January 3, 2007 – Come out and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Grade 5 SnowPass, the 30th anniversary of National Ski and Snowboard Week and Blue Mountain’s 65th anniversary

It’s that time of the year again–time to think about Samsung National Ski and Snowboard Week (NSSW). And this year, we are planning a special celebration in honour of NSSW’s 30th anniversary. So if you love skiing and boarding, mark off the week of January 13th-21st, 2007, because it’ll be the best week of the winter to hit the slopes! Snow resorts across Canada will feature loads of amazing deals and fantastic events – so there’s going to be lots of cool things taking place at resorts near you.

“For 30 years, the third week of January is when ski areas roll out the red carpet for skiing and snowboarding fans,” says Colin Chedore, President at the Canadian Ski Council. “You’ll get deals on lift passes and Discover Learn to Ski and Ride programs. And when you’re out on the slopes you’ll find some exciting events, contests and good parties to check out too.” There’s something special happening at every participating ski area, so check out www.skicanada.org <http://www.skicanada.org> or contact your local mountain for details.

National Ski and Snowboard Week is also your first chance to try out all the latest and greatest ski and snowboard gear at the Samsung Ultimate Test Slide events. Happening at select resorts across the country this winter, the Ultimate Test Slides give you the chance to demo the best skis, boards and accessories from leading suppliers. It’s the perfect chance to try before you buy. And don’t miss the chance to win some great ski and snowboard gear and Samsung prizes at the lucky draws. Check the schedule below to find out when the Ultimate Test Slide will be in your area.

Also at the Ultimate Test Slides, you’ll also get the chance to check out the new Samsung SC-X205L Sports Cam. It’s got a lightweight external lens, incredible picture quality, long battery life and it’s a breeze to attach to your helmet – the perfect camera to help you put together a demo reel with your friends.

Anyone can demo equipment free of charge – suppliers include Atomic, Ride Snowboards, K2 Snowboarding, K2 Skis, Head Ski, Head Snowboards, Rossignol, Salomon Snowboards, Nordica, Fischer, Elan, Vist, Burton and Dynastar (all suppliers may not be at every event).

NSSW and the Samsung Ultimate Test Slide demo tour will be launched at Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario on January 12th- come join the party! “Blue Mountain is a great venue for the NSSW kick-off because Blue truly has something for everyone,” says Chedore. “Not only do they have amazing ski and ride terrain, they also offer a great village atmosphere – there is always something exciting going on. And in conjunction with our anniversary celebrations, we have invited 50 students from an inner city Toronto school to come up to Blue Mountain to try skiing and snowboarding for the first time, for free!”

Inner city kids invited to hit the slopes to celebrate 30th anniversary of National Ski and Snowboard Week and the 10th anniversary of the Grade 5 SnowPass program

On January 12th, 2007, fifty well-deserving Grade 5 students from Brandon Gate Elementary School in Toronto, Ontario will receive a tremendous gift from Blue Mountain Resort, ON. Blue Mountain and other ski industry partners have generously donated the gift of skiing and snowboarding to these 10 year-old children whom ordinarily would not have the opportunity to get out and enjoy a day on the slopes.

With the rising threat of obesity related diseases, health issues that plague many Canadians, there is no better time to promote the benefits of becoming involved in a recreational activity, even during the cold winter months. Skiing and snowboarding are accessible to all Canadians and are affordable winter sports. Equipment and instruction are available at any ski resort across the nation. However, many children who live right in the Toronto area are never given the chance to get out and enjoy the benefits of outdoor winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

These lucky 5th graders have worked hard at making the grade in order to be included in this ski and snowboard experience. We hope this day on the slopes will enhance their lives and provide them with a chance to develop skills and a love for the sport for their entire lifetime!

The kids will also be invited to join in at the official launch of the 30th anniversary of Samsung National Ski and Snowboard Week (NSSW) and the 65th anniversary of Blue Mountain Resort, which will take place at noon on January 12th, 2007 at the base of Smart Alec, one of Blue Mountain’s great ski runs. NSSW is one of Canada’s largest winter celebrations and takes place January 13th to 21st, 2007 at participating ski areas across Canada. Over 100 Canadian ski areas from coast-to-coast participate in NSSW, from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Ski areas organize events to get people excited about skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

This special programme of events does not end on January 12th! In honour of the Grade 5 SnowPass program’s 10th anniversary, each child will be given a complimentary Grade 5 SnowPass book so that they can continue skiing and snowboarding at over 100 participating ski areas in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Some of the areas will also be offering a chance for another visit next season when the kids are in Grade 6.

The Canadian Ski Council is extremely grateful to industry partners for making this ski excursion possible for these students. Partners include: Blue Mountain Resort, Samsung Canada, Swany Gloves, etc.

Details on Samsung National Ski & Snowboard Week and the Grade 5 SnowPass program are featured on the Canadian Ski Council’s website www.skicanada.org. The site will also include a list of NSSW events being held across Canada.

The first NSSW Test Slide event takes place at Blue Mountain on Saturday January 12th and Sunday January 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and finishes up with a lucky-ballot prize draw for a chance to win great ski and snowboard prizes. All you need to register is a major credit card (or bring a parent with you to provide one).

Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, the Samsung Ultimate Test Slide is a great way to spend a snowy day. To see what each resort has planned check out the Canadian Ski Council’s website at www.skicanada.org <http://www.skicanada.org>. And remember, National Ski and Snowboard Week events are happening everywhere, all week long, from January 13th-21st. See you on the slopes!
Samsung Ultimate Test Slide Demo Tour Event Schedule:

Blue Mountain, ON – January 12-13, 2007

Sun Peaks, BC – January 20-21, 2007

Big White, BC – February 3-4, 2007

Lake Louise, AB – February 24-25, 2007

Mont Sainte Anne, QC – March 17-18, 2007