Snowboarders from around the globe prepare to throw down a top performance for a chance to win big money and an all-expense paid trip to Alyeska, Alaska.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—February 7, 2008—The much-anticipated first stop on The North Face Masters big mountain snowboarding competition kicks off February 8, with competitors gathering to lay it on the line.

Dry Utah powder continues to pile up on Snowbird’s impressive competition venue where spectators can expect a jaw-dropping display of aggressive riding.

“Snowbird’s big mountain terrain has shined during the U.S. Freekskiing Tour for years now,” said Bob Bonar, Snowbird President. “The North Face Masters is a clear fit for Snowbird and we’re greatly looking forward to what the new big mountain event will hold.”

The industry is abuzz about the large prize purse going to the men’s and women’s champions of The North Face Masters Snowbird stop – the opportunity to ride away from the podium with not only a sizeable chunk of the tour’s $45,000 cash purse, but with airfare, lodging, and entry to compete in The North Face Masters second stop, in Alyeska, Alaska, April 2-6, 2008.

“I’m so fired up there is finally an open, big mountain tour on the calendar,” said recent Nissan Mammoth Quest winner Ralph Backstrom, who will be representing The North Face in the Masters competition. “I’ve never had a chance to ride Snowbird and I’ve heard nothing but great things about the terrain.”

The North Face is rallying behind freeriding in a major way, also awarding winners of The Nissan Mammoth Quest, the qualifier for The Nissan Mammoth Challenge, and the upcoming Mount Baker Legendary Banked Slalom (February 8-11, Mount Baker, Washington) with an all expenses paid trip to compete in The North Face Masters in Alyeska, Alaska.

A live webcast show of all The North Face Masters action can be seen at www.thenorthface.com/masters throughout the competition, with real-time feed going live both Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm MST to 5:30pm MST .

The countdown is coming down to the wire for the February 8-11 Snowbird, Utah, competition, but big mountain snowboarding competitors still have time to register at www.thenorthface.com/masters