Mountain Hardwear Sponsors 2011 Big Mountain Telemark Series

Richmond, CA (December 7, 2010) – Mountain Hardwear, a leading manufacturer of technical outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories, has signed on to be the title sponsor of the 2011 Big Mountain Telemark Series produced by Tough Guy Productions (TGP). The 2011 Mountain Hardwear Big Mountain Telemark Series is the first comprehensive point series to take place in nearly 10 years. The series will have four stops: Grand Targhee, Alpine Meadows, and Crested Butte with the finals, by invitation only, to be held in Valdez, Alaska.

“At Mountain Hardwear, we believe in seeking out challenge and pushing the limits of human potential. This lifestyle aligns perfectly with the nature of the big mountain ski competitions produced by Tough Guy Productions,” said Promotions Coordinator Jesse Malman. “We’re thrilled to be the title sponsor for the 2011 Big Mountain Telemark Series, and hope that our support will help make the series and this partnership successful, not only this year, but for many years to come.”

TGP is equally thrilled about the partnership. “Mountain Hardwear is an industry leader that consistently produces cutting edge and innovative products. We are honored to work with such an outstanding company to bring about the first comprehensive points series for the Telemark ski industry in nearly 10 years,” said Owner of Tough Guy Productions Stephane Riendeau.

Each of the scheduled events will stand on its own with a leader board and cash prizes awarded to the top three men and women finishers. Points will be awarded based on their finish in each event. Competitors are encouraged to compete in all of the events as their top three scores will be added together and used to rank them against the other competitors. The top three men and women series leaders, after the Crested Butte event, will be invited to compete at the World Telemark Freeskiing Championship taking place at Tailgate Alaska, a freeride festival for skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers in Valdez, Alaska.

2011 Mountain Hardwear Big Mountain Telemark Series Schedule of Events:

Grand Targhee, WY
February 10 – 13th

Alpine Meadows, CA
February 24 – 27th

Crested Butte, CO
March 17 – 19th

Valdez, AK – Invitational (top 3 men and top 3 women)
April 1 – 10th

For more information, please visit:
http://www.toughguyproductions.com/tourevents/

ABOUT MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR:
Mountain Hardwear, Inc., based in Richmond, California, designs and markets cutting edge mountaineering and outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories for ultimate performance in extreme conditions. Established in 1993 by a group of outdoor industry veterans, Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company. Mountain Hardwear distributes its products through specialty outdoor and sporting goods retailers throughout the United States and 58 countries worldwide. Mountain Hardwear has won numerous product and customer service awards since its inception, reflecting the company’s commitment and passion to innovation and service. It’s our relentless drive to create the absolute best that makes us who we are. Mountain Hardwear. www.MountainHardwear.com