Innsbruck, Austria (Tuesday, May 11, 2004) - After three successful years in Livigno, Italy, Burton has announced that the Burton European Open is moving to Laax, Switzerland. Next season's event is scheduled for January 15-22, 2005.

Laax is a well-known resort inside the snowboard circuit with a long history of organizing snowboard events. Hermann Kapferer, General Manager of Burton Europe, said, "I am very happy to work with such a professional resort as Laax where the infrastructure and event experience is surpassing all standards. Laax is all about snowboarding! We have high expectations in building a long-term relationship with Laax to set a new standard on the European event circuit and to take progressive snowboarding further."

Reto Gurtner, CEO of Weiße Arena AG in Laax, states of the agreement, "Both Burton and Laax were pioneers in snowboarding and have remained highly committed in regards to the ongoing development of the sport ever since. We also share many views of what snowboarding is about, so the partnership for the event is actually a perfect match and somewhat natural. And of course, hosting the Burton European Open in Laax is a great pleasure, and I'm sure it will be a thrilling freestyle festival."