FREERIDERS SLATED AT NISSAN TRAM FACE - SQUAW VALLEY , FEB. 27 – MARCH 5

The world's best freeriders are looking to make history on Squaw Valley USA's most visible yet permanently closed peak during the Nissan Tram Face Competition on Feb. 27. As the only North American stop on the international Freeride World Tour, Squaw  hosts the world’s best big mountain skiers as they prepare to tackle the
infamous Tram Face. The pressure is rising with two out of four competitions already completed of the Freeride World Tour 2010. By the third tour stage, the leading candidates for the title will be looking to make a major impression on the face that has never officially been ridden before. Though the Nissan Tram Face is scheduled to take place Saturday, the weather window for the event spans from February 27 to March 5to ensure ideal conditions.Strictly illegal to ski, the Tram Face is being opened specifically for the Freeride World Tour
competition. Its steep and seemingly un-skiable pitch, permanent closure, and tantalizing location in perfect view from Squaw Valley’s Village and base area have made it a coveted descent among the strong local freeride community. Several of the top American riders are from Squaw Valley including Jermey Jones, J.T. Holmes, Tim Dutton, Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad and Will Brommelsiek, all of whom will be aiming for a victory on home snow as well as to score important points on the FWT ranking.As would be expected of such a headlining event, the valley will erupt with street parties, live music, and other festivities all week long. With
Tram Face completely visible from the parking lot, Monster is throwing aTailgate party for spectators complete with emcee, music, product giveaways, and food and beer for purchase.Wild card standings for the Nissan Tram Face competition include Olympic gold
medallist in the women's boardercross, Maelle Ricker (CAN), and legendary snowboarder Jeremy Jones (USA), who will join the international elite of freeride skiers and snowboarders for this third competition of the four stages’ world tour.Quotes from Competitors:“I am looking forward to see the first descents
that are going to be skied on Tram Face. The event has a potential to be the ultimate show for the public! We consider Tram Face the forbidden fruit and it will be nice to get a taste of it!” --- JT Holmes (USA - local Squaw Valley rider 10th on the Freeride World Tour Ranking Men Ski)“The level among the riders has increased constantly since the first edition of the Tour. It is no longer enough to be a great skier to take part of the Tour. Physical and mental preparation, thorough inspection of the competition face, and top gear, are all important elements that has helped develop freeriding to aprofessional sport, becoming more and more known by the broad public.” --- Freeride World Champion 2009 Aurélien Ducroz of France.“The reason I strived so much to get on the Freeride World Tour is because there is no Olympics in extreme skiing. [The Freeride World Tour] is the end of the line right there ... so for me, being able to compete on the tour is amazing, it’s definitely where the top athletes are today and where it’s going on.” --- Tim Dutton, Squaw Valley freerider taking on his childhood heroes on the esteemed Freeride World Tour beginning in Sogchi, Russia. Projected Nissan Tram
Face Schedule*Friday, Feb. 263:00 p.m. --- Opening Ceremony in the Village with music followed by bib draw.Saturday, Feb. 27*9:00 a.m. --- Monster Tailgate Party kicks off complete with music, emcee, product demos and giveaways, and food and beer for purchase 10:00 a.m. --- Competition starts11:00 a.m. - Village street party kicks off with
vendors including Scott, Thin Air Motor Sports, Monster Sampling Team and local Village tenants.2:30 p.m. --- Awards Ceremony No. 1 in the Olympic Village Lodge (OVL) parking lot followed by autograph session5:00 p.m. --- Village Awards Ceremony No. 2 followed by an autograph session5:45 p.m. (or dusk) --- Slide show of best lines on the big
screen10:00 p.m. --- Freeride World Tour Party open to all at 22 Bistro. $5 cover for
public.*Dates will vary depending on weather patterns. The weather window spans from Feb. 27-March 5.Leaders of the Freeride World Tour Ranking fter Two Completed Contests:Men --- Ski1- Candide Thovex FRA2 – Julien Lopez FRA3- Kaj Zackrisson SWEWomen --- Ski1- Eva Walkner AUT tie with:Janette Hargin SWE3- Jess McMillan USAMen --- Snowboard1- Mitch Toelderer AUT2- Douds Charlet FRA3- Xavier de Le Rue FRA Women - Snowboard1- Aline Bock GER 2 - Susan Mol USAThe 2010 Freeride World Tour's four stages:1. NISSAN RUSSIAN ADVENTURE BY SWATCH - SOCHI, RUSSIADate: Jan. 21--- COMPLETED2. NISSAN FREERIDE OF
CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC - FRANCEDate: Jan. 30--- COMPLETED3. NISSAN TRAM FACE --- SQUAW VALLEY USA – UNITED STATESDate: Feb. 274. NISSAN XTREME BY SWATCH - VERBIER, SWITZERLANDDate: March 20