For the second year in a row Ski Utah will be holding the Fat Flake Festival which is the “official” kick off for the 2008-09 season. It will take place Saturday, Nov. 15 from 5-9 p.m. at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Hopefully there will be plenty of snow in the mountains as a number of resorts are scheduled to open shortly there after.

The festival will feature music by The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Cavedoll and Junior Giant. One of the highlights for attendees is the number of local Utah ski and snowboard athletes that will be signing autographs, many of them on free posters! Attending will be Julian Carr, Jamie Pierre, Rachael Burks, Jenn Berg, Stevie Bell and Ashley Battersby.

New this year is the first ever Ski Boot Race. Yes, you read that right. “Runners” wearing alpine ski boots will dash around the perimeter of the Gallivan Center in the quest for a new pair of Rossignol ski boots, not to mention the fame that is associated with the title of Utah’s “Fastest Ski Boot Racer” in both a men’s and women’s division.

Better start training. Some others are already training.

There are other contests like the vintage ski outfit contest and a number of events for those that attend.

Get all the details at Ski Utah’s website.