Backcountry telemark skiing movie shot in the Kimberley Area.
Each year Utah based Powderwhores crew produces ski films, when the snow failed to fall in their home mountains forced the Powderwhores to hit the road.
For months we have been hearing from the Powderwhores that PW07 would have a different groove then the Utah-based crew’s previous Wasatch-centric productions.
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A very late start to winter in their home mountains forced the Powderwhores to hit the road. “We got into February and realized we had no movie,” Noah Howell said, “so we did what everybody else was doing and headed north.”
The resulting film: PW07, is a masterpiece on many levels, but none more for the way that the film unselfconsciously documents the exciting state of the sport of telemark skiing, here at the latter part of the first decade of the 21st century. This probably would not have happened if Utah had not failed to go off early last season.
Backcountry telemark skiing gets a lot of attention, in the athlete segments and in the segment shot on the Powderwhore’s trip to Kimberley, British Columbia. The ski mountaineering crowd is not forgotten in a beautifully shot.
And then there is the Alaska segment. What would a telemark manifesto be without seeing modern freeheel athletes on what has become the world’s biggest big-mountain stage? Comprising nearly a third of the movie, the footage that the Powderwhore production team brought back from the Chugach is totally off the hook. Dave Stratton and Devore, among others, shred huge lines with style and elan, and on a level unseen before in a telemark ski movie. The camera work is superb and the skiing is incredible.
Wonderfully paced and without apparently trying, PW07 takes the viewer on a ride which covers the main elements of freeheel skiing as it has evolved in the modern era. Technique is well represented by some of the strongest and most talented tele skiers ever captured on film, including young phenom Nick Devore, who made history last year at the alpine world’s premier big-mountain competition, the US Freeskiing Championships at Snowbird. Devore turned heads as the first tele skier ever to make the finals, while also finishing 18th out of a field of 150 of the world’s top freeskiing athletes.
Finally, the movie closes with a segment accurately titled, “Deep Powder,” and with a musical score written especially for this segment, this is the stuff from which dreams are made for many of us. Exceedingly rare are the days when the sun comes out and you get great light while the powder stays fluffy, and yet that’s what we have here.
Simply put, it’s the most awesome tele pow footage the Powderwhores have given us yet, and that’s saying a lot.
www.powderwhore.com
Delta Flies at Capacity with NorAm Cup Skiers
Visitors to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC, Cranbrook) on Saturday had a Bombardiersized treat. Delta carrier SkyWest’s regular 50 passenger jet was replaced for this flight only by their larger RJ900, which carries 76 passengers. Why? Athletes from the International Paralympic Committee’s NORAM Cup were going home.
The 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing NorAm Cup hosted by Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association wrapped up on Friday at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. 52 athletes competed representing 9 countries. Competitors came from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia and the USA.
Those returning on Delta through Salt Lake City were joined for the outbound flight by several “general” passengers, rendering the 76 passenger jet near full.
“The new Delta air service is an important link here”, says Laurie Reed, Coordinator of Air Partner Programs for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, “for Delta & SkyWest to be able to switch to larger jets to accommodate large groups and team needs is phenomenal, and the implications for tourism, business and economic development are huge.”
Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak agrees. “We see Sport Tourism as a real growth opportunity,says Manjak “having air service that can be this responsive to our travel needs is a great step in the right direction.”
And it’s not just about tourism. AR of the industries and communities of the region can benefit With this kind of service, the Canadian Rockies International Airport can be a gateway for large gatherings of all kinds …. literally bringing in visitors and delegates from all over the globe.
Discover the Powder Highway
If spectacular views, oceans of champagne powder, and a huge variety of terrain are what you are looking for, look no further that BC’s Powder Highway. This is a collection of authentic rural Canadian ski resorts and one of the last uncovered winter destinations in North America.
“This is one of the last pristine jewels, that has yet to be overdeveloped” said Irene Barnes, sales representative for two developments in the area. “The beauty of the area is truly breathtaking, combined with the fact that the lift lineups a short in the winter, and you can get a tee time in the summer, makes this area a great choice.’
Located in the Kootenay Rockies region in southeast British Columbia, the Powder Highway has one of the world’s highest densities of snow-sports operations, with more than 60 along the 530-mile loop. There are eight alpine resorts and dozens of backcountry, heli and snowcat ski operators, along with other activities, from snowshoeing to dogsledding to snowmobiling.
This area has been destination for skiers from the Calgary area and Europe for years, but the Powder Highway has been mostly an untapped resource for U.S. skiers and boarders.
Delta’s new direct flight from Salt Lake City to Cranbrook should change that.
The service, offered by Delta, began Dec. 17 and will run through April 1, with roundtrip fares starting at $278. Instead of a four-hour drive from Calgary, the two-hour flight gives U.S. skiers direct access to the Powder Highway, starting with Kimberley Alpine Resort just up Highway 95A up to Revelstoke Mountain Resort on the loop’s northwest corner.
There are negotiations to extend the service to the summer, when visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like golf (27 championship courses), fishing and kayaking.
“We’re really touting ourselves now as fly-in, fly-out, ski-in, ski-out because in western Canada that’s unheard of,” said Bob Dyrda, the manager of Tourism Kimberley. “You might be used to that in a place like Colorado, but here you often have to drive four hours once you fly in. Now, people are going to have access to some pretty wild country.”
Kimberley, just minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport, is home of the Kimberley Alpine Resort, and the incredible Timberstone Development. This condo complex is located right on the ski hill for true ski out your door convenience.
The hill offers numerous long, true fall-line runs of all levels; covered with light, dry interior-range powder. The front side is famous for its many miles of delightfully groomed trails. With over 1800 acres of ski terrain, moguls and glade area to choose from, this charming ski resort is an option hard to pass up.
The city of Kimberley has the look of a Bavarian alpine village, and is renowned for its consistency of quality snow and four-star family fun. The picturesque Trickle Creek Lodge provides the convenience of simple ski-in/ski-out residence ensuring an even longer ski day.
Unlike the wet, heavy snow of western B.C., the snow along the Powder Highway is dry and fluffy, creating pristine champagne powder. There’s a lot of it — most places average around 30 feet a year — so skiers can often find fresh powder three or four days after a big dump.
Ski For $1 At Fernie Or Kimberley
You can ski for only $1 at Kimberley or Fernie with an inaugural Delta flight. You can ski for only $1 at Kimberley or Fernie with an inaugural Delta flight.
Skiers and snowboarders never find lift tickets this cheap. But a lift ticket at Kimberley Alpine Resort or Fernie Alpine Resort actually only costs $1 for early riders on Delta Airlines new service into Cranbrook, B.C. That’s a deal you can’t afford to pass up.
The new flights from Salt Lake City head direct to the Canadian Rockies International Airport beginning Dec. 17. Flights run on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The “Ski for $1″ deal is being offered by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, owner of both Kimberley and Fernie. The air-lift ticket package is only available for purchase through the ski company rather than the airline.
Inbound flights must be scheduled for Dec. 15, 20, or 21 and originate in the continental U.S. to get the $1 ski ticket deal. The offer is valid for one day of $1 skiing per airline ticket purchased. It also is based on round trip airfare.
You can purchase airline tickets with the $1 lift ticket by calling Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Central Reservations at (800)258-7669. Mention the “Ski for $1″ offer when making the booking in order to get the deal.
New Air Service = More Play Time on BC’s Powder-Packed Slopes
Getting to the snow just got a whole lot easier, thanks to new direct air service between Salt Lake City and the Canadian Rockies International Airport.
On December 17, Delta Airlines will ready the runway for its first direct flight to the Kootenay Rockies destination – and that means easier access to BC’s bountiful snow at family-favourites Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Fairmont Hot Springs.
An added bonus?
With Fairmont and Fernie just a 60 minute jaunt away and Kimberley even closer at a mere 20 minutes from the Cranbrook airport, one can fly the friendly skies and buckle the bindings all in one day.
For the ultimate road trip, hit the Powder Highway, a scenic circle tour that links some of BC’s best alpine resorts, and the ideal route for discovering even more Kootenay Rockies gems.
Whitewater Ski Resort, Red Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Village, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and of course Fernie, Fairmont and Kimberley – along with over 50 backcountry operators offering snow-cat skiing, heli skiing, backcountry touring and nordic adventures – can all be found along the Powder Highway.
Add in fun activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing and igloo dinners, and you’ll understand why the Powder Highway is travelled by devotees the world over. And why not?
With the world’s highest concentration of powder possibilities like these all wrapped up in one great destination, you’re no more than a flight, a shuttle and a shush away!
Ski Hill Conference Centre is a Go!
KIMBERLEY BC – The City of Kimberley just took a giant step forward in becoming southern British Columbia’s four season tourism destination. Construction will begin this Spring on a new Conference Centre, located at the base of the Ski hill.
At a special press conference held on the Kimberley Alpine Resort the Mayor Jim Ogilvie was joined by Kootenay Columbia MP Jim Abbott, on behalf of Minister of Western Diversification Rona Ambrose, and Southeast Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett on behalf of Minister of Community Services Ida Chong to make the announcement.
“I’m pleased to announce the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia are jointly investing $2 Million dollars towards the construction of the Kimberley Conference Centre.” Jim Abbott announced.
The 12,000 sq foot Conference / Paralympic Centre will be built in the heart of the Kimberley Ski Resort’s Village, just a quick stroll from the Marriott, Timberstone Spa Resort, Sullivan Stone Lodge, and the Polaris Lodge.
“The front entrance will face the village square that is slowly developing at the Resort. A very important element is how the building fits in with the existing architecture at the Resort. It is a very visible site, and the building will have to fit with the existing architecture and surroundings.” said Jim Ogilvie
“Our goal is to be open by next winter,“ said Mayor Jim Ogilvie. “We need to have a training facility ready for international teams prior to the Olympics. We also want to bring them back for the Olympic year to train before the Games. There’s a better chance of that if they have a year to test the facility.“
“There is nowhere else in Canada has a dedicated ski run with all the nets and timing equipment available,“ Kimberley’s Mayor continued, “A lot of places don’t have that equipment available at all. We have it all stored right on the mountain.“
“The Government of Canada is proud to support this project, which increases conference centre capacity and supports business and tourism opportunities in the community of Kimberley,“ said Jim Abbott.
MLA Bill Bennett said that the real credit for the announcement goes to Ogilvie, Kimberley City Council and the citizens of Kimberley.
“I’ve witnessed all the city has done in the past 15 or 20 years to get ready for the closure of the mine,“ Bennett said. “They’ve continued to have a vision for what this community can be. They have created golf courses and saved the ski resort. They are developing Paralympic training and performance facilities. And now, as a result of the generosity of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and this program, they are creating this wonderful new conference centre in the resort village. This will make a real difference to people’s lives in Kimberley and the area.“
This facility could very well push Kimberley past the tipping point in achieving the goal of becoming a year round tourism destination.
Delta Deal Good to Go!
The demand for the budding Kootenay Tourism Product is about grow – exponentially. Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is about to take a monumental step into the international market place. The groundwork has been put in place for Delta Airlines to provide non-stop flights from Salt Lake City to the Canadian Rockies International Airport.
The first Delta flight is pencilled in from Salt Lake City to Cranbrook on December 17th of this year.
“This is a growing area, access has been a challenge to the region and this is ripe for people to come to this community from the States, and this is the easiest and the fastest way to get there.” said Kent Myers of Airplanners.
The potential economic impact of the inbound Delta flights to the area is enormous, allowing US visitors to enjoy the incredible Kootenay lifestyle, with just a 2 hour flight.
However the real gem of the deal might prove to be the outbound flight for locals, and recreational real estate owners.
International Carriers know that this is a new and unproven market, as such a guarantee will be required. In a brilliant display of cooperation and teamwork, municipalities and private enterprise have teamed together to ensure that this deal is reached.
There has been strong participation from a wide cross section of Kimberley and Cranbrook businesses. The support continues both up and down the valley, with Intrawest at Panorama, Copper Point, at Fairmont, and from virtually every business in Fernie.
This is a milestone that the that the airport marketing committee has been working toward for many years.
The impact that this will have on the local economy is going to be huge. There is strong demand for the Ski and Golf product, and with other destinations such as Whistler falling out of favor for being oversold, smart investors are getting in while prices are still attainable.
Salt Lake City is a smart tactical move as it is considered an omni hub and is Delta’s fastest growing domestic hub in terms of destinations served. Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer Salt Lake City customers 335 peak-day departures to 108 nonstop destinations.
“Service is set to start in December with a 50 passenger jet. Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday – they leave Salt Lake City at 11:10 and will land here at 1:08. They’ll return and be back in Salt Lake City at 3:33. That will be a connecting flight that will go out toward the United States across the Delta hub.” Myers said.
According to Myers, the excitement does not stop with the exposure to the to the international market:
“We have talked to West Jet. We will talk to Air Canada. We want to grow the domestic market as well.“
Kimberley Boomed over the Holidays
KIMBERLEY, BC – The Kimberley Ski Hill experienced phenomenal Christmas Season, blessed by both visitors an snow.
“Today is the first day we’ve been able to relax,” said Chris McCurry – Public Relations for the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Long time staff staff of KAR say that these were crowds like the Resort hasn’t seen before.
The premier on-hill condo development, Sullivan Stone was booked solid throughout the holidays, and into January. There are several units available for purchase in this development, please contact me if you have any questions.
The snow conditions over the festive season were great! There was a great dump of snow just before Christmas Day, and another one a couple days after. It was perfect conditions.
Sioban Staplin, Manager of the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, says that things have been very busy at the Tourist Information Centre over the holiday period.
“We’ve had lots of folks in from all over – Brits, Albertans, Kiwis – and a lot of tour buses. Every time I’ve been in a store it was packed. The sporting stores especially were doing a booming business,” Staplin said. “The accommodators were really full and so was the ski hill parking lot. There were lift lines, but they are nothing to complain about. They weren’t too long.
The demand for the Downtown to Resort shuttle bus was on the rise as well. This bus operated this year by Kimberley Transit through an agreement with the Chamber, saw the need to add another run in mid-after noon at 2 p.m. to bring people downtown.
“We are trying to get people down to Dynamiter Hockey Games and the a Aquatic centre with the shuttle and also promote other activities like bowling or taking in a movie,” she said.
The Chamber is planning for WinterFest activities over the Alberta Family Day weekend in February.
“We’ll have lots of fun events and while there won’t be a big air event this year, RCR is going to have a Rail jam.”
If you would like to visit Kimberley and see what all the fuss is about, I have arranged for VIP Package pricing for my clients to stay at Sullivan Stone Lodge. Please give me a call at 432-9200 for more information.
