WHISTLER, BC, February 22, 2008 –The Sapient-Showcase Showdown hits Whistler Blackcomb Feb 29 - March 1, 2008. Registration is in full swing with over 40 athletes confirmed and, with the Superpipe at Base II on Blackcomb taking shape, anticipation for this year’s Showdown is high.

Groomers and event staff have been hard at work pushing snow and planning the layout for this unique Pipestyle format. Venue construction will take place next week with the shaping of the pipe walls and placement of rails and jib features. The DJ booth, beer garden, judges’ stand and spectator areas will be set up by event production experts “Hangman Productions.”

Prizing for this year’s Sapient-Showcase Showdown is a massive $50,000 in cash and prizes from event sponsors Sapient, Showcase Snowboards, Bakoda, R.E.D., Anon, Bonfire, Vans, Dakine, Volcom, and Nixon. The prize breakdown for the men’s category will be $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second and $2,000 for third with cash prizes going to all men in the top ten. The women’s prizing will be $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third with sponsor prizing for fourth and fifth place.

In addition, and for the fans, event partner Zero Ceiling will be drawing names to give away 20 snowboards throughout the two day event. One name will be drawn every hour during the event in support of Zero Ceiling’s youth snowboard programs. Zero Ceiling will also have a 10th Anniversary Party at the GLC Thursday February 28, as a thank you to all who have supported the cause.

Year after year the Sapient-Showcase Showdown gets bigger and better, this year will no doubt follow suit with the much anticipated Kokanee Beer Garden at the base of the Superpipe on Saturday. The Beer Garden will be cash only with Proper ID required to enter the area.

Event times for spectators
Men’s and Women’s qualifying runs take place from 4:30pm – 8:30pm Friday evening. Semi Qualifiers for men and women run from 3:30pm – 7pm Saturday with the Finals taking place at 7:30pm that evening.

Athlete Registration Information
Athletes can register in person at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations desk. Registration is $100 +GST per rider and is open to 50 men and 20 women.

Friday February 29

o Registration and bib pick-up at 18Below, Base II, 1pm - 2:30pm
o Open training 2:30pm - 4pm
o Riders’ meeting 4:15pm at the bottom of the Pipestyle course
o Men’s and Women’s Qualifying 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Saturday March 1

o Bib pick-up for qualified riders between 1pm - 2pm
o Training between 1pm - 3pm.
o Semi Finals run between 3:30 pm - 7pm
o Finals 7:30pm

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

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 epicenter of snowboard gear in Whistler. Other Showcase locations include 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