Columbia

Sportswear Announces North American

Winter Talent Search

Winner to Heli-Ski

or Board in Alaska with X-Games Gold Medalists

Reggie and Zach Crist

PORTLAND, Ore. –

Imagine landing in a helicopter on a remote Alaskan peak; descending

5,000 vertical feet while carving turns in baby powder snow. Today,

Columbia Sportswear, a global leader in the active outdoor

apparel and footwear industries, has issued a call to action for residents

in the U.S. and Canada to take the TITANIUM CHALLENGE and qualify to

win the ultimate winter adventure.

As a special guest of Columbia Sportswear

and Points North Heli Adventures, the winner of the TITANIUM CHALLENGE

will receive a 7-day, all-expense paid trip to Cordova, Alaska where

they’ll heli-ski or board with Warren Miller Entertainment film stars

and X-Games Gold Medalists, Reggie and Zach Crist.

“We don’t want people to hold back.

We want to see amazing videos and we’ll pick the best of the best.

We’re looking for people to show us the best of their ability,”

said Zach Crist.

“Heli-skiing in Alaska is an experience

of a lifetime,” added Reggie Crist. “We’ve been part of the Columbia

family for seven years and look forward to sharing some of our experiences

with the winner.”

To enter the challenge, those who think

they have what it takes to hang at the elite level must submit a short

video along with written credentials demonstrating their ability on

the snow. The winner will be chosen by Reggie and Zach Crist based

on originality, skill level and desire to be the best in one of the

world’s premiere adventure locations.

In addition to the Alaska trip, the winner

will receive a one year TITANIUM apparel and footwear sponsorship from

Columbia Sportswear. TITANIUM by Columbia Sportswear outfits outdoor

enthusiasts with unmatched performance and advanced technology from

head to toe with outerwear, sportswear and footwear.

“Columbia Sportswear takes product

quality seriously and we want our consumers to test it to its limits,”

said Mike DeCesaro, Columbia Sportswear’s Promotions Manager. “We’re

excited to offer the TITANIUM CHALLENGE winner a great adventure and

apparel for a year that will perform at the same high level that they

do.”

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

TITANIUM CHALLENGE is open to legal residents of the U.S. and Canada

(excluding Rhode Island and Quebec) over 18 years of age. Entries must

be uploaded to http://www.columbia.com/titaniumchallenge between October 1,

2006 and January 31, 2007. Winner must be available for trip on or about

April 1 – 7, 2007, depending on weather, availability, and other conditions.

For complete details, please read the Official Rules at http://www.columbia.com/titaniumchallenge. Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear Company, 14375

NW Science Park Drive, Portland, Oregon 97229. Void where prohibited.

For more information, check out http://www.columbia.com/titaniumchallenge.