A paper snowboard is the focus of Energy Challenge 2004. Teams will design, construct, and race snowboards constructed from approximately 80% cellulose fiber. The remaining non-cellulose materials will be those required to ensure the overall safety and controllability of the board. The objective will be to design and construct the board to comply with engineering and material science specifications. As in previous competitions, merit points will be awarded for novelty and innovative design considerations. The snowboard will be scored on such factors as materials composition, weight-to-volume ratio, structural integrity, aesthetics, and novelty.

This competition will be held in Colorado at a location to be disclosed later in the competition cycle. Teams will race the snowboards in the final segment of the competition. Specific details regarding the racecourse will be established based on the site selected. The race will be conducted on a substantially straight-line downhill course.