SQUAW VALLEY — It is time to feel the “Pain.”

The Pain McShlonkey Classic will return to Squaw Valley Saturday, March 30. Now in its third year, this action packed on- and off-mountain event is a hilarious tribute to legendary skier Shane McConkey, in which the winner is crowned fastest snowblader on the planet.

The March 30 on-mountain antics promise excitement and entertainment for all as the world’s top winter athletes converge in ridiculous outfits and snowblades for what’s arguably the most anticipated spectacle of the winter.

---

---

Hosted by the Shane McConkey Foundation, the event has grown to be a highly successful fundraiser for local nonprofits.

“The mission,” said SMF founder Sherry McConkey, “is to celebrate the life of a man who revolutionized the ski industry and kept us on the edge of our seats with laughter, and in doing so we can support causes that Shane cared about.”

---

---

This year’s event will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District’s environmental education programs.

The festivities begin at 9 a.m. March 30 when athletes line up atop the legendary KT-22 chairlift for an all-out snowblade blitz. The pros will take on 30 amateurs in an anything-goes battle to the finish in Squaw’s GS Bowl, named for the original 1960 Olympic giant slalom course. Pros are invited to compete while amateur contestants are selected by submitting their most embarrassing moment in an online contest.

Later, spectators gather below the outcroppings of Squaw’s Enchanted Forest for the Extreme Snowblade Small Mountain Invitational, a crowd favorite. Cheer on winter sports legends as they flip, flop and finagle for approval from a cast of celebrity judges.

The other crowd favorite is the PMS Costume Contest held at Squaw’s KT Base Bar. This contest is open to everyone with great prizes awarded for best dressed. Awards will follow directly.