VAIL. Colorado ??” In only its first year of competition, the Jeep?В® Terrain Park Challenge has amassed an elite line-up of partner resorts from across the U.S. that have already hosted or plan to host Local Qualifier competitions allowing their top terrain park athletes a chance to compete for the sport’s National Championship.

The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge Local Qualifiers will allow area skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to advance to one of six regional qualifiers. There, the athletes will compete for an exclusive trip to Squaw Valley USA, Calif., where they will participate in the National Championships, held in conjunction with the grand finale of the 2005-2006 Jeep King of the Mountain Professional Skiing & Snowboarding World Championships. All eligible competitors in the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win a one-year lease on a new 2007 Jeep Compass.

A listing of the resorts from across the U.S. taking part in the inaugural Jeep Terrain Park Challenge include, by region:

Northeast
Massachusetts??”Jiminy Peak
Maine??”Sunday River; Camden Snow Bowl
New York??”Holiday Valley; Greek Peak, Labrador Mountain
Vermont??”Bolton Valley; Stowe Mountain Resort; Ascutney
West Virginia??”Canaan Valley Resort

Midwest
Michigan??”Mulligans Hollow; Alpine Valley; Boyne Highlands; Nubs Nob; Shanty Creek, Marquette, Boyne Mountain; Cannonsburg; Mt. Brighton
Minnesota??”Giants Ridge; Afton Alps; Spirit Mt. Resort; Welch Village
Pennsylvania??”Montage; Jack Frost; Bear Creek; Big Boulder Resort
Wisconsin??”Cascade

Rocky Mountains
Colorado??”Loveland; Monarch
New Mexico??”Angel Fire
Utah??”Brighton

West Coast
California??”Boreal; Big Bear; Snow Summit
Oregon??”Mt. Bachelor
Washington??”Stevens Pass

“We’re thrilled with the tremendous amount of support we’ve received from these first-class snow resorts,” said Christy Martin, program director of the Jeep King of the Mountain’s Jeep Terrain Park Challenge. “This competition will undoubtedly benefit the young athletes participating and the ski and snowboard industries as a whole.”

Proceeds 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, that improves the lives of people with multiple sclerosis through educational and wellness programs unique to any in the world. Several of the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge regional competitions will also coincide with the Heuga Center’s Vertical Express for MS (VEMS) program events.

The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge takes advantage of the rich heritage associated with the Jeep King of the Mountain Series, which 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.