LASSM Organizers Name Glen Plake as National Spokesperson for Learn a Snow Sport Month - January 2010

BRETTON WOODS, NH. (Sept. 10, 2009) - Organizers of Learn a Snow Sport Month (LASSM) announced today that, extreme skier and snow sports ambassador, Glen Plake will be the official national spokesperson for the initiative that takes place in January 2010. The announcement was made during the annual Northeast Winter Summit in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Learn a Snow Sport Month is a public awareness initiative organized by numerous snow sports organizations to encourage participation in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Plake, the three time World Hot Dog Ski Champion, has traveled the globe and appeared in numerous films and television shows. He is known throughout the snow sports industry as a world class skier and for his trademark Mohawk hair style.

For years, Plake, a pioneer of extreme skiing, has dedicated a portion of his time to his Down Home Tour, visiting local resorts in the U.S. and encouraging children and adults to learn to ski and snowboard. He advocates taking lessons.

“It may seem odd that an extreme skier is the national spokesperson for Learn a Snow Sport Month but the goal of the initiative is completely in tune with the message I have been delivering for a long time,” said Plake. “First of all, people just need to know that skiing and snowboarding are FUN! Taking lessons from a pro, when you are just starting out, is the best first step. Even seasoned enthusiasts can learn something new to improve their skills. The best part is you don't have to be an ‘expert' to have a good time.”

As spokesperson, Plake will work with LASSM organizers to communicate the excitement and lifestyle benefits of snow sports participation and why it helps to take lessons from a pro when starting out or when you want to improve. Snow sports offer children and adults an opportunity to get outside for exercise in the winter.

Plake also has been nominated for induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

“I don't know of anyone more passionate about snow sports than Glen,” said Bernie Weichsel, chairman of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and consumer show producer. “He knows how to connect with people. He truly loves to share his expertise and knowledge with children and adults about the joys of snow sports and I mean the JOYS of snow sports.”

Information about Plake and about January learning programs, offered at alpine resorts and Nordic centers, are posted at LearnASnowSport.org. Learn a Snow Sport programs include alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Some offerings are free and others require a reasonable fee. For more information, contact Mary Jo Tarallo, SIA Special Projects Manager, at 703.506-4202, 202.431-6950 or MJTarallo@snowsports.org.