This year the Xboxä Big Day Out – a unique freestyle ski and snowboard competition – is even bigger. What began, seven years ago, as a friendly riding session and mountain barbecue, has become one of the biggest events on the snowboard calendar.

The Big Day Out has been supported by Oakley from the very beginning, earning it the reputation as an event for riders by riders, and 2003 sees Xbox adding the Play More gaming experience into the mix. The Big Day Out provides Xbox with the perfect opportunity to bring the Play More experience to the slopes and showcase the biggest snowboarding title this year – Transworld Snowboarding.

Over 3,000 spectators are expected to attend the event, which includes:

? High profile UK and European riders including Heikki Sorsa, Joni Malmi, Danny Wheeler, Mathieu Crepel and Jonas Emery grabbing some huge air on the table tops and battling it out for the €15,000 prize money.

? Top US skiers Boyd Easly, Tanner Hall and Jon Olson.

? Top DJ’s including Alex P and Brandon Block spinning tunes at the official Xbox Big Day Out party at Dick’s Tea Bar. Tickets will be up for grabs on the Xbox Megacruiser from the 25th.

? Visitors are invited onto the Xbox Megacruiser to pitch their virtual tricks against each other on Transworld Snowboarding to win a whole host of prizes courtesy of Xbox. All the latest Xbox titles will also be available to trial on the Megacruiser.

? Xbox consoles showcasing the latest titles will be scattered throughout the resort for those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground.

? An outdoor cinema screen will showcase some of the best ski and snowboard films from last year including Afterbang and Happy Days.

? The event will be overseen by renowned MC’s Christian Stevenson and Ed Leigh.