It's Offical-Gravity Games

OLN® Names Copper Mountain Host of the 2005 Winter Gravity Games


Stamford, CT - October 11, 2004 ─ Outdoor Life Network announces that its Winter Gravity Games will be hosted by Colorado's Copper Mountain from March 3rd - 6th, 2005. The event will feature approximately 175 of the world's best athletes competing in nine medal events, including: Men's and Women's Snowboard Halfpipe, Men's and Women's Boardercross, Men's and Women's Snowboard Slopestyle, Men's Ski Halfpipe, Men's Skiercross and Men's Ski Slopestyle.



'We acquired the Gravity Games because we believe action sports is a growth category and Gravity is a best-in-class property,' said Gavin Harvey, President of OLN. 'Our experience in Cleveland reinforced this belief, especially after all of the positive feedback from the athletes, fans and sponsors. By adding a winter component, we're building equity in the franchise and generating new, compelling programming for our audience.'



Copper Mountain is the largest resort in Summit County, located just 75 miles west of Denver. The location's existing facilities and infrastructure will provide an ideal backdrop for the 2005 Winter Gravity Games.



'Copper Mountain is a world-class winter resort and a perfect location for a best-in-class event like the Gravity Games,' said Harvey. 'The enthusiasm and support we've received from Copper, Copper's parent company Intrawest and Summit County has been great and we're looking forward to bringing this event to Colorado.'



Coverage of the Winter Gravity Games will include competitive action and athlete profiles. It will also highlight the personalities, music and lifestyles of the people who are passionate about winter action sports. Qualifying criteria for each medal event will be announced shortly, while competitions may also be added to the schedule.



'We're anticipating a great event, with amazing competitions, activities, free concerts and so much more,' said Steve Paccagnan, Vice President and General Manager of Copper Mountain Resort. 'The impact the Gravity Games will have on the community will be tremendous, not only for Copper Mountain, but for Summit County as a whole.'



Winter Gravity Games is a major extension of the franchise, following the 2004 Gravity Games, which were held in Cleveland, OH from Sept 15th - 19th. The event featured 121 athletes and more than 125,000 fans in attendance. Additionally, OLN attracted a younger male demographic to the network. Ratings for men aged 18-34 were up 71% from the prior eight-week average, and up 150% from the same week a year ago. The Median Age of the Gravity Games in Primetime was 31 years, almost 20 years younger than the prior eight-week average (49 years Median Age).



OLN recently added Gravity Games H2O as well, which take place off Australia's western coast city of Perth in October. The event includes wakeboarding, kitesurfing and a tow-in surfing competition.



Copper Mountain Resort is the largest resort in Summit County with unique, naturally divided terrain, four alpine bowls, and world-renowned terrain parks. Copper is a brand new base village with shops, restaurants and lodging that combine elements of the resort's cherished past with it's progressive vision of the future. For more information on Copper Mountain Resort, call (866) 841-2519 or visit www.coppercolorado.com.



The 2005 Winter Gravity Games will include world-class competition, music from today's hottest acts, a festival village featuring Gravity Games sponsors and partners and family-oriented interactive areas. Admission to the 2005 Winter Gravity Games will be free of charge. Please log on to OLNTV.com for more information.