WILMINGTON, NY ??” Are you a boy or girl between the ages of 9 and 13? Do you have skiing or snowboarding skills that deem recognition on national television? Do you dream of representing Whiteface Mountain in Keystone, Colorado?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you must check out the qualifying event for the Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search this weekend. Whiteface Mountain will host its 2005 Next Snow Search qualifier on Monday, January 17. By the close of the day, one lucky skier or rider will be signed up to compete at Keystone February 11 ??“ 13, with the finals on NBC March 5.

The Next Snow Search is a quest to find the neXtreme generation of skiers and snowboarders. It’s the first all-mountain, all equipment, all persons snowsports competition. But, it’s not just a competition ??“ style, attitude and personality are also factors. There is only one class so everyone competes together ??“ from boys and girls, skiers and snowboarders and adaptive athletes. All contestants must be 9 through 13 years of age (born 1991-96) to compete.

The Whiteface Mountain Next Snow Search qualifier, also sponsored by Rossignol skis, is coupled with the second Up and Comers Series event. All entrants will be required to freeski/ride with judges in the morning and compete in the park slopestyle event in the afternoon. Morning session may include trees, bumps, crud, park, pipe, rails or anything else the mountain dishes out. One winner will be based on all-around skills.

The morning session kicks off at 10 am at the Whiteface deck. Lunch is from 12 to 1 pm and afternoon slopestyle training is slated for 1 to 2 pm on Lower Thruway. Competitors throw-down for the Next Snow Search qualifier at 2 pm.

For more information about the Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search, please visit www.nextsnow.com.