DOVER- Mount Snow Academy is making plans for its annual benefit, a festive evening whose proceeds support scholarships to allow young athletes the opportunity to train and compete. In this Olympic year, when MSA will be cheering on the three alumnae who’ll be part of the team representing the USA in Sochi, the event will be held at the Mount Snow Ski Club on Saturday, March 1. For 2014 Olympians, Kelly Clark, Devin Logan and Eliza Outtrim, MSA is where competition dreams and Olympic realities began.

The benefit theme this year is based on Mardi Gras, Vermont-style. It will be a hot party on a cold night, featuring the flavors of Carnival, the music, the food, and the fun. There’ll be great food and drink, live music, and live and silent auctions. Auction items this year will include getaways to the Rhode Island and Jersey shores, and to Cape Cod. For those wanting more challenge, there is a week at Tom Anderson’s surfing camp, a guided snowshoe tour or an opportunity to ski or ride with MSA’s highly touted coaches. Those who would rather watch the action, can bid on tickets for professional football and baseball games, or indulge with gift certificates to dine at local restaurants, enjoy massages or salon services, or collect art by regional artists including Ann Coleman, Johnny Swing, Janet Taylor, Lynn Pratt, Nancy Noel or Jeanne Joudry. There’ll be lots more choices, and a few surprises.

So, mark the calendar now. Saturday, March 1, 7 pm, at the Mount Snow Ski Club. $75 per person. The public is warmly invited to join the party. To reserve tickets call (802) 464-1100, ext. 4521, or go to the Mount Snow Academy website at mountsnowacademy.org.