Business Magnates Utilize MLK Holiday To Create Memorable Experience For Urban Professionals

7th annual Winter Ski Fest welcomes over 2k to the slopes of TN

Atlanta, GA (I-Newswire) January 24, 2013 - Three leading Atlanta-based entertainment groups joined forces to create one of the most memorable MLK celebration weekends across the country. Over 2,000 urban professionals from across the US gathered in Atlanta, GA to board chartered buses from Atlanta to Pigeon Forge, TN for the seventh annual Winter Ski Fest, January 18-21st. 2013 was a historic year as the trip celebrated the 2nd inauguration of President Barack Obama, in addition to the regularly scheduled annual activities for the ski fest.

Malik Mitchell & Mel Simms (ATL Barz), Angela Johnson (Elite Creative Group ) and famed deejay, DJ Tayrok annually host one of the largest ski trips in the southeast, with attendees travelling across the country to experience the unique 4 day/3 night getaway in the mountains of Tennessee. “Growing up on the east coast, we always went on ski trips but they were usually really far and really expensive. As Atlanta transplants, we wanted to bring that experience to this demographic, but make the trip more affordable,” says DJ Tayrok. “We researched prices and locations and Pigeon Forge, TN was the perfect fit. It’s centrally located to most of our audience and we expose our audience skiing which is a new experience for many of them,” Angela Johnson agrees. The vision of the four partners of Winter Ski Fest has solidified the 4 day event as the largest urban ski weekend in the Southeast, growing from 80 guests to over 2k in less than seven years.

The 7th annual Winter Ski Fest welcomed guests from GA, Maryland, Washington DC, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Florida and even London for a weekend line-up of over 20 events. The weekend started with twelve buses leaving Atlanta headed for TN, and buses also coming from Baltimore, Chicago, and St. Louis. Many guests fly in to Atlanta to ride the buses as a part of the overall Winter Ski Fest experience. “Our interaction with the attendees starts long before Winter Ski Fest. We are communicating with them throughout the summer and fall so they know what to expect when they arrive in Atlanta or TN,” says Mitchell.

Activities include an annual comedy show, dating games and playdates with Wii, spades, dominoes and even Jenga tournaments. Every night closed with a huge themed party and concludes with after-hours parties in the various hotels. On Sunday, guests packed into the ski resort's tram to ride to the top of the mountain to enjoy the snow covered slopes. “The businesses of Pigeon Forge have welcomed us with open arms. They know this weekend brings a lot of money into the city and it’s appreciated. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences here with the hotels we book out and the transportation services and even local businesses. It’s a win win situation for everyone,” Mel Simms explains.

In honor and celebration of MLK Holiday and the 57th presidential inauguration DJ Tayrok hosted a black-and-white Presidential Ball. Guests donned their formal dress and danced the night away in the spirit of the Inauguration. Malibu Red provided classic cocktails for the upscale event. DJ Tayrok admits 2013 was the great but looks forward to making improvements. “This year was special but each year we grow and get bigger. It’s a unique experience that has created its own culture. We look forward to continuing the tradition.”

For more photos from the 7th annual Winter Ski Fest follow Winter Ski Fest on Instagram at instagram.com/winterskifest. For media and sponsorship inquiries contact Enchanted PR, Christal Jordan at christal@enchantedpr.net.