LUDLOW, Vermont -??“ On Jan. 6, Okemo Mountain Resort will host the 2007 Sports Illustrated Kids Next Snow Search Qualifier. Open to skiers and snowboarders, 9 to 13, this competition looks to discover the best kids on snow and the next top athletes in skiing and snowboarding.

In addition to being judged on ability and style in Superpipe, Slopestyle and on the NASTAR race course, kids will be judged on attitude and sportsmanship.

One athlete from the field of competitors will represent Okemo at the Next Snow Search Finals and compete against 150 other qualifiers for a place on the Sports Illustrated Kids Next Snow Team. In the 2007 Next Snow Search Finals, March 2-4, participants will compete in Moguls, Carving, Big Mountain Riding, Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Rails, Racing and Big Air Jump.

Okemo’s Next Snow Qualifier is open to all skiing and snowboarding boys and girls, age 9 to 13. Registration is scheduled from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the clocktower base lodge mezzanine on Jan. 6. The entry fee is $25 and a lift ticket or season pass is required. The judging will start at 10:30 a.m. in a location to be announced that day.

For more information about this event, call Aaron Davidson at 802-228-1956 or visit www.nextsnow.com. For information about Okemo, visit www.okemo.com.