Suzuki Halfpipe Jams Arrive at Local Mountains Nationwide

Grassroots Snow Sports Competition Adds Excitement to Ski and Snowboard Season

BREA, CA, Feb. 18, 2006: Elevating the winter experience for snow enthusiasts across the country, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) and Skiing magazine team up to present the 2006 Suzuki Halfpipe Jams, the only grassroots ski and snowboard halfpipe competition in the world.

Through the middle of April, the Suzuki Halfpipe Jams will visit several snow resorts and offer top regional riders the chance to compete head-to-head in a "jam" format -- riders take as many runs as possible in a two-hour period on the halfpipe -- for cash and prizes. Participation is free and open to the public. The fun-filled events also invite participants to enjoy live music, sponsor giveaways, Elan ski and snowboard demos as well as tips from Elan athletes at select locations.

Suzuki Halfpipe Jams event schedule:
February 18        Copper Mt., Co.
February 26        Killington, Vt.
March 11           Sunday River (Bethel, Maine)
March 18           Snowbird, Utah
April 15           Squaw Valley, Calif.

At each stop, ski and snowboard enthusiasts will be able to check out the new 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara, which offers sleek new styling, a larger and more powerful standard V6 engine, safety features that include six standard airbags and two available four-wheel-drive systems. At the center of the Halfpipe Jams action, snow enthusiasts will see the "Blizzard" -- a specially modified Grand Vitara concept vehicle designed for snow sports enthusiasts.

"Blizzard" Grand Vitara

The "Blizzard" Grand Vitara is designed to fulfill the needs of people with active lifestyles focused on snow sports. With a 2.7-liter turbocharged Suzuki engine, full-time four-mode four-wheel drive system and wide grip studded snow tires, the "Blizzard" is equipped to handle just about any road condition. The Grand Vitara concept offers a dockable iPod station, an in-car video and gaming system and in-car Internet access, allowing passengers to check snow conditions on the way to the mountain. In the rear, the vehicle offers chairlift-style seating for gearing up for the slopes and removing and drying gear afterwards. The "Blizzard" is equipped with built-in glove and boot warmers and ventilated wet gear storage in the rear cargo area. The "Blizzard" also features a custom roof rack system with enclosed, backlit snowboard pods and a television camera to let the driver keep an eye on his/her snow equipment.

Skiing magazine

Young, hip and irreverent, Skiing magazine is the ultimate source of inspiration for winter adventure with a circulation of 400,000 and a readership of 1.26 million. Skiing readers love to challenge themselves, whether jumping out of helicopter, climbing a peak or just going as fast as the patrol will allow. The magazine of winter adventure, Skiing offers information, advice and fresh perspectives on the lifestyle of young, active skiers. Skiing magazine is published by Mountain Sports Media, a division of Time4 Media based in Boulder, Colorado. Time4 Media is a subsidiary of Time Inc., which is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc .