Burlington, Vermont (February 26, 2002) -- The 2002 U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships, the premier snowboarding event of the year, is primed and ready to get underway at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, from March 14-17, 2002. The world will have its sights set on Southern Vermont come mid-March, as Stratton will showcase competitive world-class snowboarding at its very best. Over 500 male and female riders representing more than 15 countries will flock to Stratton to make their mark in snowboarding history. The best rider's in the world will vie for top spots in the Quarterpipe, Halfpipe, Junior Jam Halfpipe, and Slopestyle events, including 2002 Olympic Winter Games medallists Ross Powers, Danny Kass, Kelly Clark, and JJ Thomas.

Veteran halfpipe specialist and long-time U.S. Open competitor, Shannon Dunn, is also gearing up for the 2002 U.S. Open as she recently stated, "The U.S. Open is a great event that brings competitors together from around the globe to showcase their riding skills. It's one of the only events where competitors and spectators hang out together in a fun atmosphere and just enjoy snowboarding."

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships is the sport's ultimate proving ground, annually drawing the world's top snowboarders for a week of action-packed competition spread across a variety of snowboarding disciplines. Now in its 20th year, the U.S. Open reminds us to reflect on where the sport came from and what it is truly all about. Since its 1982 inception, the U.S. Open has been widely regarded as the pinnacle event of each competitive season. This time-tested annual event has proudly maintained its "by riders, for riders" mentality, has never lost the grassroots, fun feel that has defined it since day one, and has remained a truly "open" event drawing a wide array of competitors ranging from world-class rippers to the up-and-comers that will one day rule the sport.

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships has always been committed to both the progression of the sport as well as the specific wishes and wants of the riders and spectators. In addition to mind-blowing action in the Halfpipe and Quarterpipe courtesy of the top riders in the world, an entirely new event has been added to this year's schedule - Men's and Women's Slopestyle. This heavily skateboard-influenced discipline is certain to be a crowd favorite as it combines multiple freestyle elements set within a unique course featuring a multitude of jumps, rails, and hips.

Many new and exciting event additions and Stratton area upgrades have also been put in place to help make the overall event experience the best it can possibly be for the 20,000 spectators that are expected to descend upon Stratton this year. Event attendees will be treated to an interactive sponsor village, pro rider autograph sessions, and festive parties throughout the four-day event weekend. Additionally, Stratton's Sunbowl Area, which supports the entire event, has been revamped for 2002 and now features two new high-speed six passenger lifts, a refurbished base lodge, and expanded parking.

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship is the most anticipated event of the season, and this year is no exception, as the hype around the sport is going to help make the 2002 U.S. Open bigger and better than it ever has been before!

The 2002 U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships see support from Burton Snowboards as Owner/Presenting Sponsor, Right Guard Xtreme Sport as Presenting Sponsor, SoBe Beverages and Volkswagen as Supporting Sponsors, FHM as Associate Sponsor, and Stratton Mountain Resort as Event Host. Look for network-televised coverage of the 20th Annual U.S. Open this April 2002 on Fox Sports Net - stay tuned for the complete broadcast schedule.

For information on how to obtain media credentials for the 2002 U.S. Open, please visit the official website located at: www.opensnowboarding.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff