Crystal Mountain, WA (February 4, 2010) — With the legendary banked slalom set to go at Mt Baker tomorrow and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding starting Tuesday, February 9th, it’s sure to be a busy weekend for shreds from WA and beyond.

The official PR: “Fresh off the tour’s first stop, The North Face Masters of Snowboarding (TNF Masters) arrives at Crystal Mountain, Washington, February 9-12, 2010, for the first time in the event’s history. Big-name pros, along with up-and-comers from around the globe, will battle it out for the $15,000 prize purse on Crystal Mountain’s rugged slopes. Proposed venues for next week’s competition are Northway for day 1 and The Silver King, Crystal’s crown jewel, for the finals. TNF Masters, in its third year, attracts the world’s best big mountain snowboarders, including Travis Rice, Mark Carter, Rob Kingwill, Ralph Backstrom, Ryland Bell, Michelle Locke, Shannan Yates, and Susan Mol.

‘It’s a unique opportunity for riders in the Northwest to have a prestigious event like the The North Face Masters of Snowboarding in our mountains,’ says Jacob Hase, a local competitor. ‘Not only is it an opportunity for local riders, but for non-locals to experience the awesome terrain of Crystal Mountain.’

‘There is nothing quite like hiking to the Silver King with the fresh air rising up from Mt. Rainier’s foothills,’ says Crystal Mountain Ambassador, Sky Risvold. ‘You share this experience with all of the fellow mountain lovers during such a prestigious event. It is truly a dream come true.’

The key word at Crystal Mountain is variety. As the largest ski area in Washington, the mountain features 2,600 acres of everything from gentle cruising groomers to challenging steeps and backcountry adventure. To give you the most for your money, Boyne has invested millions in top-of-the-line lifts, lodges, restaurants and grooming machines. Two six-person lifts and two high-speed quads ensure you’ll spend less time resting and more time enjoying the slopes. Crystal is located just 76 miles from Seattle and is nestled on the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park.”

Risvold and fellow frequency TSJ contributor Forrest Burki are committed to the event, along with local Baker heavies like Blair Habenicht and Lucas Debari. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the return of competitive freeride to the state of Washington and shake a leg down to Crystal this week to take part in the festivities–we’ll be there.