The Main Event, a competition deeply rooted in the East Coast community, returns in 2012. New for this year are two events, two formats, and two musical acts – matched with the most progression-fueled snowboarding that makes this one of the longest-running East Coast snowboard contests. Presented by Vitamin Water, with additional sponsors, SASS Global Travel, Burton Snowboards, Nixon, Nike Snowboarding, Arbor, Bern, Snow Grind, ReelTheory, and NXTZ, this promises to be the best year of The Main Event ever with unmatched support and prizes!

A proving ground for up and coming snowboarders since 2002, The Main Event has been furthering the opportunities for local riders with the winners earning spots into the US Open and trips to SGT in Argentina. Today’s top pro riders - Scotty Lago, Chas Guldemond, Brandon Reis and Yale Cousino honed their skills over the years at this time honored contest.

“On the East Coast The Main Event is one of the most prestigious contest series,” said 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Scotty Lago. “Anyone who is anyone is there—simple as that!”

Just as the riders have grown, so has the contest itself. The Main Event has always been a staple in New England and this year the contest continues to push the limits of what riders on the East Coast can expect when it comes to competition. In 2012, The Main Event is partnering with Sugarbush, Vermont and Bretton Woods, New Hampshire for two unique and creative events that will satisfy every style of rider from the hip hop to the hippy with plenty of transition, rails, music, and more.

“The East Coast loves its sporting traditions,” said USA Olympic Team Snowboard Slopestyle Head Coach, Bill Enos. “And next to the US Open, The Main Event Series may be the most progressive and real snowboard contest in New England.”

The Main Event Series will kick off 2012 at Sugarbush on Saturday, February 4^th with the Hip Hop Rail Jam. Far from a typical rail contest, The Main Event at Sugarbush will reward the best all-around riders who navigate the hip and rail combo-course with a US Open ticket and many other top prizes. The fun at Sugarbush does not stop there with Afroman taking center stage post contest to provide all competitors and spectators alike with his own brand of hip hop flavor.

Final stop of 2012 takes place the following week on Saturday, February 11^th at Bretton Woods for Bretton Woodstock in good ole New Hampshire. Once again the contest will feature a unique hip course built just for this event courtesy of Snow Grind’s, Josh Lempert. Closing out the festivities that evening to celebrate another year of The Main Event will be a veritable festival of bands bringing the hippy lifestyle to New Hampshire for a day.

Look for more specifics on the first contest The Hip Hop Rail Jam at Sugarbush in the coming weeks. In the mean time stay updated on all things The Main Event by visiting www.maineventseries.com and following @maineventseries on twitter.