LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (August 28, 2008) – Snow Sports New Zealand today announced the Mathieu Crépel, current half pipe and big air world champion, will compete at next week’s LG FIS Snowboard World Cup halfpipe event at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Hailing from the French Pyrenees, Crépel, won his title at last year’s World Championships in Arosa, Switzerland where he became the first snowboarder ever to land a switch backside 1260 in competition. He was also the first TTR World Snowboard Tour champion in back 2006, the same tour that Kiwi rider, James Hamilton is currently leading.

Crépel will join a field of X Games medalists and Olympians from 19 countries at next week’s event which is the first on the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup Tour and the first opportunity for athletes to start earning valuable FIS points on the road to Olympic qualification for 2010.

“Without doubt, this will be the most incredible display of world class snowboarding we have seen in the halfpipe this season,” said Snow Sports New Zealand CEO, Ross Palmer. “The competitor list features many of the biggest names in the sport and with the New Zealand men’s team currently enjoying such success in their spot as leading TTR Team, there’s going to be some very exciting riding happening which will be mindblowing to watch!”

The LG FIS Snowboard World Cup will start with the qualifications from 9.55am on Saturday September 6 with semi finals starting at 10.00am on Sunday September 7 and finals scheduled for 12.00pm, all at Cardrona Alpine Resort. For further information, visit www.fis-ski.com or www.snowsports.co.nz.