The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) yesterday announced a commitment to purchase and conserve 550 square kilometres of biologically-rich land in the south Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. The acquisition of the Darkwoods forest represents the largest, single private conservation project ever done by a Canadian non-profit organization.

“Wildsight applauds the Darkwoods purchase,” said John Bergenske, Wildsight’s Executive Director. “This area—with its rare old growth forests—is crucial habitat for the recovery of Mountain Caribou in southeast B.C.”

The NCC and Canada’s Federal Government worked together to fund the $125-million project, not only buying the 55,000 hectares but setting up endowment funds to ensure the Darkwoods landscape is cared for into the future.

The Darkwoods forest is situated between Nelson, Salmo and Creston in the Selkirk Mountains. It connects a number of protected lands and wilderness management areas to create a tract covering more than 100,000 hectares – enough for wide-ranging animals such as the endangered Mountain Caribou and grizzly bear to roam freely.

The Mountain Caribou is a variety of woodland caribou that has adapted to the special conditions of B.C.’s wet, mountainous forests. It only lives in the mountains of southeast B.C. and parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana—making it globally significant. Biologists consider it one of the most endangered mammals in North America.

“Wildsight has been working to protect habitat for Mountain Caribou for over a decade, and is very, very pleased that the Federal Government of Canada and the NCC have co-operated to make this important purchase for the wild,” Bergenske said. “The Darkwoods acquisition is critical to recovery of the international transboundary herd west of Creston. We’re working with the provincial government toward announcements of further habitat protection this fall.”

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Canada’s most ecologically significant lands. Wildsight is a grassroots organization that works to maintain biodiversity and healthy human communities in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountains ecoregion.

A blog on the Fernie Writers Conference by Brenda Schmidt; writer, painter, birdwatcher, bog walker, author of A Haunting Sun (2001), More Than Three Feet of Ice (2005), and Cantos from Wolverine Creek (2008).

http://birdschmidt.blogspot.com/

The world-renown TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race announced another event finish for Fernie this August 16th. Local organizers of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies are gearing up for what promises to be one of the biggest events of the summer.

When 600 riders from over 20 countries roll up to the start line in Panorama Resort this August, they will be facing seven days of mountain biking which includes more singletrack, more vertical and more distance than before.

To continue with this story click… Blackstone Fernie TransRockies

Not for the faint of heart nor the short of breath, Fernie Alpine Resort will introduce its newest challenge race on Saturday, July 26th, the “Lost Boys Lungbuster Uphill Mountain Bike Hill Climb”.

The race will start in the base area, at an elevation of 1,068 metres (3,500feet). Riders will make their way up the Timber side of the mountain, finishing the race at Lost Boys Café, located at an elevation of 1,726 metres (5,662 feet).

At the end of the race, brunch will be served to competitors at the Lost Boys Café, followed by a mountaintop awards ceremony.

On the way back down, competitors can download the lift, or sample the Timber side’s newest trail, “Rumplestumpskin”. Downhill biking trails on the Timber side will be closed until approximately 11am on race day to accommodate the competitors. Spectators who wish to watch the finish from Lost Boys Café may load the Timber Chair beginning at 9:45am, and must have a valid lift pass.

Says Matt Mosteller, Senior Director of Business Development, “We’re pleased to offer community events such as these throughout the summer, we hope that we’ll see plenty of locals take part, while attracting out of town visitors to come enjoy Fernie’s outstanding summer activites.”

Entry fees are $25 + GST (men and women) and include race registration, brunch, participant gift, and a single ride lift ticket to download the lift.

To register, please download the registration form at http://www.skifernie.com/summer/events/index.asp or call Fernie Alpine Resort directly at (250) 423-4655.

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Fernie Full Throttle Mountain Bike Festival, taking place August 23-24, 2008. Visit www.skifernie.com/summer for more details.

Ken Read announced today he will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Canada Alpin at the beginning of August.

“After more than six years leading this organization I knew the day would come where I had to choose between working at Alpine Canada Alpin and my family,” said the former Crazy Canuck, who since June 2002 has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Canadian ski racing. “That day has now come to move on from Alpine Canada Alpin, although I intend to remain actively involved as a parent volunteer, within the various positions I hold with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and of course as a national team alumnus.”

Read is currently Canada’s senior alpine representative within the FIS as a member of the FIS Alpine Committee Executive Board and Chair of both the FIS Alpine Youth & Children sub-committee and FIS Co-ordination Group for Youth & Children.

Alpine Canada Alpin board policy prohibits a parent of a national team racer from being employed within management of the national sports governing body. Mr. Read said he supports the policy. Mr. Read’s children are all ski racers and involved in provincial and ski club programs.

“Since joining Alpine Canada Alpin I have been focused on rebuilding the integrity and transparency of the organization. This policy further enhances the accountability and organizational strength of ACA, so the energy of our sport can focus on the right things, the most important of which is to develop the very best athletes, programs and events so Canadian ski racers can aim to be best in the world,” said Mr. Read.

Mr. Read said he made the decision now in order to give ACA sufficient time to find a replacement who can continue building towards having athletes win 2010 Olympic Winter Games medals at Vancouver/Whistler, which are two full ski seasons away.

“In a performance-centred, athlete-focused organization, our athletes always come first and the Canadian Alpine Ski Teams – able-bodied and para-alpine – are now positioned to achieve excellence as we look towards the 2009 World Championships and the Games of 2010,” Mr. Read said. “Through the tireless efforts of our very talented management team we have built the best financed National Team programs in Canada, assembled the very best coaching staff available, conducted innovative research, developed the very best conditioning program in the world and have worked closely with our partners to establish three National Training Centres.”

The Canadian Alpine Ski Team has moved from 12th position in 2002 to 6th in 2008, with a record 14 World Cup podiums and a World Championship silver medal in 2006-07.

The Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team has risen from 9th place in 2005 to 2nd in 2008, with a record 41 World Cup gold medals placing the team ahead of the Austrian Team who took 26 gold medals.

“I am particularly proud of our fiscal performance,” said Mr. Read, who will return to the private sector and reactivate his business of sport and management consulting which he left in 2002. “Alpine Canada Alpin was in dire financial trouble in 2002 but thanks to the hard work of our entire staff, our Board, the commitment of our sponsors and the success of programs like the Podium Club, ACA has posted five successive years of positive financial results.”

He added: “There is still more work to be done, but I am proud of what we have accomplished and I know our athletes now have the resources to be successful. It is crucial they remain focused and our system remains dedicated to being best in the world…at every level.”

Reid Drury, Chair of the ACA Board of Directors, said: “Alpine Canada Alpin has been transformed under Ken’s leadership with best-ever athletic performances and innovative new projects and programs. There has been full integration of our Para-Alpine program, world-class events, a commitment to race quality and safety. He has provided clear vision and leadership to this National Sport Organization and has energized athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

Mr. Drury added: “Alpine ski racing in Canada has momentum and the steps we have been taking further enhance our commitment to become a leading ski nation. We will continue building on our success of the past few years and work to ensure we attract the required resources that will allow us to compete against the world’s best. This will be the true legacy for Ken.”

Max Gartner, Chief Athletics Officer for Alpine Canada Alpin who worked closely with Mr. Read since January 2003 described the changes brought to the sport. “Ken played a key leadership role in Canadian sport in the creation of Own The Podium, revitalized our Podium Club which directs financial support to our National Development Teams, collaborated with key supporters for the establishment of the Founders Club which supports our future legacies and brought his international insight in the creation of our “Rising Stars” athlete development system which now touches every level of our sport.”

“Perhaps most important, his vision – to win – and the sense of mission now instilled throughout the organization and our sport is thanks to his passion for ski racing and his commitment to excellence, “added Mr. Gartner. “Alpine Canada Alpin is now seen as a leader within the International Ski Federation and Canadian sport thanks to several years of record-breaking athletic results, our track record for great World Cup events and our innovative initiatives which engage the corporate community.”

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) is the governing body for alpine ski racing in Canada with more than 50,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteer members and over 200,000 supporting members. ACA manages the high performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team who represent Canada throughout the world. For more information on Alpine Canada Alpin, visit www.canski.org.

“Best in the world… at every level”

Red Mountain Resort is investing close to $1 million on mountain projects designed to enhance skiing and riding on Red’s epic terrain. A comprehensive lift-service audit is a major part of this investment which includes upgrades to chairlift components on Red’s Motherlode, Paradise and Red chairlifts to ensure maximum reliability for the upcoming season.

Red’s Maintenance Manager Steve Bourchier and his team are hard at work making sure that the preventative maintenance program is completed well before the snow flies. ” This summer Red is spending a lot of time and money on upgrades to its existing lift infrastructure. The main focus of these upgrades is on the motor controls and communications circuit systems. Modernization of these controls will lead to maximum reliability and ultimately ensuring a superior experience for our guests.”

In addition to lift maintenance, Red’s next major investment is on an extensive summer brushing and pruning program designed to clean up overgrown areas and open up terrain. Red is renowned for some of the best tree skiing on the planet and this work is vital to preserving an asset so dear to many skiers and riders. Crews have been on the mountain since April executing a large pruning project that was started over snow. One of the areas enhanced include Pale Face Chutes where extensive pole-saw work was initiated for the first time.

For further details on the summer programs visit www.redresort.com or call 1-800-663-0105.

I.G.S. has sold its Home Hardware division to Jason Delege who will commence operating the Home Hardware division as Fernie Home Hardware effective July 9, 2008. I.G.S. Value Drug Mart will continue to operate as an I.G.S. venture and Ingrid Sombrowski, Lee Sims and Liz Hamilton and their entire team look forward to continuing to serve their valued patrons and customers. Ingrid Sombrowski emphasized, “Every effort will be made to ensure that customers will continue to receive the same service and attention that I.G.S. has been delivering for 38 years.” New owner Jason Delege stated that he very much looks forward to meeting and continuing to serve the wonderful customers who have been a part of the I.G.S. team over the last 4 decades.

Customers can expect some changes to the retail space and I.G.S. Enterprises Ltd. the owner of the I.G.S. Building expects the renovation process to take approximately one year. These renovations are a continuation of the works going on over the past 8 years and will further restore the building’s heritage aspects.

Ingrid Sombrowski concluded by stating, “Please come and visit me at I.G.S. Value Drug Mart and Jason at Fernie Home Hardware.”

Canada’s greatest technical ski racer ever — two-time World Cup gold medalist and Alberta Alpine President Thomas Grandi — will immediately return to Canada’s national alpine ski team, leaving Alberta’s provincial ski racing programs in their strongest position ever.

“I have had an amazing season with Alberta Alpine. I am exceptionally proud of the accomplishments of the Alberta Ski Team and the progress and successes we have had as a provincial sport organization. The pull of the Olympics has simply proven to be too much for me,” Grandi said.

“My return to ski racing as Canada hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics is an opportunity that can never come again, especially with my wife seeking to compete in cross-country. I’m confident Alberta Alpine is in a very strong position and is well positioned to have continued success in the coming years.”

Grandi — who remains ranked 27th in the world in slalom – steps down from his current position as President of Alberta Alpine Ski Association effective immediately in order to focus on his goal of medaling at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Grandi, 35, will also remain actively involved with Alberta Alpine, sitting on the board of directors and assisting with important sponsorship and fundraising projects – such as the Legends Club.

After taking over as President in September of 2007, Grandi wasted no time making his mark on Alberta Alpine. Within the first couple of months he created the “Carving Canucks” Calendar, a great fundraising program that will continue for years. He brought Devonian Properties on as the title sponsor of the Nancy Greene Ski League (NGSL) and signed Apogee Executive Search as the title sponsor of the K2 Series.

He was also paramount in developing the Alberta Alpine Legends Club, a project dedicated to funding developmental camps for skiers aged 11-16 years old, and was the catalyst for moving the Alberta Alpine office to Canmore, where it will benefit from being in a true alpine environment.

Alberta Alpine Board Chairman Mike Irwin is confident that the future is bright for the organization.

“Alberta Alpine has exceptional momentum thanks to Thomas and the team he assembled,” said Irwin. “He leaves a strong organization focused on excellence and a commitment to win. The foundation he created will deliver for our athletes and our partners for years to come.”

The organizational structure of Alberta Alpine will be the subject of a future announcement. Effective immediately, Monica Zyla will be the Chief Operating Officer, while Jim Davis will continue on as High Performance Director and oversee all aspects of athletic development. Adam Hull and Carolyn Cavaliere will also remain in their current roles as Manager of Marketing & Communications, and Member Services Coordinator respectively.

Grandi returns to the Canadian Alpine Ski Team having won back-to-back World Cup giant slalom races in Alta Badia, ITA and Flachau, AUT in 2004. He retired in March of 2007 with nine career World Cup podium finishes and 11 Pontiac GMC Canadian Championship titles.

“Thomas brings veteran strength to our team which is intent on becoming the best in the world. There is no question that his return will benefit the sport and our goal of Olympic medals in 2010,” said ACA Chief Athletics Officer and Director of Own the Podium Projects Max Gartner.

“Thomas’ determination to be the best, along with the important contributions from Own the Podium 2010 and all of our valued partners, has made this possible. The return of the best male technical ski racer in Canadian history lifts the quality of the program at a critical time with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games fast approaching,” added ACA Chief Executive Officer Ken Read.

The Anaheim Ducks signed goaltender David LeNeveu to a one-year contract on Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A native of Fernie, British Columbia, LeNeveu appeared in 34 games in 2007-08 with San Antonio and Hartford of the American Hockey League, posting a 17-10-5 record with a 2.33 GAA and .916 SV%. Among AHL leaders, he ranked tied for 10th in save percentage and 12th in goals-against average.

The 25-year-old also appeared in 21 career NHL contests, all with the Phoenix Coyotes, posting a 5-9-2 record with a 3.38 GAA and .888 SV%. He recorded his first NHL win on Oct. 25, 2005 in a 5-4 overtime victory vs. St. Louis.

LeNeveu was drafted by Phoenix in the second round (46th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the New York Rangers with Fredrik Sjostrom, Josh Gratton and a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Al Montoya and Marcel Hossa on Feb. 26, 2008.

Fernie Alpine Resort has kicked off its summer operations with lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking being offered seven days a week.

With one of the largest lift-accessed trail networks in Western Canada, Fernie Alpine Resort’s variety of 37 bike trails offers something for every skill level. Two new trails have been added this summer, including “Rumplestumpskin”, a fun, varied blue trail that runs from the top of Timber Chair to the bottom of the mountain, and “Peep Show”, a wide and smooth trail off the Elk Chair.

A Dual Slalom Track is located at the base of the resort on the Mighty Moose slope, featuring two smooth, wide tracks with banked berms and rollers.

Says Marc Ledoux, Bike Park Supervisor at Fernie Alpine Resort, “The new trail Rumplestumpskin is already a hit with riders, and all the tracks throughout the mountain are in great shape. Our new plaza layout is the place to be to enjoy the summer sunshine.”

Other enhancements this season include:

Summer Community Daycare Program: Fernie Alpine Resort is pleased to offer this valuable community service during the summer months, in response to a lack of daycare space available in the local community. The response to date has been very positive.

New Bikes: A new fleet of SCOTT “Gambler” FR20 bikes are available in the rental shop.

Guest Services: The new summer guest services department, now located in the Tamarack Building, provides visitors with resort and community information, summer lift tickets, season’s passes and summer activity bookings. Guest services also serves Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go snacks.

Sports Alpine Retail Cabin: Now open daily, featuring the latest bike and mountain lifestyle clothing, accessories and souvenirs.

New Guided Hike: The Griz Face – This new guided hike is a moderate, 5-hour hike ascending the Lizard Bowl, giving hikers spectacular views of the Elk Valley.

Women’s Mountain Bike Programs: Designed by women, for women! Fernie Alpine Resort offers one and two day weekend camps catering to the beginner and intermediate rider, as well as a weekly Thursday night skills session.

Highlights of the Fernie Summer Events Schedule include:

July 3rd – First Installment of the Thursday Night Race Series, presented by Scott and Kelsey’s.
This fun weekly mountain bike race series is for all ages! Weekly and series prizes. Register by 6:30pm at Guest Services, race starts at 7:00pm.

July 6th – Summer Community Appreciation Day
We will say “thanks” to our local communities for their support! Residents of Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Elko and Jaffray are invited to come out and experience summer at Fernie Alpine Resort. Enjoy a complimentary single ride on the Timber Chair, and a $2 burger at the spectacular Lost Boys Café. For locals who wish to ride all day long, we are offering 50% off full day lift tickets and 25% off rentals (subject to availability). Area residents must show valid ID to qualify for local benefits.

July 26th – Lost Boys Lungbuster Mountain Bike Hill Climb
The ultimate challenge for hardcore climbers! This exciting new race will start at the base area and climb to the top of the Timber Express Chairlift, finishing at Lost Boys Café, 2100 vertical feet up!

August 23rd – 24th – 3rd Annual Fernie Full Throttle Mountain Bike Festival
This festival is an annual favourite. Weekend events and activities will include the Dual Slalom Contest, Super D Enduro Downhill Race, Rossignol Multi-sport Challenge, Reels of Wheels Film Contest, family all-mountain Amazing Chase, live music, kids activities and more! Schedule and details to follow.

For a complete summer events schedule, please visit www.skifernie.com/summer.

The summer season at Fernie Alpine Resort runs daily from 10am - 5pm until September 1st, 2008. Thursdays will offer extended lift hours from 10am-7pm for the Kelsey’s Race Series. Purchase your early bird summer season’s pass for only $189 plus GST, before July 6th. Visit www.skifernie.com/summer; for summer lift rates, activity schedules and more information.

Set in a beautiful mountain paradise, Fernie Alpine Resort offers extensive summer programs for all visitors with a wide range of activities available. Whether it’s mountain biking, scenic hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, river rafting, tennis or interpretive guided walks that you’re after, Fernie Alpine Resort has something for everyone. Plan your summer getaway today!

About Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort is one of the Top 5 Ski Resorts in North America, and is home to over 29 feet of legendary powder each winter, the “Griz” and more. Fernie Alpine Resort www.skifernie.com skifernie.com is part of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) family. RCR is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada, including Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Nakiska in Alberta; and Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia. RCR also owns and manages a number of hotels, backcountry lodges and golf courses, including Trickle Creek in Kimberley, and Wintergreen Golf and Country Club in Bragg Creek. RCR aims to provide each and every guest The Ultimate Experience.