The largest big mountain snowboarding tour in North America returns for its third year

SAN LEANDRO, California—October 22, 2009—The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, and Mountain Sports International (MSI), North America’s leading developer and producer of action-adventure sports events and programming, today announced The North Face Masters of Snowboarding presented by Primaloft (TNF Masters) 2010 Tour Dates.

In its third year, the largest big mountain snowboarding tour in the country, TNF Masters features a prize purse of $45,000. Taking place at three world-class venues, TNF Masters will return to Snowbird, Utah, January 22-25, and Kirkwood, California, February 25-28. A new stop this year, Crystal Mountain, Washington, will host the tour February 9-12. Registration for all events opens Tuesday, December 15, 2010, at 10:00 AM MST, www.thenorthfacemasters.com –age 18 years of age or above.

“Crystal Mountain features a terrific, awe-inspiring new territory and promising conditions,” said Katie Ramage, Sports Marketing Manager for The North Face. “Crystal’s ease of access will allow more riders to participate this year and give more spectators the ability to watch. Everyone is really looking forward to seeing what competitors will bring to the new terrain.”

Designed to cater to the motivation, talent and skill of world-class big mountain riders, TNF Masters serves as a qualifier for the Freeride World Tour’s Nissan Tram Face at Squaw Valley, California. The top male and female winners of each TNF Masters tour stop qualify for the event.

Gathering big mountain snowboard riders and fans worldwide, TNF Masters is predicting competitors from a number of countries and backgrounds. In addition, TNF Masters is proud to welcome back judges Tom Burt, Temple Cummins, Andy Hetzel and Julie Zell.

“TNF Masters series is in its third season of showcasing what most freeriders want to see – riders showing their skills on big mountain terrain, not just the park, pipe or rails,” said Tom, Burt, Head Judge of The North Face Masters of Snowboarding. “These competitions are tough to judge due to the high quality of riding and the variety of styles, but it is an incredible event to watch and be a part of. I am looking forward to see the next level of competition that will happen this season.”

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding Presented by Primaloft 2010 Schedule
Snowbird, Utah. January 22-25, 2010
Crystal Mountain, Washington. February 9-12, 2010
Kirkwood, California. February 25-28, 2010

Registration: thenorthfacemasters.com

MSI will produce same day coverage of Semi-Final and Final rounds of each TNF Masters which can be found on thenorthfacemasters.com. Complete videos, photos, athlete and judge profiles, detailed event schedules and registration information is available.

The North Face supports big mountain sports around the world including The North Face European Ski Challenge, The North Face South American Freeskiing Championships, The Masters of Snowboarding and the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour.

The North Face Masters Presented by Primaloft is supported by Subaru of America, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Crystal Mountain, Crystal Mountain Hotels, and Snowboard Magazine.

Want more? Check out thenorthfacemasters.com