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Snow Leopard sitings expected on Mount Washington January 26, 2010
BC Nordic Offers Top Trail Picks
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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in BC January 18, 2010
Mount Washington Media Update - Snow January 14, 2010
Vancouver Island Freestyle Riders are on the Snow! January 14, 2010
From: "Sarah Nicholson"
Date: January 26, 2010 11:50:06 PM PST (CA)
MEDIA RELEASE Jan 26, 2010
Snow Leopard sightings expected on Mount Washington
One might anticipate Sasquatch, cougar, black bear or summer marmot sightings at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. But until now, the odds have been stacked against catching a glimpse of a Snow Leopard, and a confirmed sighting on the slopes would make headline news.
Yet it’s about to happen – but in this case ‘The Snow Leopard’ is actually the very first alpine skier ever to represent the snow-less African country of Ghana at a Winter Olympic Games.
Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong wanted to be able to train close to the Olympic venues on the best possible snow conditions as he prepared for his greatest performance. Boasting the deepest snowpack in Canada and recognized as a popular training venue Mount Washington on Vancouver Island was at the top of his list. Making tracks on Mount Washington seemed impossible until Tourism Mount Washington and a group of sponsors from surrounding communities got together to offer him a welcome as warm as his African homeland as he prepares for the final leg of his epic Olympic journey.
He arrives in the Comox Valley on January 31 carried forward by a wave of media excitement in both Africa and Europe, and will be staying and training hard on Mount Washington for approximately 10 days.
Kwame was actually born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1974 when his father was studying for a masters degree at the city’s University. But he grew up in Ghana before returning to Britain, and found work in the Sno!zone – an indoor winter sports arena at Milton Keynes - where he strapped on skis for the first time.
He is a sporting fanatic who has achieved some success with other sports including tennis, badminton and athletics. But it is his passion for alpine skiing that has driven him to achieve his and every sportsman’s dream: to qualify and compete in an Olympic Games.
Having narrowly missed qualification for the Turin Winter Olympics, Kwame’s dream was finally realized when he qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Coming from a nation without snow makes his participation and story particularly special. While he is not the first athlete from a tropical country to compete in a Winter Olympic Games, he is the first alpine skier ever to represent Ghana - and one of only a handful from the African continent.
What makes his achievement even more incredible is that he only starting skiing just over five years ago on an artificial slope. And, when not training on snow-covered Italian slopes at Val de Fiemme, he continues to practice indoors at the Snowdome in Hemel Hempstead, now his UK training base.
The Snow Leopard’s progress to the Games has already attracted global media interest, with Kwame being repeatedly named as likely one of the most popular ‘characters’ of the 2010 games. Could this be history repeating itself in Canada – a sequel, perhaps, to the Jamaican bobsled team whose Calgary debut in the 1988 Olympics was recounted in the movie Cool Runnings?
In an interview with the BBC broadcast internationally, Kwame said he had come up against some skepticism from people when he first announced his ambition. But that skepticism has turned to pride and a growing fan base as he becomes the first Ghanaian to ski in a Winter Olympics. "I think now people are going to sit up and say, OK, well he's done it this time, he's qualified and definitely we are going to see the Ghanaian flag in Vancouver," he said.
For further information please contact:
Richard Harpham
Ghana Ski Team Manager
Richard.H@ghanaskiteam.com
+ 44 (0)7710 61520
Sarah Nicholson
Manager, Tourism Mount Washington
sarah@tourismmountwashington.com
1 250 338 0226
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From: BC Nordic
Date: January 18, 2010 3:58:29 PM PST (CA)
To: bcnordic@shaw.ca
Escape to the Trails! BC Nordic Offers Top Trail Picks
for
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in BC
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2010
There's more to British Columbia than skiing and snowboarding in the mountains; BC is the choice winter recreation destination for Nordic activity enthusiasts! With over 1000 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails spanning varied terrain–from the picturesque Bulkley Valley in the north, to the majestic Kootenay Rockies in the west–BC is sure to appeal to both the first-time and well-seasoned skier alike.
We've combed the province and asked the locals that know to give the "best of the best" cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail picks for your next day trip or weekend visit. Many trail networks are situated near communities, ski resorts, provincial parks and easily accessible by car. Tours, lessons and equipment rentals are available at most cross-country ski areas and resorts.
For detailed information about these trails and other Nordic trails and destinations in BC, visit www.bcnordic.com
throughout the winter season.
Sun Peaks Resort
– Kamloops, BC
The McGillivray Lake trail is idea for both classic and skate technique. Wind your way through a second growth forest, catch the stunning views of the three mountains at Sun Peaks and then climb up in stages before reaching the cozy log cabin at McGillivray Lake. Downhill thrills along dips and corners as you glide back to Sun Peaks village on the Great Grey Trail.
Whistler Olympic Park
/Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures
– Whistler, BC
There are too many great trails to choose from in the Callaghan Valley! Rob Bernhardt, chief of competition for the cross-country events for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games likes to hit the Inside Passage, scoot over to Around the World and then climb up to the aptly named Top of the World. This 5-6 km jaunt is a relatively short and easy ski with rewarding views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
For those craving more challenge and scenery, ski up the Mainline trail, across Parkway and then up to the Callaghan Lodge on Wild Spirit. "It's a great ski journey into the heart of the Coast range through old growth forests and offers spectacular mountain and glacier views along the trail," says Rob. Reward yourself with a hot lunch in Callaghan Lodge
before the easy return down to the base. You'll gain about 600 m of elevation during this 25-30 km route.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
- Vancouver Island
The interconnected Paradise Meadows, Jack Rabbit, and Far East trail loops are a favourite among the locals at Mt. Washington. Barb Kelly, Strathcona Nordic Club member, recommends the final loop of Far East for its great views of the Georgia Strait and Coast Mountains. Kick back at Raven Lodge for hot chocolate by the grand fireplace.
Silver Star Mountain Resort
– Vernon, BC
The trails at Silver Star boast superb grooming and the famous dry Okanagan powder snow. From Sidewinder in the lower trails climb up TJ's Corskscrew to catch the incredible view of the Monashee Mountains. A longer trek starting at the village takes you on a steady climb up to Alder Point Lookout. "It overlooks the alpine runs and you can also see the summit of Silver Star Mountain. Both routes are quite suitable for classic or skate, and don't forget to bring your camera," says Glenn Bond, Nordic Director at Silver Star.
Black Jack Cross-Country Ski Trails
- Rossland, BC
Gibbards Trail is Black Jack's most popular trail according to Wannes Luppens, president of the Black Jack Ski Club. It's a gentle winding green level trail that starts at the trailhead and takes you through cedar forests and open meadows, along a reservoir and past two cozy warming cabins. Great views of the Columbia Valley and the Rossland Range! Full amenities are available at Red Mountain Resort, just minutes away from the Black Jack trailhead.
Larch Hills Cross Country Ski Trails
– Salmon Arm, BC
Blessed with a mixed species forest, skiing and snowshoeing on Larch Hills' 125 km trail network is a special experience. Start at the chalet and ski up Larch Lake Loop and up to Cec's Cabin. All snowshoe trails make their way up there too. Warm up inside or sit out on the deck and enjoy your packed snacks; the cabin is also available for overnight stays. From Cec's Cabin ski out to Sky Trail through old growth forests and you may be lucky enough to see Larch's resident moose milling about.
Dawn Mountain Nordic Trails
– Golden, BC
Sanne van der Ros, events coordinator at Dawn Mountain counts the fun hills on Beaver Loop as one of her favourite trails. From there ski down a long gentle descent toward Hawk Owl, and then continue toward the open vistas of Upper and Lower Raven. The entire trail system, located at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain, is surrounded by amazing views of the Purcell, Selkirk and Rocky Mountain ranges.
Lost Lake Cross-Country Ski Trails
– Whistler, BC
Chris Waller, co-owner of Cross Country Connection has covered all the trails at Lost Lake and cites Upper Fairway among his favourites. Its challenging steep climbs, fast undulating descents and stunning valley and southern mountain views (especially at sunset) keep him coming back for more. He recommends Tin Pants snowshoe trail for ease of navigation and great views of Lost Lake.
Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
– Smithers, BC
"It's hard to pick one trail at Bulkley Valley," says Steve Howard, president of the Bulkley Valley Nordics, but Perimeter Trail gets his top nod. "This seven km trail is great for an afternoon outing. I love the boardwalk crossing Goldeneye Lake, and the peek-a-boo overlook of the Bulkley Valley. The reward of a hard uphill section by the lookout is a winding downhill through a quiet spruce forest." Finish up your day with a hot beverage and lunch at the impressive Buchfink day lodge.
Cypress Mountain
: West Vancouver, BC
Cypress Mountain is home to the largest selection of Nordic trails on Vancouver's North Shore. Snowshoeing up to Hollyburn Peak (1326m) is well worth the effort! Start at Hollyburn Lodge and follow any of the trails up past the upper warming hut to their end, then trek up Hiker's Access Trail to the top. At the summit, break out the snacks and enjoy a fantastic 360 degree panoramic view. For an easier trip, follow Far East Trail up to Old Man of the Mountain and check out one of the largest old-growth Cypress trees in the park.
Kimberley Nordic Ski Trails
- Kimberley, BC
"We have several trails that offer spectacular views of the Rockies and surrounding vistas," says Derm Kennedy, president of the Kimberley Nordics. That's a guarantee, given the trail network's location in the upper base of Kimberley Alpine Resort. The whole family will be able to ski the easy Spruce and Trap Line trails up to Mikwa Viewpoint and Sunshine Corner. Views in all directions including Fisher Peak, Teepee Mountain, the St. Mary River Valley and the Purcells to the southwest.
About BC Nordic (www.bcnordic.com) NMS) is a non-profit organization comprised of Nordic facility operators, ski areas, resorts, and tourism marketing organizations. The organization actively promotes and supports Nordic winter recreation activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and backcountry skiing at destinations located throughout British Columbia.
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From: Brent Curtain
Date: January 14, 2010 12:20:06 PM PST (CA)
Subject: Mount Washington media update
Good afternoon!
This isn't an official press release from Mount Washington, it's more of an update or fyi on our conditions in light of what's happening on the North Shore right now. In case you want to talk about us we want to make sure you know what's happening up here!
As many of you have heard (or reported yourselves), the North Shore mountains were hit hard by last week's rain events. I've heard through the grapevine that there may be some assumptions out there that we're experiencing the same difficulties. In a couple of words, we're not!
To begin, it's snowing heavily right now! The freezing level is currently at 800 metres (the bottom of Mount Washington is at 1080 metres and we top out at 1600 metres).
The forecast for today is calling for upwards of 40cms by this evening. Long-range forecasts are calling for continued snowfall with lower freezing levels through the weekend.
Our deep early season base from the unbelievable snowfalls in November and December enabled us to get through the last week relatively unscathed. Over the last few days, it has been business as usual on Mount Washington . Our mid-mountain base is now 244cms. Our loss of snow over the last few days was minimal in comparison to the North Shore and our snowbase has consistently been at least a metre deeper than the Lower Mainland's mountains over the last month and a half.
So where are we now? With this next system we are returning to the same if not better conditions than we had pre-pineapple express. The temperatures are back to normal and the snow is falling fast and furious. It should be another great weekend of skiing and boarding on the Island!
If you have any questions about the mountain, please contact me at your nearest convenience.
The attached photo was taken at 11am this morning outside of the Alpine Lodge's front doors.
Cheers and happy skiing and boarding!
Brent
--
Brent Curtain
PR and Promotions
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Cell 250-792-0002
Direct 250-334-5702
pr@mountwashington.ca
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From: "Kelsa Donald"
Date: January 14, 2010 11:33:35 AM PST (CA)
Subject: VI Riders are on the Snow!!!
If you could please pump up the VI Riders for the impending season with the hopes we can bring on some new riders, that would be great!!!
VANCOUVER ISLAND FREESTYLE RIDERS ARE ON THE SNOW
Vancover Island's first freestyle snowboard club began their season on Mt. Washington last week despite some challenging weather conditions.
The VI Riders is a group of young talented freestyle riders keen to get in the park, hit the rails and jumps and shred hard!!!
The club and its talented coaches work with intermediate and advanced riders from 12 to 18 years who want to develop their freestyle skills and technique in a safe and fun environment. "We have a fantastic group of talented athletes who are developing their skills and moving into local and provincial competition. Five of our VI alumni are now training and competing with the BC Development and Provincial Teams so we know we have something valuable to offer our local athletes.
Recently VI Riders has seen a dramatic increase in the number of talented female riders and we look forward to seeing our VI girls rock the competitive scene alongside our talented male riders!!!" There seems to be a growing interest for younger riders in the 10 to 11 yr age range to jump on board with the Riders so at the moment the club is taking names for consideration of a younger squad.
New registrations are still being taken for the 2010 season so don't delay and join in on the action!!!
For more information please contact Kelsa or Dave Donald at 250-923-0523
or check out the website at www.viriders.org
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