Portland, OR - March 20, 2005 - Pounded by two feet of fresh snow and road closures, the Salomon United Series event blew up at Sierra at Tahoe last Saturday, March 19th. Over fifty riders competed for the $10,000 cash purse, two invitations to the Honda Sessions at Vail, and a handful of iPod Shuffles.

The first run went off during full storm conditions - not ideal for competition, but the big Oregon posse was sure stoked on seeing new snow. Before the second run could happen, visibility evaporated, the judges tent blew away, score cards morphed into barely legible pulp, and riders and event organizers were soggier than day old cereal. Shielded by a plastic tent, the DJ’s were unaffected and kept partying, oblivious the competition had been called.

Despite epic conditions, riders were super stoked on the contest format and the heaps of righteous prizes. “This is a pretty big contest to come here, and it’s awesome that the winner gets an invite to Vail Sessions,” said Andrea Tomcik, a rider for Sierra at Tahoe.

The top three finishers of the men’s and women's categories won prize money, while Best Trick and fourth and fifth place finishers won iPod Shuffles. The local female riders, all Sierra at Tahoe athletes, cleaned house, claiming top three. Jamie Anderson snatched first prize for the women, landing a cab 5 over the first jump, bringing home $3,000, and received an invitation to next year’s Honda Sessions. Jamie also won Best Trick, winning a much coveted iPod Shuffle. Andrea Tomcik took home $1500 for second place, and Joanie Anderson made it a two-Anderson podium and $500 with third place.

In the Men’s Division, Forrest Devore of Eugene, OR, was the big winner. Happy with a check for $3,000, Devore was even more amped on his invitation to the 2006 Vail Sessions. Aaron Breitenbach from Bend placed second for $1500, and Ross Weaver, also from Bend, placed 3rd for $500.

“We are stoked the athletes were hyped on the contest and it was really great working with Sierra at Tahoe. Everyone is definitely looking forward to continuing the United Series next year,” said Kale Gray of Salomon.

The United Series is a string of grassroots events bridging the gap between amateur and professional contests. By offering event winners an invitation to the prestigious Honda Sessions in Vail, rising snowboarders are given the fastest trajectory path towards professional competition. This year, Salomon's United Series consisted of two events - The Wachussets Rail Jam, the event at Sierra at Tahoe.

Final Results
Women
1. Jamie Anderson ($3,000 and Invite to Vail Sessions)
2. Andrea Tomcik ($1,500)
3. Joanie Anderson ($500)
4. Allyson Carroll (iPod Shuffle)
5. Ashley Thornton (iPod Shuffle)

Best Trick Jamie Anderson - (iPod Shuffle)

Men
1. Forrest Devore ($3,000 and Invite to Vail Sessions)
2. Aaron Breitenbach ($1,500)
3. Ross Weaver ($500)
4. David Rosier (iPod Shuffle)
5. Bryce Lowell (iPod Shuffle)

Best Trick: Quinn Baumberger (iPod shuffle)