FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

World Snowshoe Invitational relocates to Grouse Mountain

The World Snowshoe Invitational scheduled to take place on Mount Seymour Saturday February 27, 2010 has been relocated to Grouse Mountain. 

It is never an easy decision to move a major international event but the winter of 2010 has impacted everyone." Dave Howells Technical Director and part owner has said, "Mt Seymour's focus is on maintaining the trails for it's regular users and the Yeti needs to design a course that is going to challenge the top 250 snowshoe athletes in the world. These factors combined meant moving the course to Grouse Mountain made more sense"

With over 30 International athletes attending from 9 different countries The Yeti has recognized that this is a high profile event that demands an enormous amount of attention to detail. On this day a World Champion will be crowned along with the Canadian National Champion this has to be decided on a course that provides the features that snowshoe racers have come to expect.

Marc Campbell Founder and owner of The Yeti really wants to deliver a World class event. “We need to offer our participants, spectators, volunteers, sponsors and staff the best possible event experience and we firmly believe that Grouse can deliver on all levels.”

The Yeti would like to take this opportunity to thank Mount Seymour for all their hard work in helping to plan this World level event. A great deal of planning has gone into this event for over a year and all there efforts have very much been appreciated.

Mt Seymour’s priority is to preserve the quality of the ski and snowshoe trails.  The current conditions are favourable for our guests but the concern lies with 200 competitors on the trails at one time, which will have an impact on our snow conditions.

The Yeti has held two races atop The Peak of Vancouver and is confident that the Grouse Mountain's scenic, challenging terrain and long-term commitment to the development of snowshoeing will help enhance this year's World Snowshoe Invitational. Many of the participants have experienced Grouse Mountain's trails in their on-going training as the resort hosts weekly snowshoe clinics and has been a purveyor of the sport for almost two decades. 

For more info go to www.theyeti.ca

Media Contact Dave Howells: dave@theyeti.ca

Office: 604-988-2770

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Top International Snowshoe Racers come to World Snowshoe Invitational in Vancouver

Stepping up to the line for his first ever snowshoe race in North America is 6 Time World Mountain Running Champion and 2 time Olympian Jonathan Wyatt.

“I have been part of the Olympics both as an athlete and as a spectator, says Jonathan Wyatt.  I know how important it is to try and get snowshoe racing into Olympic competition - just look at what has happened to triathlon.  If I can be a small part by helping a running event be included in the winter games then I am happy to be here.” 

Jonathan is not the only top athlete attending. Joseph Gray from the USA was 2009 U.S. Men’s National Mountain Running Champion and was also voted US runner of the year.  9 top men and women from the USA will be on the line for the Worlds as well.

Toru Koide, 2009 Japanese Men’s National Snowshoe Champion, is very excited to race in North America for the first time. He will be attending with Katsuhiko Harada Founder of Japanese Snowshoeing Federation and Vice President of the International Amateur Snowshoe Racing Federation (IASSRF).

The International flavour continues with Italy, France, Finland and Switzerland all confirmed for race day.

On race day, a World Title is up for grabs but so is the Canadian National Championship. For the first time ever both the 2008 and 2009 National Champion will be attending. Jason Loutitt member of the Canadian National Mountain running team has been focused on this event for months and feels he is ready. Flying in from Eastern Canada is 2009 National Champ Jimmy Gobeil keen to defend his title.

Mark Elmore President of the United States Snowshoe Association is excited about The Worlds. `` Clearly this is one of the most high profile races that our sport has ever seen, we are making history with such an International field racing alongside the Olympics, I can`t wait``

The Yeti World Snowshoe Invitational Kicks off on Saturday February 27, 2010 on Mount Seymour.

Start time for the 10km Worlds and Canadian Nationals is 12noon.

For more info go to www.theyeti.ca

Follow on twitter.com/yeti2010

Media contact: Dave Howells

Office: 604-988-2770

Cell: 778-837-8557

There will be more information to come on this years events so please come back or sign up for the Yeti SnowTimes to receive info as it is made public. 

Thursday Night drop-ins are the way to go to keep your training up and have some fun mid week. For more info http://www.theyeti.ca/snowshoeclinics.asp?page=ysa_clinics