Freestyle snowboarding contest will see 40 elite riders hit massive glacier-style drops under the lights in search of the best all-around rider

TORONTO – February 21, 2008 – The stage is set to once again light up freestyle snowboarding at Mont Tremblant Resort. On Friday, February 29, the traditional big air contest held during school break evolves into Red Bull Crystal, which will illuminate not only riders and fans, but deliver a course defined by a glacial 30-foot drop. Combined, all elements are in place for 40 elite snowboarders to show their skills and prove why they’re worthy of the title of best all around athlete.

Course of Action
The event will feature a glacier style structure offering athletes a 30’ step-down platform consisting of jibs and jumps and outfitted with a giant screen. Fans transfixed by the images will soon be in awe of the real deal when riders fly over the screen and hit a steep landing zone with gaps of 30 to 70 feet.

Riders will then be greeted by a second man-made glacier near the bottom of the hill featuring the final rail module and a last chance to impress the thousands of fans witnessing the action.

Riders and Event Format
Among the riders at Red Bull Crystal will be phenom Sebastien “Toots” Toutant, who at 13-years-old won top prize at Shakedown...and has been a finalist in every contest entered since. Now at the ripe old age of 15, Sebastien is establishing himself on the international snowboard scene, riding pro with both O'Neil and Smith.

A known crowd pleaser, TJ Schneider is a Calgary-native who marked the international snowboarding landscape with his fearless approach to the sport. Hans Ahlund of Sweden is one of Europe’s best rail riders and known to hit some of the biggest stunts in the industry.

All athletes will be competing in a bracket style format, and will be judged on landing, style and difficulty of tricks. The top riders will earn a piece of the $20,000 total purse and a chance to grab snowboard’s most illuminated prize, Red Bull Crystal.

About Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is a four-season international resort offering a great selection of activities on the mountain and in the heart of its remarkable pedestrian village. Voted #1 ski resort in Eastern North America for the last 11 years, Mont Tremblant Resort offers 94 trails on four mountain sides. For all accommodation inquiries or directions to the resort, please visit, www.tremblant.ca

Red Bull Crystal is free to spectators. For a full athlete roster, additional information, and post-event images and video, please visit www.redbull.ca/crystal