December 10, 2008 – Adopting Europe´s vast alpine ranges as a play-ground for exploration and adventure, The Swatch O´Neill Big Mountain Pro returns for 2009 with more promise than ever.

The concept remains the same – 12 of the world´s best freeriders reaching some of the most challenging and varied backcountry terrain that the mountains have to offer.

The inspirational mobile format of the event ensures that the riders are free to roam the Alps with no fixed destination in a quest to find the best snow and mountain faces for the varying conditions.

The success and popularity of the rider judged format of the competition sees its continuation for the third year running. Wherever the final face may be, the riders will head to Saalbach-Hinterglemm back in Austria for the unique judging session where they all judge each other´s runs. An overall winner will be crowned, as well as a winner for skiing and one for snowboarding, with a total prizemoney of $60,000 on offer.

The Swatch O´Neill Big Mountain Pro 2009 will kick off on February 3rd St. Anton in the Arlberg range in the Austrian Alps – the birthplace of alpine skiing and the freeride mecca of Austria.

For Mitch Toelderer, the Austrian start brings an added element of excitement to the event. “It´s great it starts in my home country,” he says. “The whole area is an incredible place for freeriding. I´m excited because I´m sure I´ll get to places in Austria that I´ve never been before.”

Where it will head from there is anyone´s guess – the only certain element is that it will follow the best snow conditions, and will end with a spectacular party in Saalbach-Hinterglemm on February 10th.

Daily highlights of The Swatch O´Neill Big Mountain Pro can be seen on www.bigmountainpro.com