HUNTER, New York ??” It’s never too early to start dreaming about the grand sights of quarter pipes, big air, and beautiful rails buried in snow. Hunter’s feature freeride competition, Telemet Latitude 42?В° North Air Assault will make a huge return for the 2005-2006 season, armed with last year’s accolades, and an elevated stance in this year’s contest scene.

Last year’s gala featured a weekend packed with big air, rail jam and quarter pipe action, complete with both day and night competition, prizes, Pros and live entertainment to satisfy the likes of both freeskiers and riders. Last year, Hunter received great reviews from competitors, sponsors and spectators regarding the debut freeride contest, the largest to ever be held in Hunter’s Terrain Park.

New to the scene of terrain park-oriented events, what makes Telemet Latitude 42?В° North Air Assault unique is its “discipline neutral” nature, offering competition to both riders and freeskiers alike.

This season, Hunter’s feature freeride event will be part of Freeskier Magazine’s 2006 Progression Series, providing a top winner with a spot at the new East Coast Open to be held at Okemo on March 18-19, 2006. With this new, elevated level of competition, Hunter and Telemet Latitude 42?В° North are raising the bar by providing an opportunity for amateur skiers to qualify for one of the biggest free skiing events on the East Coast.

Telemet Latitude 42?В° North Air Assault will again draw talent from not only regional skiers and riders, but from the statewide and national levels as well. Last season, Hunter had an overwhelming response from athletes, who registered in advance through an open-entry system. At least three nationally ranked pro athletes will also be in attendance.

Hunter’s 2006 Latitude 42?В° North Air Assault will take place in the Terrain Park on February 11 and 12, offering up to $25,000 in cash and prizes to participants. Someone in attendance will win a trip to Valle de Las Lenas. Telemet Latitude 42?В° North Air Assault is sponsored by Telemet, Inc., FREESKIER Magazine, Burton, Anon, Mountain Dew, Red, Salomon, Reality Check and Greene County Tourism.

For more information as it unfolds, visit www.ridehunter.com.