Vernon, NJ (Thursday, October 14, 2004) – After the success of last year’s event, Mountain Creek has announced that it will again host the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

With its close proximity to New York City and creative staging of the halfpipe finals under the lights, Mountain Creek is expected to draw even larger crowds than last year. To add to the excitement, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) will announce the 2006 Olympic snowboard team from Mountain Creek during the 2006 Grand Prix final.

‘Mountain Creek is thrilled to host the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix again this year, and we’re even more excited about 2006 when the Olympic Snowboard team will be named from right here on our slopes in Vernon, NJ, said Shannon McSweeney, Mountain Creek’s Communications Manager. ‘We’re looking forward to another world-class competition, featuring all the top riders and helping to expose professional snowboarding to an even wider audience in advance of the 2006 winter games.’

In addition, Breckenridge, CO and Mt. Bachelor, OR have also signed on to host the other two stops of this three part series through 2006. These sites boast long-standing relationships with USSA and the Grand Prix, now in its ninth season, is considered the premier snowboard competition in the United States, providing American riders a clear path to qualifying for the Olympics.

‘These venues in particular are quality, proven sites where we know our riders will feel comfortable in their quest to qualify for the Olympic team,’ said Annette Royle, USSA vice president of events. ‘We’re excited that USSA will be able to offer them the continuity of this schedule heading into the Olympic season.’

Royle noted that it was a goal to secure venues in three distinct regions in order to capitalize on the industry and fans unique to all areas of the country. The series’ sites provide riders nationwide access to Olympic qualifying events, which are ‘open’ competitions. ‘With its proximity to New York City, we believe Mountain Creek provides us an untapped market in the East. We hope to grow our spectator numbers as well as the exposure opportunities that are only available in the region.’

For more details contact:

Shannon McSweeney
Tel: 001 973 827 3900 ext. 516
smcsweeney@mountaincreek.com