20th birthday for British Champs

Freestyle skier Andy Bennett in action at the Brits in 2008

The British freestyle skiing and snowboarding championships are gearing up for their 20th anniversary.

They are Europe's longest established winter sports festival and will be held at the Swiss resort of Laax between 28 March and 4 April 2009.

The Brits will see action in half-pipe, big air, slopestyle and snowboard and skier cross.

BBC Ski Sunday presenter Ed Leigh said: "The Brits is Glastonbury meets the FA Cup final on snow."

Skiers and riders from children up to Olympic athletes, including Lesley McKenna, Dan Wakeham and Zoe Gillings will vie for the various titles.

The first Brits were held at Sheffield Ski Village in 1989.