After a winter of qualifying events at more than 51 resorts in 16 states and provinces from the U.S. and Canada, a field of 139 athletes aged 9-14 competed for a coveted spot on the "2004 Sports Illustrated For Kids Next Snow Team" at Keystone Resort, CO. Of the 20 Vermont skiers and riders who competed, 7 were chosen for the select team of 27. The Next Snow Search show will be broadcast on NBC nationwide Sunday, April 11th at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Check local television listings for local air times and channels.

�Vermont skiers and riders are proud of the tremendous accomplishment our Vermont kids have achieved in this fun, new competition,� said David Dillon, president of Ski Vermont, The Vermont Ski Areas Association. �It�s terrific that we had so many Vermonters participate in the qualifying events at Vermont ski areas and a bonus that seven of our athletes have made it to the final team.�

The first day of the three-day competition began with a skill test where judges rated skiers and riders on their carving and bump technique, and their slopestyle (jumps, rails and fun boxes) and superpipe abilities. After the first day 50 competitors were selected as finalists based on cumulative scores. Day two tested athletes� big mountain riding skills on Keystone�s Alamo, a trail that includes a variety of slopes, snow conditions and on-mountain challenges in order to evaluate the ability to ski or ride in all kinds of terrain and conditions. The last day culminated with three final tests of skill consisting of a multi-challenge race, slopestyle & halfpipe and one last freeride down Go Devil and Big Air jump that challenged skiers and riders aptitude with tight turns, open turns, moguls, jumps and fun box, jam style in the terrain park and superpipe and their ability to get big air.

The 2004 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS� Next Snow TEAM Members from Vermont Resorts: Duncan Adams Stowe, Vermont Nate DeFlavio Mad River Glen, Vermont Tommy Emanuelson Stowe, Vermont Stephan Lawler Mad River Glen, Vermont Brandon Lewis Mount Snow, Vermont Chris Logan Mount Snow, Vermont Tyler Troy Mount Snow, Vermont

In the awards ceremony, TJ Kibbie, Killington, VT, was presented the individual award for Male-Best Vibe.

Watch the finals on NBC on April 11. For complete results and for more information on the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS� Next Snow SEARCH, which was sponsored by Keystone Resort, Burton Snowboards, Nintendo and the National Ski Areas Association, go to www.nextx.com. For more information on your favorite Vermont resorts and their event schedule, go to www.skivermont.com.

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Media Contact: Heather Atwell +1 802-223-2439 heather@skivermont.com