News Release

Anchorage, Alaska – February 6, 2004

2004 U.S. Alpine Championships to be held in Alaska

Anchorage, AK--- For the first time in 23 years, the Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships will descend upon the slopes of Alaska's Alyeska Resort March 18-23, 2004 and will be televised on ESPN.

The traditional season-ending event includes both the Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships, which attracts over 200 junior, development and U.S. Ski Team athletes, plus the Return of the Championships, and event that brings past Ski Team stars together with current athletes.

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.

In addition, the Return of Champions, a race for alumni to gather with the national and regional athletes, will take place that week. Invited Alaska athletes include Tommy Moe, Megan Gerety and Hilary Lindh.

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

From an economic standpoint, the Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships are expected to bring more than a $1 million to the local economy as approximately 600 athletes, parents, officials and media attend.

"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."

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.

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Contacts:

Gary Scott
(907) 754-2211
gscott@alyeskaresort.com
Explore www.skianchorage.net