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EDEN, UT- When the “Google Guys” do anything, the world seems to take notice. Well it’s a fact - Google’s founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page are avid Kite Surfers, which they happen to enjoy mostly in the Pacific ocean of Northern California.

Kiteboarding is the generic term for any sport where a colorful kite is strapped to an athlete on surfboard, snowboard, skis, skateboard, etc. Those addicted to snow sports, or anyone who enjoys colorful displays of talent, will love watching or participating in the 2008 Superfly Snowkiting Competition at Powder Mountain February 8 – 10. If you’ve ever watched the colorful beauty of hot air balloons launching, imagine the basket on a pair of skis or snowboard ripping across the horizon, and you’ll have some inkling of the intrigue of this sport. It’s colorful, it’s dynamic, and it’s COOL! Charge up your cameras and video recorders and head on up to Powder Mountain!

This is the first time a competition of this type has been hosted in Northern Utah, and is testimony to Powder Mountain’s commitment to becoming Utah’s primo destination for Snowkiting. They are the only ski area in Utah that offers a specific day pass for snow kiters, which provides access to the Sunrise Poma lift that accesses ideal terrain and winds for Snowkiting.

The Superfly Open is a perfect opportunity for those intrigued by the sport to enjoy introductory kite clinics and watch some of the best snow kiters in the world showcase their talent. Powder Mountain’s grooming team has been busy building some fantastic “snow features.” (With over 12 feet of natural snow so far this year, there’s plenty of snow to mold into some EXCITING features!) Slide rails and boxes are being generously provided by event sponsors.

Three categories of competition will be on display – Freestyle, Kitecross or Big Air. There will also be timed challenges hosted by Ogden-based timepiece manufacturer Suunto, as well as clinics which are open to the public.

Multi-evening festivities include a showing of the new movie Something Stronger, live music, dancing, “Best Girls” contest, dining, awards, and multi-media presentations from some of the greatest athletes in the sport.

All the action takes place just south of the top of the Sunrise Poma lift, in an area known as “The Towers” in the Hidden Lake area of Powder Mountain, which sits at an elevation of about 9,000 ft. The viewing area is wide and open, so folks can cruise on over and take a break from skiing or riding to watch all the action, grab a burger and enjoy the incredible backdrop of the entire Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake.

Carolyn Daniels