2002 US Open Snowboarding Championships, 20th Annual US Open on MountainZone.com

The U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships, the most anticipated snowboarding event of the year, will once again be held at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, from March 14-17, 2002. Widely regarded as the pinnacle event of each competitive season, this year's U.S. Open marks the 20th Anniversary of the only truly rider-driven competitive event in snowboarding.

Created by snowboarders, specifically for snowboarders, the annual event draws over 500 male and female athletes representing 15 countries who all vie for top spots in four disciplines – Quarterpipe, Halfpipe, Boardercross, and Junior Halfpipe – and a chunk of the event's $150,000 total cash purse. As a truly "open" event, the U.S. Open welcomes a wide-array of competitors ranging from world-class rippers like Terje Haakonsen (NOR), Natasza Zurek (CAN), and Ross Powers (USA), to the up-and-comers that will one-day rule the sport.

For the second straight year, Stratton's Sunbowl Area will support the entire event, with the riders, spectators, and sponsors all merging to create one of the most exciting snowboarding experiences in the world. More than 25,000 energized spectators flock to Stratton each year to witness the mind-blowing action first-hand, and it's their super-charged enthusiasm that helps make the U.S. Open such a unique event. In addition to awe-inspiring riding, spectators will be treated to music, an interactive sponsor village, pro rider autograph sessions, and post-event parties

— Courtesy, Fuse Sports Marketing