February 14, 2009

Showcase Showdown Returns with Backyard Slopestyle

Base of Whistler Mountain Will Transform Into Slopestyle Course

Whistler Blackcomb's Showcase Showdown is back Saturday, February 28 with a new format; the Backyard Slopestyle.  Inspired by the mini-parks in locals' backyards all over Whistler, the Showdown will blow the scene up with a snowboard slopestyle at the base of Whistler Mountain.  Despite the larger venue and cash prizes on the line, the chill vibe of the backyard throwdown will remain. 

"This year we wanted to create a super fun snowboard event that was local and grassroots," says Graham Turner, Showcase Snowboards Buyer. "The Showcase Showdown will be an all-day event at the base of the mountain everyone will get to enjoy. People can catch all the action from the GLC patio or Skier's Plaza."

This is the twelfth season for the Showcase Showdown and despite its various incarnations good times have always been guaranteed.  Preliminary course design has begun with input from Showcase Team Manager Brad Broughton; Kevin Sansalone of Sandbox Films; Steve Petrie master park-builder and designer and builder of the 2010 Olympic Halfpipe; and Whistler Blackcomb's Park Rangers, the crew that builds and maintains the mountain's No. 1 ranked terrain parks.

The top three men and women will feature in Sandbox's next snowboard film "Shine On," and $5000 cash and prizes from event sponsors including Nixon headphones are up for grabs.

February 28 - Event times for spectators
The Women's competition will take place from 9am to 11am. The Men's competition will start at 11am with Finals starting around 4pm.  Sled transport for the finals will be provided by No Limits Motorsports.

Athlete Registration Information
Athletes can register in person at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations desk.  Registration is $50+GST per rider and is open to 60 men and 20 women. Competitor's check in will take place on Friday, February 27 at the Village Showcase Snowboards from 5-7pm.

******Helmets and bibs are mandatory for all runs including practice. 

This year Showcase Snowboards celebrates its 20th Anniversary.  Established in 1989, Showcase Snowboards is the oldest and largest snowboard shop in Whistler, BC.  With the addition of the Burton Women's Store it is the epicentre of snowboard gear in Whistler.  Other Showcase locations include Vancouver, BC; Banff. AB; and Winter Park, CO.  For all the latest gear and apparel, shop online at www.showcasesnowboards.com.

For registration and more event information call 1-800-766-0449 or visit www.showcaseshowdown.ca


Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. With the landmark PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opening December 12, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Canada up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast  one vertical mile of incredible skiing. With over 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with award-winning après bars,  restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four-season resort is spectacular. For more information www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About Intrawest ULC

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in ten resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America.   In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe.  Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com
 

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Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games