STRATTON MOUNTAIN, Vermont ??” From the NextSnow Search (January 7-8) to the Opens ??“ US and VT ??“ Stratton offers an unrivaled competitive showcase for amateur skiers and snowboarders that includes a unique opportunity to share the podium with pro athletes.

Back-To-Back Opens
From March 15-19, 2006, Olympic medalists, world champions and talented amateurs land at Stratton Mountain for the 24th annual US Open, where they compete for snowboarding’s most coveted trophy and a piece of the $250,000 purse. Some 30,000 fans, friends and family members gather to watch the action, meet the pros and celebrate a sport born and raised at Stratton Mountain, Vermont.

The pros stick around to help coach the Ross Powers Snowboard Camp at Stratton Mountain from March 20-22. Two-time Olympic Medalist Ross Powers comes home to Stratton Mountain where he stages a fast-paced snowboard camp for intermediate and advanced riders. Powers, his posse of pros, and a roster of the nation’s top instructors deliver the kind of coaching that propels riders to that next level. “We outline the steps, make the technique clear,” says Shaun Cattanach, Burton Snowboards and American Association of Snowboard Instructors National Team.

Now in its sixth year, the Ross Powers Snowboard Camp is a benefit for the Ross Powers Foundation, a source of financial support for promising athletes in need. “World-class competition, especially the Olympics, should feature the best athletes with the greatest drive, commitment, and determination; unfortunately, given how expensive winter sports can be, too often these events feature the best athletes with the greatest drive, commitment, and determination??”with a certain level of financial backing,” explains Powers. He is committed to leveling the playing field and encouraging the growth of world-class athletes from Vermont.

The VT Freeskiing Open takes off at Stratton March 23-26, 2006 with Quarterpipe, Slopestyle and Superpipe competitions at the Sun Bowl. “The VT Open is the number one East Coast competition of the season,” according to Freeskier, November 2005.

Cold Wars
The Cold Wars Jam Series has been re-developed for this season, opening Thanksgiving weekend with “Full Metal Jacket” Village rail jam.

“Invasion of Normandy” Mission 2 is scheduled for Friday, December 30, and will be a jam session on Omaha Beach. This event will be a jib type slopestyle with a box slide and lip jib for contestants to show off their stuff. The key to winning this event is style and trick progression.

“Trench Warfare” Mission 3 is scheduled for Saturday, January 14, and will be a mini pipe contest on East Byrnesside. Prizes will be awarded for best throwback costume and old school style.

Mission 4 “Battle of the Bulge” the final mission is scheduled for Saturday, February 18; the last Cold Wars of the season will be a slopestyle format on a feature combination from all the other events. Expect to see a large table with some box and rail options into a quarter pipe or wall ride. Come prepared for anything! Lots of prizes and giveaways!

Southern Vermont Snowboard Series
The Southern Vermont Snowboard Series opening Stratton event is set for December 31. Additional events are set for February 4-5.

For complete event and competition schedule, check www.stratton.com.