The Hilton Family of Hotels is sponsoring the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding. The agreement will give U.S. Olympic hopefuls the needed support leading up to the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

The sponsorship – part of Hilton Family’s Team USA™ Advantage program, which offers direct support to the team to help offset current and future travel expenses – builds on Hilton Hotels Corporation's official sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, as well as the 2007 U.S. Pan American Team. It includes marketing contributions, discounted room rates and Hilton HHonors® Diamond and Gold VIP memberships. In addition, a donation from the Hilton Family of Hotels is made to U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding each time the Team or a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) member books travel through a dedicated website accessible from the USSA’s homepage.

“Working with USSA is truly an honor for us,” said Tom Keltner, President of Brand Performance and Development Group, Hilton Hotels Corporation. “The team’s dedication to excellence reflects the Hilton Family of Hotels continuing efforts to make any journey, whether it’s the quest for Olympic gold or a business trip, better for all travelers.”

“Having The Hilton Family of Hotels on our team is a real plus,” said Bill Marolt, USSA president and CEO. “We're excited to have a company with Hilton Hotel Corporation's reputation on our team. Like our athletes, they have always strived to be the very best. Having them with us is an inspiration for everyone on the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as we prepare for the Olympic Winter Games.”