KIRKWOOD TO HOST FIRST STOP OF RAHLVES’ BANZAI TOUR

KIRKWOOD TO HOST FIRST STOP OF RAHLVES’ BANZAI TOUR

Ski and Border-Cross Style Action Showcases Extreme Kirkwood Terrain

Participants Compete for “Banzai Master” Title and Cash Prizes

Kirkwood, Calif. – January 28, 2013 – On Feb. 1-3, 2013, big mountain freeride action meets ski and boarder-cross strategy in a mad-dash race for cash, as Kirkwood Mountain Resort hosts the first stop on the Rahlves’ Banzai Tour, presented by Bank of the West. Taking place at four Lake Tahoe, CA resorts, it’s head–to-head action, four at a time, top to bottom, down a wide open course over natural terrain and snow conditions. This is the ultimate test of ski and riding skills.

“The Rahlves’ Banzai Tour is an exciting event that really utilizes the big-mountain, challenging terrain Kirkwood is known for,” said Casey Blann, Kirkwood’s general manager. “It’s not an easy race or one for the faint of heart. Watching these talented, daring skiers and snowboarders compete, is going to be a thrill.”

Kirkwood is known for a ton of snow and rowdy terrain, and the Rahlves' Banzai Tour takes advantage of both with the Wall Banzai. The open top section off the Wall winds down into the CEP compression and off the cat road at top of Chair 11 where athletes launch into Snow Snake Gully. From here, it's riding the gully up on the banks to funneling right down the pipe. Look for passing in the upper section and in the tight turns when a rider is loose on the line. Spectator prime locations are the start on the ridge, cat road crossing at top of Chair 11, skiers left bank of the gully and at the finish for the drag race to the line. Competition registration is open to anyone 18 years old and up.

Daron Rahlves, World Champion, USA Olympic ski racer, Winter X-Games Skier-X Champion and creator of the event, will be on-hand throughout the competition and at the welcome and après parties to sign autographs and conduct interviews with media. Media are invited to meet-and-greet athletes at both the Welcome Party on Feb. 1 and at the Après Party on Feb. 2

On Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., tour participants, including athletes, sponsors, friends, family, media, race crew and resort affiliates, are invited to celebrate the beginning of the Kirkwood tour stop at the Welcome Party at Red Cliffs Lodge with food, drinks and music. This is an ideal setting for athletes and media to mingle, as well as build up excitement for the tour stop.

The solo qualifying timed runs to seed Sunday’s final heats of four will take place on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with Sunday’s finals also taking place from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The Rahlves' Banzai Après Party, hosted by High Fives Foundation, will be held on Feb. 2, 2013 at Red Cliffs from 3:00-6:00 p.m. During the après party, Daron Rahlves will recognize the Bank of the West "fastest qualifier" and fastest times from each division, as well as announce the winners of the High Fives raffle with sponsor prizes, which includes two Kirkwood lift tickets.

Book your lodging by Jan. 31 and received 25 percent off your entire booking. Book online at www.kirkwood.com using the promo code “EVENTK” or call 1-800-967-7500.