Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) has launched a one-stop online shop for volunteer recruitment, beginning its search for the more than 1000 volunteers required to execute the national-level ski races taking place in Canada this season.

The new race event volunteer web page officially launched today allows volunteers to sign up quickly and easily to participate in a variety of volunteer positions.

“Much like we are expanding our marketing efforts in order to find the resources our athletes need to win, we are also expanding in other important areas such as recruiting volunteers. This new system is an important step because it expands our ability to reach out to the very people who make ski racing in Canada possible,” said ACA President Gary Allan.

“We are focused on holding the best ski races, ensuring that our athletes develop the skills to become champions, and I would encourage more people to volunteer at these exciting events this coming season,” Allan said.

The 2008-09 alpine ski racing season in Canada is highlighted by five World Cup ski races taking place in Lake Louise in November and December as well as four IPC Para-Alpine World Cup races in Whistler next March.

Volunteers are also currently being sought for the Northwest Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup, Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships, Coupe Pontiac GMC Cup, Pontiac GMC Canadian J1 Championships and the President’s Choice Canadian K2 Championships.

For more information about volunteering at ACA-sanctioned ski races, please contact ACA Director, National Programs and Race Events Phil Bernier (pbernier@canski.org) or ACA Manager, Race Events Chris Colpitts (ccolpitts@canski.org) or visit the new site:

Alpine Canada Alpin Race Event Volunteer Page

Dear Editor,

Jumbo Valley remains wild thanks to the efforts of Kootenay residents who over the past 17 years have delivered a clear message to governments, at all levels, that they care about this place and do not want to see resort development in the heart of the Purcells.

Recent allegations by both Glacier Resort’s representative Grant Costello and MLA Bill Bennett deserve a response.

Grant Costello has continued to claim that the attempt at roading and lift installation on Farnham Glacier were an attempt to help the “children of the Kootenays” to have ski access. Wildsight and Jumbo Creek Conservation Society met with representatives of the Calgary Olympic Development Committee during the time that Kootenay residents blockaded Glacier Resort’s access. At no time were any athletes deterred from participation in CODA’s training facility. Further, we were assured by CODA that Glacier Resort’s proposed road and lift had nothing to do with their operations, and should the proposed lift have become operable, it would not have served the purposes of CODA’s training facility. Not only did athletes pass freely through the blockade, but leading coaches and athletes expressed support for the blockade and efforts to maintain Jumbo free of commercial development. Despite claims from Glacier Resorts that road work was finished, their equipment was pulled out well before a passable road was completed. All that was accomplished was significant damage to the alpine environment by the “cat track” that scraped through the alpine and the headwaters of Farnham Creek. If MOTSA and Work Safe BC responses to Wildsight’s questions in early August are accurate, this work was initiated with no advance notice to the public or even government officials.

Meanwhile, MLA Bennett continues to demonstrate how out of touch he is with his constituents. Unfortunately, Bennett appears to be contradicting his own government’s promise for a local decision on Jumbo. With regards to the local decision, he was recently quoted in the Invermere Valley Echo as saying,”Why did the province do that. I think there was a lack of understanding.” It appears Bennett consistently fails to understand how strongly people feel about the ability of Kootenay residents to chart their own course for development of the backcountry. It is unfortunate if the new Minister of Tourism is more focused on selling BC to outside investors than on the wishes of his own constituents in the Kootenays who have repeatedly and overwhelmingly stated that Jumbo Resort is inappropriate. We appreciate the Campbell government’s commitment to a local decision and expect that provincial decisions that most affect Kootenay residents will reflect their wish to chart the future of the area.

It is also baffling that Bennett spoke in support of the ill conceived attempts by Glacier Resorts in Farnham Creek while his government was supposedly in good faith discussions with the Ktunaxa Nation in regard to development. Mr. Bennett appeared to believe he could ignore Ktunaxa interests as well as the most credible wildlife/grizzly bear science available — information that representatives of his own ministry are well aware contradict the misinformation used in the environmental approval.

As to Mr. Bennet’s statement quoted in the Invermere Valley Echo, “Wildsight is very, very organized and effective, but they’re not honest,” I challenge Mr. Bennett to demonstrate where our information on Jumbo has strayed from the truth.

Finally, Mr. Bennett was earlier quoted in the Cranbrook Townsman and Kimberley Bulletin, stating that the development must go ahead or the government would be bowing to the wishes of “undemocratic despots.” I guess that would make me an “undemocratic despot.” I guess that would make the moms, dads, children, businesses, groups and Kootenay residents who support a wild Jumbo “undemocratic despots.” It would certainly make the electorate of RDEK Area F, who have already voted overwhelmingly to keep Jumbo wild, “undemocratic despots.”

I’d like to thank all those “undemocratic despots” who have continued to voice their opinion and show their support. It’s everyday people like them who have helped to keep Jumbo wild and they deserve commendation, and most importantly, respect.

For the wild,
John Bergenske, Executive Director, Wildsight

Scientists are predicting the lingering effects of La Niña weather conditions as the winter gets underway.

Last season’s incredible winter across almost all of North America was primarily the result of an El Niño pattern that produced heavy season-long snows from Taos to Whistler. La Niña, however, has typically meant wetter conditions in the northern part of the country while the southern states see drier conditions. No telling at this point if those conditions will hold true, or, more importantly, if La Niña will last into the new year.

Here’s the real science from the folks who know: ENSO-neutral conditions continued during August 2008, as recent increases in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) abated across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Above-average SSTs in the east-central and eastern Pacific diminished, while below-average SSTs in the central Pacific strengthened slightly.

The subsurface oceanic heat content also decreased in response to the emergence of negative temperature anomalies at thermocline depth in the east-central Pacific.

Although ENSO-neutral conditions have been in place since June 2008, the atmospheric circulation over the western and central tropical Pacific continues to reflect lingering aspects of La Niña. Enhanced low-level easterly winds and upper-level westerly winds persist in this region, while convection remains generally suppressed over the central Pacific. Despite this lingering La Niña signal in the atmosphere, the overall atmospheric and oceanic system is consistent with ENSO-neutral conditions.
Most of the dynamical and statistical SST forecasts for the Niño 3.4 region indicate a continuation of ENSO-neutral conditions (−0.5°C to 0.5°C in the Niño-3.4 region) through the Northern Hemisphere Spring 2009. While the model spread continues to include the possibility of an El Niño, the decrease in subsurface and surface temperatures makes this outcome unlikely during the next several months. In addition, the redevelopment of negative temperature anomalies at thermocline depth and the historical tendency for multi-year La Niña episodes means that even a return to weak La Niña conditions is possible. However, based on current atmospheric and oceanic conditions, recent trends, and model forecasts, ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the end of 2008.

The Farnham Creek blockade near Jumbo Glacier is coming down on Wednesday, September 24, and a celebration is planned for Saturday, September 27. Over the course of the eight-week blockade, friendships have been forged and the camping life has been shared by dozens of valley residents who want to see the Jumbo Valley stay wild.

”We have received assurances from the Province that no further road or lift building will occur this season—we can go home now,” said Dave Quinn, a program manager with Wildsight. “It’s been a bit of a haul for people, but the blockade was more of a success than we could have imagined. Not only has it strengthened the resolve of many JumboWild supporters, it has sent a strong message to Victoria, the Regional District and the resort promoters: keep the Jumbo decision local and keep Jumbo wild.”

Christy Madson, a Jumbo Creek Conservation Society spokesperson, added: “Now we know we have overwhelming community support and people will be out to a blockade to keep Jumbo wild whenever it’s required. We’ll be back on the road if there are any more attempts to develop Jumbo this way.”

Together, Wildsight and the Jumbo Creek Conservation Society represent nearly 3,000 people. Quinn and Madson were delighted at how many of these supporters showed their commitment to JumboWild when push came to shove as heavy machinery scraped a road through the Farnham Creek alpine in early August. They also warn that the blockade, while it has served its purpose for now, can be re-formed if need be.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to keep the Purcells wild,” Madson said, “And after this blockade experience, we know we can quickly return to Farnham—or any other valley—if new attempts at unwarranted development occur.”

Quinn added: “The blockade’s goals were simple: to halt all construction activities associated with the proposed Jumbo resort; and to galvanize the opposition to this unsustainable proposal. Well, the machines are gone. And opposition to the resort is stronger than it’s ever been. Land use rezoning of the area, which is necessary before any resort development occurs, has not moved forward. Rezoning is a local decision unless the provincial government invokes an order that would take the decision out of the hands of local residents. We expect the provincial government to hold to its promise for a local decision.”

“Developers can be put on notice that people will be back on the blockade if any attempts at development take place. As well, the government must realize we will hold them to their commitment for a local decision. We expect the Campbell government will keep its word about this.”

“The resort promoter has not met the conditions of its environmental assessment certificate that expires next year. Like the melting glaciers in the Purcells, time is running out for this ill-conceived land grab. I’d say that calls for a celebration!” concluded Quinn.

Madson says the celebration will take place from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, September  27, 2008 at Windermere Community Hall. It will be a potluck. People are invited to bring an appetizer, main course, salad or dessert. In the spirit of the blockade, be self sufficient and come with your own beverages, plates, cutlery and lawn chair if you want to eat outside.

“People make a difference. We are gratified that there are so many dedicated people involved,” she said. “We recognize the hours people put in, the hardships they endured and the costs they were willing to bear to take their places at the blockade. We also recognize all those who support efforts for a wild Purcells. We invite everyone to Windermere for the celebration on September 27!”

- 30 -

Dave Quinn
Wildsight Purcells Program Manager
250-427-8878
daveq@wildsight.ca

Christy Madson
Jumbo Creek Conservation Society Spokesperson
250-270-0289
jimani@shaw.ca

About Wildsight
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada’s Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain region. This area is internationally recognized as a keystone to conservation in western North America. For more information, please visit www.wildsight.ca .

With mixed emotions the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association is announcing today that John Pomeroy, CFSA Sport Development Manager, will be leaving the Association effective today after spending the last few months assisting with the transition to a new organizational structure that consolidates the CFSA’s sport development and high performance staff at its head office in Vancouver, BC.

John has been an employee and/or contractor of the CFSA for over 21 years and has made significant contributions to the sport of freestyle skiing in Canada.

He was responsible for the successful inclusion of freestyle skiing in the Canada Winter Games, for developing and managing what many consider the best officials training program in the world and he has been instrumental in organizing many successful National level events across the country.

John is widely respected throughout all levels of the freestyle skiing community and has been a driving force behind the safe development of our sport.

John has most recently worked on a part-time contract as the CFSA Sport Development Manager after his decision to join the Ottawa Fire Service full-time nearly four years ago.

When World Cup Freestyle moguls and aerials was in Fernie from 2002 - 2005 John was here to work to enjoy the hospitality. He often spoke of how envious he was of those urban folk who moved to Fernie full time and skied all Winter.

The Canadian Freestyle community and family will miss John’s “joie de vivre” and his unique style that made everyone feel part of the freestyle family and share in his very real passion for freestyle skiing. The CFSA extends its best wishes to John as he continues his career as a member of the Ottawa Fire Service and we look forward to seeing him at Freestyle events for many years to come.

Thanks John!

Whistler reports construction has begun on a renewable energy project that is meant to offset the total annual energy consumption at Whistler Blackcomb.

The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project, located entirely within Whistler Blackcomb’s operating area, will produce 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydro electricity per year – the equivalent of powering the ski resort’s winter and summer operations including 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.

The 7.5 megawatt hydro project is being developed by Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Limited Partnership, part of a joint venture between Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group. “Whistler Blackcomb is a strategic partner in the project, their efforts to facilitate the water rights licensing and coordinate the various stakeholders allowed the project to move ahead,” says Jamie Horner, Project Manager for the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project. Whistler Blackcomb is directly involved in the construction and environmental stewardship of the project.

“This project marks a new chapter in Whistler Blackcomb’s history book and will become the bedrock of our enactment on climate change,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager. “Climate change is our number one threat, and our efforts to address this issue can be categorized under the headings conservation and renewable energy generation. While we have a solid track record on conservation, this is our first major renewable energy project and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition after six years of project assessments, careful planning, and stakeholder discussions. We can now firmly step forward in producing a renewable energy project that makes sense, and to help us move ever-closer to our goal of achieving a net zero footprint within our operating area.”

The Fitzsimmons Creek area provides the ultimate conditions for a successful small hydro electric project. The creek has an abundance of water, the necessary vertical drop, it is not a major fish-bearing stream, nor is the creek used recreationally within the project area. The creek is already tied extensively into Whistler Blackcomb’s snowmaking system, and much of the area that will need to be developed runs along an existing access road for Whistler Blackcomb’s operations. The project will not require above-ground hydro lines and the lines can travel underground in a previously disturbed area.

The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project will have a single turbine with a capacity of 7.5 megawatt, and the power generated by the project will be sold to British Columbia’s hydro electric utility, BC Hydro. The project will be among the first to use BC Hydro’s Standing Offer Program that was created under the BC government’s 2007 Energy Plan.

In addition to being a significant milestone in Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental policy, the project also supports the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s 2020 plan, which lays out a vision for success through 2020 based on the three pillars of sustainability; economic, social and environmental. “From what I understand about the project, it supports Whistler2020’s Energy Vision of providing local sources of low impact, renewable energy, says Dan Wilson, Whistler2020 Energy Task Force Member. “It is an early stepping stone towards Whistler2020’s goal of a sustainable Whistler.”

Ledcor CMI Limited is the contractor for the project, and is the major contractor for other hydro projects in the Sea to Sky corridor. Construction is currently underway and the project is expected to be operational by 2010. A series of open houses will be conducted in the fall of 2008 offering tours of the construction site and providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project. For further information about Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental policy, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant opened in the fall of 2007 after a major renovation and refurbishment to create a more modern alpine setting for its guests.   In keeping with this theme, Red Tree has proudly displayed the works of local Elk Valley artists throughout the dining area.  To thank these creative and talented people, Red Tree will be having an “Art of Indulgence” evening on Saturday, September 27 from 5 to 10 pm to view some of their recent works.

The evening will begin at 5:00 pm with complimentary tapas and a chance to meet some of the artists behind the works.  At 7:00 pm INDULGE in a buffet of sweets as Red Tree gives you a chance to taste its great homemade desserts buffet-style for only $9.95 per person (taxes not included).  Throughout the evening enjoy live music and the recent works of the following artists: Patrick Markle, Lonica D’camacho, Melanie Macvoy, Laura Nelson, Slavka Kolesar, Judy MacMahon, Alicia Clark, Gene Dwarkin and Roann XY Liew.

“We feel privileged that these great artists provide us the opportunity to display their works throughout our restaurant,” says Melody Kultgen, Marketing, Red Tree Lodge.  “This evening is about awareness for the public that these wonderful pieces of art are on display and available for sale should you be interested.  We hope people will take the opportunity to come in and indulge in some great cuisine and art!”

This fall the restaurant is open daily beginning at 8:00 am for breakfast.  Lunch is served until 2:00 pm with dinner served from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Tapas are served until 10:00 pm.  The hotel guestrooms have been in operation throughout the summer and rooms are available year round.  Guests can currently enjoy a Fall Special of only $79 per room. This is a flat rate fee for a maximum of four people per room (taxes not included).  The Lodge is located at 1101 7 th Avenue and can be reached at 1-800-977-2977 or online at www.redtreelodge.com

NONSTOP Ski & Snowboard, a family operated British company specializing in ski/snowboard instructor and improvement programs in Fernie purchased the Lodge in May 2007. The restaurant has been in operation since December 2007 and has quickly become a popular dining spot with locals and visitors for family dining, friendly get-togethers, meetings, parties and weddings.

Bruce Cockburn will perform a special JumboWild benefit concert on October 2, 2008 in Fort Steele Heritage Town. Tickets went on sale just a few weeks ago, but the 490-seat Wild Horse Theatre has been sold out. Or very nearly.

“There are a few tickets remaining in West Kootenay outlets,” said Dave Quinn, a Wildsight program manager. “But all the East Kootenay tickets are spoken for.”

Quinn said that fans of Cockburn and supporters of JumboWild can still get tickets, though—for the best seats in the house and for the thrill of meeting Cockburn after the concert.

“The last tickets are the auction tickets for the front two rows,” Quinn said. “We already have a number of strong bids for these, but some are still up for grabs. These special tickets include the chance to meet Bruce after the show—a wonderful opportunity for long-time fans of Cockburn’s music.”

“You still have until September 20 to place your bid in the Front Row Centre Auction,” Quinn said. “It’s easy to do—go to www.keepitwild.ca to find out all the details.”

Quinn, like all supporters of JumboWild, hopes for a local resolution to the ongoing glacier resort debate.

“The provincial government promised residents of the East Kootenay that the decision would be kept local,” Quinn said. “We hope the excitement and renewed commitment this concert generates will encourage government leaders to honour that promise.

“Interest in this benefit concert has been overwhelming, to say the least,” he added. “Kootenay residents are standing behind their calls to keep the Jumbo Valley wild and for the province to stick to its promise to have the final decision on this longstanding controversy made locally.”

Bruce Cockburn JumboWild Benefit Concert
Wild Horse Theatre • Fort Steele Heritage Town
Thursday October 2 • Doors open at 7pm • Show time is 8pm
Want to keep the Jumbo Valley mega-resort-free? Come out and support the JumboWild campaign and hear Bruce Cockburn play live! It’s the Bruce Cockburn JumboWild Benefit Concert, and it’s coming on October 2, 2008.

Former Alpine Canada Alpin Chief Executive Officer Ken Read will lead Alberta Alpine, filling the position of President, which was vacated by Thomas Grandi who resigned in July to pursue his dream of Olympic gold.

“The drive, track record of success, passion, and experience of Ken Read builds on the tremendous momentum two-time World Cup gold medalist Thomas Grandi created for our organization and our sport in Alberta,” said board chair Mike Irwin.  “We are delighted to bring his leadership to the athletes, programs and events of Alberta Alpine so we may continue to be a strong supporter of ski racing excellence in Canada.”

Read, one of Canada’s most accomplished alpine ski racers as a member of the Crazy Canucks, stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Canada Alpin in July. His appointment as President of Alberta Alpine is effective immediately.

“Thomas left a strong organization focused on excellence, inspiring young athletes to become engaged in alpine ski racing and a commitment to build strong programs, events and to win,” said Mr. Read. “We will build on that foundation to grow our sport, deliver for our athletes, enhance value for our partners, and create a sustainable, success-driven organization long into the future.”

During his almost six years at the helm of Alpine Canada Alpin, Mr. Read is widely recognized for assembling a management team that lead the turnaround of ski racing in Canada. He was particularly proud of both the athletic and fiscal performance of the organization, accomplished through innovative athlete development programs, strong athletic leadership and innovative marketing programs — a focus he intends to bring to Alberta Alpine.

Mr. Read stepped down from Alpine Canada Alpin because Board policy prohibits a parent of a national team racer from being employed within management of the national sports governing body. Mr. Read’s children are all ski racers. Alberta Alpine has no such policy.

“We simply see tremendous benefits of having Ken Read as President of Alberta Alpine. His decision to take this job is great for our sport and our organization,” said Mr. Irwin.

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.

The 2008 Quest for Gold golf tournament is set to kick off a new campaign aimed at delivering the funding Canada’s alpine ski racers require to reach the podium, Alpine Canada Alpin announced today.

The 13th annual Quest for Gold golf tournament, which takes place on Monday at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary, AB, raises funds that go directly to ACA’s development programs and the Alberta Alpine Ski Association.

“This year’s golf tournament is a kick off event as we plan to announce innovative partnerships over the next few weeks and months to engage more of corporate Canada in helping us raise the funds required to win,” said Alpine Canada Alpin President Gary Allan.

“To fully implement an athletic plan that fights for every last hundredth of a second, ACA needs about $1 million in additional funding annually. We are currently expanding our marketing efforts to secure the funding Canada’s athletes require to win and ‘Quest for Gold’ is an exciting and fun way to get started,” Allan added.

World Cup champion Emily Brydon (Fernie, BC) will be joined by four-time Pontiac GMC Canadian champion Shona Rubens (Canmore, AB) and a host of other Alberta-based ski racers at the event that attracts dozens of supporters each year.

The golf tournament also enjoys tremendous corporate support from partners such as Pontiac GMC, who have contributed the opportunity to win a Pontiac Torrent, and WestJet, who are presenting participants with the opportunity to win two flights anywhere in Canada or the contiguous U.S.

A limited number of spots remain available for the 2008 Quest for Gold golf tournament. To get involved in the event, contact Director, Events & Special Projects Kelly Angele at (403) 818-0838.

ACA will also be holding its Annual General Meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday.