SEATTLE, Wash (Feb. 7, 2002) - XO Net today announced that they have severed all ties with the board of directors of the World Extreme Skiing Championship (WESC) and will go forward with their own event, the World Free Skiing Championship (WFSC). The WFSC will be held on the same dates and in the same place as had originally been proposed, April 10-15 on Thompson Pass outside of Valdez, Alaska. All competitive and qualification criteria will remain the same.

"There are several reasons for ending the relationship, but what it boils down to is this move will now allow us to put on an event that meets the professional standards a true world championship demands," said Scott Mathews, XO Net's principal partner.

"We first started working with the WESC board as a shortcut. But over time, the relationship became too cumbersome and political, causing unnecessary delays. We decided it would be much more practical and efficient to produce our own event. This move will greatly streamline the process and free us to produce a professional event that will benefit the athletes, the sport and the town of Valdez," Mathews said.

Additionally, Mathews said the new event is better aligned with the direction of the International Free Skiers Association (IFSA). "By renaming the event we also strengthen our association with IFSA and ultimately the organization and the sport itself, which has been one of our goals all along. And let's face it, the word 'extreme' no longer accurately represents what the sport of big-mountain skiing is about."

Mathews emphasized that XO Net is committed to host the event in Valdez. "It has always been our intention to bring a world championship back to Valdez because we know how important the visitors and media coverage is for their winter tourism economy. As well, there really isn't another mountain range in the world more suited to host a world championship of freeskiing. The Chugach are the definition of steep and deep".

Finally, Mathews added that the World Free Skiing Championship fits into XO Net's long-term plan better. "We have always planned on making the world championship the cornerstone of a bigger event, what we call the Chugach Mountain Festival. This move allows us to accelerate the development of the festival. We will be adding several events appropriate for the amazing terrain and facilities the Chugach and Thompson Pass provide."

For more information about the WFSA, email Mike Geraci, Base Camp Communications, info@base-camp1.com.

ABOUT XO NET

Based in Seattle, Washington XO Net is a collection of professional outdoor athletes, guides, outfitters, photographers, writers, directors and marketing specialists that specializes in the development and promotion of events in the action sports industries. Among other properties, XO Net has managed and promoted the Ford Explorer Sport Trac Challenge multi-sport race series and Ford's No-Boundaries Experience.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff