News Release

Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 18, 2004

Tips Up! 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships to be held in Alaska

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For the first time in 23 years, the Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships will descend upon the slopes of Alyeska Resort March 18 - 23, 2004.

The 2004 Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships will feature the country's best athletes, including members of the 2002 U.S. Olympic Team. It has been a right of passage for many young racers providing the opportunity to ski in front of the national coaching staff and is considered the highest level of domestic ski racing.

“Alyeska has a great site to host the U.S. Alpine Championships as it has a strong history of alpine events not to mention producing Olympic gold medalists, such as Tommy Moe,” said USSA Events Vice President Annette Royle. “It will be a real celebration of national, junior and alumni racers.”

In addition, the Return of the Champions, a race for alumni to gather with the national and regional athletes, will take place March 20, 2004. Tommy Moe, Megan Gerety and Hilary Lindh are some of the Alaska athletes invited to take part.

"We are excited to have been selected to host the 2004 Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships," said Alyeska Ski Area General Manager Larry Daniels. "This is a great opportunity for our mountain community that has played such a large role in the development of Alaska athletes to cheer on the nation’s best and extend our Alaska hospitality."

The schedule follows:

• March 18 - Men & Women’s FIS Downhill
• March 19 - Men's and Women's Downhill
• March 19 - Opening Ceremonies
• March 20 - Men's and Women's Super G
• March 20 - Return of the Champions
• March 21 - Men's and Women's Slalom
• March 22 - Men's Giant Slalom
• March 23 - Women's Giant Slalom

The Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships are expected to bring more than 600 athletes, parents, officials and media with an estimated economic impact of more than $1 million to Anchorage. The event will be televised on ESPN. Alyeska Resort, which is hosting the event, is located 40 miles south of Anchorage, and is Alaska’s premier year-round resort. Tucked in the Chugach Mountains, Alyeska’s ski area offers world-class skiing and snowboarding with stunning views of the Turnagain Arm. The 1,400 acres of terrain and 2,500 feet of vertical is serviced with nine lifts including a 60-passenger aerial tramway, a high-speed lift and four-diamond ski-in/ski-out accommodations at the Alyeska Prince Hotel.

Contacts:

Erika Biringer, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net