First they sign an arsenal of athletes and now The North Face is launching its 1st Annual Park and Pipe Open Series with two stops and a hearty $40k prize purse on the line.

The first stop will take place January 6-9, 2011 at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in California, while the second stop will be February 17-20, 2011 at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. Registration is now open, so if you want to jump in the ring, don't delay. Click HERE to make the magic happen.

Here is all the background beta that you need: The addition of The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series is yet another awesome opportunity for skiers to get exposure and progress the sport. "The North Face is excited to bring its big mountain heritage to the park and pipe competition scene with a series that will inspire up and coming athletes and drive pro level competition," said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing for The North Face.

The events also hold high stakes and offer riders great incentives. The competition at Northstar Resort is the last event that will count towards getting an invite to the 2011 Winter X Games, and will count on the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) points list to qualify for the Halfpipe and Slopestyle FIS World Championships in February.

The North Face Park and Pipe Open Series will work in conjunction with the AFP on competition judging, with AFP General Manager and X Games competitor Steele Spence serving as head judge for the series. AFP big wig Steel Spence believes that "The North Face Park & Pipe Open Series is a great opportunity for amateur and pro riders alike.  

This is a gateway for amateurs to flow to pro level, and a platform for pros to continue to progress the sport in a fluid, lucrative environment." With the AFP and FIS getting involved you better believe this isn't your mom and pop event. The stops will draw heavy hitters and serve as a platform to see the future stars of the sport.

Registration is open and spots will go fast. Stay tuned to freeskier.com and thenorthfaceoppos.com for more info.