WILD CORN OFFERS A PACKED WEEKEND OF MUSIC AND UPHILL SKIING APRIL 5-7
Uphill mountain takeover kicks off April 5 at King Pine Ski Area in Madison, NH
Madison, New Hampshire; March 20, 2024: Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA), a nonprofit organization that develops backcountry skiing terrain in New Hampshire and western Maine, will host its 8th annual Wild Corn Backcountry Shindig Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7, at King Pine Ski Area in Madison, New Hampshire. The festival supports GBA’s 17-site glade network known as Graniteland, which contains over 55,000 vertical feet of terrain and is sustained through stewardship and backcountry education.
Sponsored by Fischer Skis, Wild Corn is an uphill mountain takeover of King Pine where the lifts shut down for festival goers to enjoy human-powered skiing and riding all weekend. The event is anchored by a vibrant basecamp with all-day live music, shopping deals from vendors, equipment demos, outdoor apparel sales, food and drink specials, daily activities, and giveaways. The Shindig’s theme this year is “A Spaceballs Odyssey,” a nod to Mel Brooks’ cult classic film that serves as inspiration not only for Saturday’s costume contest but also for the highly anticipated Total Solar Eclipse that will darken New Hampshire’s skies on Monday, April 8.
GBA welcomes back national touring act Pink Talking Fish (PTF) with Friday and Saturday evening performances. PTF is a hybrid tribute fusion act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands – Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish – to create a stunning live experience with light shows that add new flavor to each band’s celebrated songbook. The festival also includes performances by Marble Eyes and a lineup of New Hampshire-based bands, celebrating the talent abundant in the local music scene.
“Wild Corn encapsulates the infectious energy that we strive to infuse in the backcountry community, inspiring new uphill adventurers and experienced backcountry travelers alike to celebrate our shared love for human-powered recreation,” said Tyler Ray, GBA Founder and Granite Chief. “The beauty of Wild Corn is that there is entertainment for everyone in a welcoming setting for any outdoor enthusiast. From demos to kid-friendly activities, to incredible music, the Shindig is a spring fling like no other.”
“We’re excited that King Pine has become the beloved home of Wild Corn thanks to our strong relationship with Granite Backcountry,” said Shawn Taylor, King Pine’s General Manager. “Our snow coverage was excellent during a tough season thanks to our investments in snowmaking and grooming operations, and we expect a variety of terrain to be available for the event. We know the uphill crowd will make the most of it like they always do.” King Pine is also hosting a Solar Eclipse Party on Monday, April 8, a perfect opportunity for folks going to Wild Corn who want to see the eclipse at 95% totality as it passes over King Pine and Purity Spring Resort.
On Friday afternoon, April 5, Wild Corn kicks off with skinning and skiing under the lights, two sets from Pink Talking Fish, gear demos, the Booter Jam competition, Light Saber Parade, and group uphill tours. The action continues Saturday with all-you-can-ski uphill laps, backcountry demos, costume contests, auctions, raffles, and a full lineup of music culminating in a second performance from PTF. Attendees can join clinics and speaker series throughout the festival to enhance their Wild Corn experience, including morning yoga, introduction to backcountry, reading weather for trip planning, and a climate advocacy panel discussion. The highlight of the day is the unpredictable, yet entertaining King Shucker Skimo Race hosted by White Mountain Ski Company, a renowned backcountry gear shop based in Jackson, NH. Costumed racers skin up and ski down a unique course with several features including the backcountry booter. The festival wraps up Sunday with some final laps and a relaxing conclusion to the weekend.
Wild Corn tickets can be purchased at granitebc.org for a discount or at the ticket booth on the day of at King Pine. Online tickets are $35 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, or $70 for full weekend entry. GBA members receive $10 off tickets. There is free event entry for kids 12 and under as well as discounts for students and individuals 65 years and older. Purity Spring Resort is offering a lodging special for Wild Corn participants for $99/night (+ resort fee and tax) double occupancy with slopeside, mountainside, and lakeside lodging available, as well as car camping.
Wild Corn is presented by Backyard Concept, the managing entity of Granite Backcountry Alliance, with title sponsor Fischer Skis and media sponsor Backcountry Magazine. Additional support comes from STIO, DPS, La Sportiva, Blizzard-Tecnica, Flylow Gear, Backcountry Access, Fire on the Mountain Ski Shop, White Mountain Ski Company, Tuckerman Brewing Company, and Stan & Dan’s, among others. More information about GBA, the events schedule, membership, glading, current ski glades and projects all can be found at granitebc.org.
