QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND (July 27, 2008) — Hundreds of snowboarders flocked to The Remarkables in New Zealand this weekend to celebrate the opening of Burton’s newest location of The Stash®. Over 20 of Burton’s regional and international riders, including Keegan Valaika, Mikell Bang, Robett Hollis, Nick Brown, Juliane Bray and Shelly Gotlieb, came out to christen The Stash alongside the shredding public at Saturday’s grand opening event.

The Stash at the Remarkables. Photo Credit: Blotto

Greeting riders at the entrance to The Stash are two giant stone Keas, a parrot indigenous to the region and notorious for wreaking havoc. A variety of potential lines lie beyond, including features such as rock wall-rides, log jibs, cliff drops and even a jibbable stone hut. The park is truly unlike any other out there, stashed high in the mountains above the tree line.

“The Stash in New Zealand paves the way for a new style of Stash that plays off of the rock and stone landscape, said Jeff Boliba, Global Resort Director at Burton. “The unique features and layout will stoke out riders from around the globe.”

Created by Jake Burton and the Burton team riders, The Stash is an evolution of freestyle terrain in the ultimate natural environment. The kilometer long run provides riders with an organic, big mountain terrain park that follows the natural lines of the mountain.

“No two runs on The Stash are the same, every time you drop in you get a completely new riding experience,” says Boliba.  “Jake and our team developed The Stash with The Remarkables because we have always shared the common goal of taking snowboarding to the next level.”

Ross Lawrence, Ski Area Manager for The Remarkables had this to say, “Our well developed park system has already made The Remarkables a firm favorite with snowboarders, and the addition of The Stash will only make us more of a destination for snowboarders worldwide.”

The Stash at The Remarkables is only the third run of its kind worldwide and the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the bowls of Serpentine and the Galleries trails, The Stash is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders. The Stash can also be found in Avoriaz, France and Northstar-at-Tahoe, USA. For more information, visit www.thestash.com

About Burton Snowboards
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn. Since then, Burton has fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its groundbreaking product lines, its team of top snowboarders and its grassroots efforts to get the sport accepted at resorts.  In 1996, Burton began growing its family of brands to include boardsports and apparel brands. Privately held and owned by Jake, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with offices in California, Austria, Japan and Australia. For more information, visit www.burton.com.

About The Remarkables
The Remarkables alpine park near Queenstown is known for its true alpine environment, relaxed atmosphere and sense of fun. Snowboarders, freeskiers and families flock to the mountain’s varied trails and backcountry areas.

The Remarkables is a Burton Learn to Ride freestyle mountain. In 2005 it was the first mountain in New Zealand to introduce the Burton Learn to Ride (LTR) programmes and Progression Centres. The Burton LTR includes specially designed easy fit boots and boards and special instruction which is designed to allow people to learn to snowboard in a positive, progressive and fun way.

Beginners enjoy a dedicated learning zone with three surface conveyor lifts in front of the sun deck and novices can upskill on chair accessed green runs. Children aged six and under get free day passes at The Remarkables Ski Area – a 45-minute drive (26 km) from central Queenstown.