HANCOCK, Massachusetts ??” The Jeep?® Terrain Park Challenge (www.jeeptpc.com), a national grassroots initiative to encourage amateur ski and snowboard participation, today announced that Jiminy Peak will host an open qualifier event for area amateur athletes.

The open qualifier, set for Saturday, February 4th, will allow amateur skiers and snowboarders to show off their best moves and earn the chance to take their show to an even greater stage. Athletes who advance beyond this open qualifier will earn a spot in one of six regional events throughout the U.S., with the best-of-the-best earning an exclusive trip to Squaw Valley USA in California on Feb. 25-26 to compete in the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge National Championships. All eligible competitors in the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge will have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win a one-year lease on a new 2007 Jeep Compass.

“We’re excited that Jiminy Peak will be participating in this great event,” said Christy Martin, program director of the Jeep King of the Mountain’s Jeep Terrain Park Challenge. “It is well known that this area has an abundance of talented skiers and snowboarders and we’re thrilled that this event will allow them to showcase their skills while benefiting a tremendous cause.”

Registration details regarding the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge may be found at www.jeeptpc.com. Those interested in participating may also contact Katie at (413) 738-5500 ext. 3060 or [email]ktworek@jiminy.com[/email].

Contributions from the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge will benefit The Heuga Center (www.heuga.org), a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by former Olympic ski racer, Jimmie Heuga, which improves the lives of people with multiple sclerosis through educational and wellness programs. Several of the Jeep Terrain Park regional competitions will also coincide with the Heuga Center’s Vertical Express for MS (VEMS) program events (www.verticalexpress.org) .

The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge takes advantage of the rich heritage associated with the Jeep King of the Mountain Series, which was introduced in 1992 and has established a reputation as the most prestigious event in professional snow sports. Thirty-two of the world’s top skiers and snowboarders compete head-to-head each season for the coveted World Professional Champion title and a share of the richest prize purse in the industry, including $450,000 (U.S.), plus an additional $20,000 (U.S.) in bonuses from John Paul Mitchell Systems. Each winner also receives the keys to a new 2006 Jeep Commander. The Jeep King of the Mountain Series can be seen on nationally syndicated television and CBS Sports for a total of six hours of coverage between December 2005 and April 2006.

Jeep is the title sponsor for the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge and the Jeep King of the Mountain Series. The Professional Skiing & Snowboarding World Championships are the sister competition to summertime’s Jeep King of the Mountain Professional Mountain Biking World Championships (www.jeepsports.com). Other marketing partners for the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge include: Atomic, Columbia Sportswear Company, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Mopar, Scott USA, Sirius Satellite Radio and Ski Press Magazine

About Jeep?В® Brand

The Jeep brand is synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. It is a reputation earned during more than six decades of 4×4 leadership. The launch this year of the Jeep Commander at the New York International Auto Show represents continued strengthening and growth of the Jeep brand. Jeep Trail Rated communicates the legendary Jeep capability that is designed into every Jeep 4×4. As the brand’s lineup expands, Jeep vehicles will continue to be what they have always been – the most capable.