Skiers and Boarders Compete to Tackle Legendary Terrain

Squaw Valley USA Will Open Its Legendary Tram Face, Closed Since 1949, Especially for the Event!

Squaw Valley, Calif (November 11, 2008) — Forty of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders will descent on Squaw Valley USA this winter, where for the first time ever they’ll compete on a legendary section of the mountain during the Freeride World Tour Event: Nissan Tram Face, anticipated to take place February 28th, 2009.

The Freeride World Tour event at Squaw Valley USA, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, will help set a new standard for freeride competition, attracting some of the best in the sport.  The Tour promises to be demanding for participants and exciting for spectators when for the first time the legendary Tram Face, closed since Squaw Valley opened in 1949, will be open for the pro event.

”The Tram Face at Squaw Valley is legendary terrain that many have dreamed to ride but few have dared to,” said longtime Squaw Valley USA skier Cody Townsend, ranked 5th in the 2008 World Freeride Tour.  ”Having the first ever competition on Tram Face is like the first time Monaco was raced in Formula 1, Teahupoo was surfed and the Masters was played at Augusta. Opening up the off-limits terrain for the competition is a dream come true for anyone that’s driven into Squaw Valley and seen the amazing Face that dominates the mountain.”

Participants arrive at Squaw on February 26, opening ceremonies take place on Friday, February 27 and competition is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to an alternate date between February 29 and March 5. Spectators can enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music and ongoing events at The Village at Squaw Valley plus another village at Squaw Valley’s High Camp.

Riders participating in the Squaw event, which is the second leg of the Freeride World Tour, will arrive in California after showing their stuff in Sochi, Russia. After Squaw, the riders will travel to Tignes, France and Verbier, Switzerland. After this final event, the four Freeride World Champions (ski/snowboard/men/women) will be crowned.

The four events of the Freeride World Tour 2009 are: 
 
1. NISSAN RUSSIAN ADVENTURE – SOCHI, RUSSIA 
Dates: 20-25 JAN 2009, Preliminary contest day: Wednesday 21 January

2. NISSAN TRAM FACE – SQUAW VALLEY USA 
Dates: 27 FEB-05 MAR 2009, Preliminary contest day: Saturday 28 February

3. NISSAN FREERIDE DE TIGNES, FRANCE
Dates: 8-14 March 2009, Preliminary contest day: Monday 9 March

4. NISSAN XTREME – VERBIER 09, SWITZERLAND
Dates: 20-29 March 2009, Preliminary contest day: Saturday 21 March

Confirmed Freeride World Tour Qualifying Events Include:
 
THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING – SNOWBIRD (USA), 30 January -1 February SPYDER BIG MOUNTAIN FIEBERBRUNN (AUT), 5-15 February 2009
THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING – CRESTED BUTTE (USA), 13-15 February 
WINTER MYSTICXPERIENCE (ITA), 19-22 February 2009
SALOMON EXTREME FREERIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT TAOS (USA), 4-7  March 2009
THE NORTH FACE MASTERS OF SNOWBOARDING – KIRKWOOD (USA), 6-8 March
NENDAZ FREERIDE (SUI), 13-18 March 2009 –
JASNA ADRENALIN (SK), 31 March-5 April 2009
RÖLDAL FREERIDE CHALLENGE (NOR), 22-26 April 2009 (2010 qualifier)

For more Freeride World Tour Information, visit: www.freerideworldtour.com.