LAKE PLACID — As the top luge athletes from around the world compete in Europe, USA Luge will bring the thrill of the sport to ski and board areas during thewinter months. Using easy to maneuver plastic sleds, patrons will get a chance to experience this exciting Olympic sport through the Luge Challenge at local ski areas.

Participation in all Luge Challenge events is free, and no experience or lift ticket is required. Registration begins at 10 a.m. each day. After learning the basics of accelerating, steering and stopping from USA Luge athletes and coaches, adults and children, age 9 and older, can take practice runs down a track complete with curves and timing equipment. While the primary goal of the Luge Challenge is allowing the public to try the sport, team coaches and athletes will be scouting each event for young athletes who show potential.

The youth may be invited to participate in screening camps at a USA Luge training facility in Lake Placid or Park City, Utah. Three-time Olympian Summer Britcher was discovered in 2006 at a USA LugeChallenge at Ski Liberty in Pennsylvania.

In addition, fans can enjoy a live DJ/emcee and prize drawings while participants spend the afternoon tackling the course in a race against the clock to win valuable fun prizes from USA Luge, its sponsors and each host resort. Since 1996, the Luge Challenge has introduced the sport to thousands of fans nationwide. This year, Penske Trucks will enable USA Luge to make the trip from team headquarters in Lake Placid to each Luge Challenge location with sleds and equipment.

2024 Luge Challenge Schedule

¯ Feb. 3: Norton Luge Challenge at Ski Ward, 1000 Main St., Shrewsbury, Mass. 4 p.m. start time

¯ Feb. 10: Massey Ferguson/Eklund Farm Machinery Luge Challenge at Bear Pen Sports Mountain,1491 county Route 2, Prattsville, New York

¯ Feb. 17-18: Titletown Winter Games Presented by U.S. Venture, 1025 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, Wisconsin

¯ Feb. 24-25: Blue Mountain Winter Fest Luge Challenge Presented by Massey Ferguson/Eklund Farm Machinery,1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, Pennsylvania (top of the mountain)

For more information, visit www.usaluge.org.