Vancouver, BC (November 9, 2001) - Grouse Mountain will host the world's hottest snowboarders on the eve of Tuesday, December 11, as part of the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup, presented by Grundig and D2 Vodaphone. They'll be competing for a $40,000 prize purse in Big Air, performing huge inverted tricks launched off a 60-foot tabletop jump lit up against the spectacular Vancouver skyline. Mix Master Mike of Beastie Boys fame and guests will provide the live vibe, keeping the athletes and spectators charged all evening.

All the action starts when Whistler/Blackcomb Resort plays host to the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup Halfpipe, Snowboard-Cross and Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) competitions from December 6th to the 9th for the sixth consecutive year. The four days of competition on Whistler's Blackcomb Mountain also kicks off Whistler's annual winter season launch, the 4-day Whistler Winterstart Festival, together creating non-stop action for spectators on the mountain and throughout the Village. The event moves to its second venue, Vancouver's Grouse Mountain, on December 11 for North America's first ever World Cup Big Air.

The Whistler/Grouse event is number five on the fifteen stop Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup circuit, and boasts a $160,000 prize purse - the largest of any North American stop on the tour. Additional importance will be placed on this event as athletes begin the final countdown to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and national teams finalize their Olympic representatives.

Top Canadian riders to watch for include Mike Michalchuk and Trevor Andrew (Halfpipe), Maelle Ricker and Drew Neilson (Snowboard-Cross), Kevin Sansalone (Big Air), Mark Fawcett (PGS) and Canada's most promising Gold Medalist, Jasey Jay Anderson who will compete in both PGS and Snowboard-Cross.

Whistler/Grouse Event Schedule: Thursday, December 6 Audi Snowboard-Cross
Friday, December 7 Halfpipe (Qualifying)
Saturday, December 8 Halfpipe (Finals)
Sunday, December 9 Parallel Giant Slalom
Tuesday, December 11 Big Air and Concert (night event)

The Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup is managed and hosted by Vancouver's MASEV Communications Inc., the Canadian Snowboard Federation, Whistler/Blackcomb and Grouse Mountain Resorts.

For event information please visit www.masev.com and for points standings and information on the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup Tour, please visit the Official FIS Website: www.fis-ski.com

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