BRETTON WOODS, NH ??” The Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search is a winter-long snowsports series to discover kids ages 9-13 years old who are the best all-round skiers and snowboarders. A two-day qualifying event will be held at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort on Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30, 2005. The overall winner of the Bretton Woods event will qualify to enter the televised finals competition at Keystone, Colorado. Other events will be hosted at resorts across the United States and Canada.

Judges will choose the top young skier or rider to represent Bretton Woods at the national finals to be held February 10 – 13, 2005 at Keystone Resort in Colorado. Four nights lodging, four days lift tickets, admission into all activities, parties, and other events that are part of the Next Snow Search finals, and all entry fees will be provided to the winner of this event and one parent/guardian escort. The top twenty-five contestants from the Keystone event will be named to the 2005 Sports Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Team.

The finals of the Next Snow Search will be televised nationally on NBC, the first-ever national network broadcast of a youth skiing and snowboarding event. NBC Sports will air the show on March 5, 2005 2-3 pm EST.

The object of the search is to select boys and girls, skiers and riders, who best represent the talent and spirit of next extreme generation of athletes and their hometown ski area. Personality, style, and attitude are important as being a good athlete. The program could be described as a cross between the “X Games” for kids and “American Idol on Snow.”

Athletes have to compete in all skill levels to qualify, including bumps, big air, pipe jam and racecourse. For an athlete to compete, he or she must be born in the years 1991-1996. A birth certificate, passport, or other legal proof of birth date will be required at the Keystone event. The athlete must wear a helmet during all on snow ski/snowboard events (including practice). Athletes are asked to submit an entry application, teacher recommendation and essay of intent. Registration information can be found at www.brettonwoords.com or by calling 603-278-8869. All paperwork must be received by Wednesday, January 26, 2005 to be entered into the selection process. The entry fee of $85.00 ($20.00 for Bretton Woods Season Pass holders) includes a 2-day lift ticket.

For more information about Bretton Woods, please call 877-873-0626 toll-free, or visit www.brettonwoods.com.