually fell in love with Bear Pen Mountain and established several trails descending from the 3,600ft summit, the highest elevation of any ski area in the Catskills.

After several years of operation, Princeton Ski Bowl closed its doors in 1959. Decades later, Bear Pen Mountain continues to draw outdoor winter enthusiasts from all walks of life with new owners.

The father-daughter team of Howard and Dominique Rennell hope to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors and their love of Bear Pen Mountain with visitors. Once again, Bear Pen Mountain is a home for winter sports!

USA Luge Challenge is being presented locally by Massey Ferguson/Eklund Farm Machinery. Bear Pen Sports Mountain is located at 1491 County Route 2, in the hills outside Prattsville.