Kicking Horse launches new guided hike day with Helly Hansen
May 31st, 2024 – this summer, we are thrilled to launch a brand new hiking event with our partners Helly Hansen. Join Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Helly Hansen in celebrating Open Mountain Month with a guided hiking journey through the stunning landscapes of Golden, BC!
Led by professional guides, you’ll venture along a breathtaking trail surrounded by stunning mountain views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or newer to the trails, our experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the beauty of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort up close and personal. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to experience the power of nature, feel a part of something special, and leave with long-lasting memories.
‘We are so excited to launch this day of hiking as we truly believe that getting the opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors is something everyone should have the opportunity to experience’, says Powder Matt Mosteller, ‘as time outside can have such a powerful impact on your physical health and mental health’, added Mosteller.
The guided hiking event will be on June 29th, an all day event starting first thing in the morning! Mark your calendars now, more information including registration will be released soon.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
Summer kicks off soon at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
May 14, 2024 – We are excited to welcome you all back for another summer here at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort!
Join us and visit Boo Grizzly at our Grizzly Bear Refuge! Take the Golden Eagle Express gondola to the top to experience the panoramic mountain views and the historic Columbia Valley! Hungry? Our Eagle’s Eye Restaurant will be open for lunch all summer long – come dine at 7,700 feet!
Disc golf is not yet available, but should be soon! Stay tuned.
Mountain biking and our Via Ferrata tours will be available June 21 (weather permitting).
Early Season | May 31 – June 20 (Open Friday – Monday)
• Activities open: Grizzly Bear Refuge, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Golden Eagle Express. *Book your behind the scenes Ranger Assist Program now! More information.
Core Summer | June 21 – September 2 (Open Daily)
• Bike Park & Via Ferrata Opening
Late Season | September 6 – 29 (Open Friday – Monday)
And now, we interupt our summer notice with some winter information. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort announces extensive summer slope makeover in preparation for the 2024/25 ski season. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is focused on its commitment to providing the best skiing and riding surface possible. We have tripled the budget for summer grooming, and this will assist us in providing a better ski experience but also by doing extensive brush cutting on the lower mountain, it will make the early season opening experience more enhanced.
The plan being executed by a professional brushing crew will cover more ski runs, of which a high priority is the green and blue runs. This is part of a three year slope enhancement plan.
We had great results from last summer grooming on runs like Wiley Coyote and given the feedback and input from guests we decided that we needed to do more of this.
For the experts don’t worry, as we will also look at some of your favourites and we think you will enjoy the ones we choose!
Summer Season Passes are on sale now. Buy yours before June 23rd to save with our Early Bird Sale. Buy now.
Winter Season Passes will be on sale soon, stay tuned for more information!
For more information on all activities and sales mentioned, please visit our website.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook – @PowderMatt
- Published in Press Release
It’s SNOW TIME! – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort opening for ski season this Friday!
Golden, B.C – “Mother Nature has been delivering the snow storms and we are excited to see the flakes falling this week at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,” says Matt Mosteller. ‘It is time to wrangle your crew, get your gear and load your ski rack, as we welcome you this Friday to kick-off the 23/24 ski season at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,” added Mosteller.
Our incredible team is hard at work getting the mountain ready for you all to enjoy. We also want to give a big shout out to the community of Golden and thank you in advance to all who plan to ski and ride with us this winter!
Important – please note that early season conditions exist and make sure that you take it easy and start slow this winter, ski and ride cautiously, watch for natural hazards, and please ensure a safe start to the ski and ride season for you and for those skiing and riding around you.
Our First Gondola Raffle will raise funds to donate to the Golden Food Bank. Read more about it and how to get your ticket on our website.
Need a Holiday gift? The RCR Rockies Card makes a perfect stocking stuffer for the skier on your list. Buy before December 24th to save, now available at www.rockiescard.com.
Plan ahead; this is the time to book your ski vacation this winter to ensure you get the lodging you want when you want to go. View our Hot Deals & Packages page to see all offers.
Check our Snow Report for the most up-to-date information on what runs/lifts will be open. Lift Tickets will be available for purchase on our website soon.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook – @PowderMatt
Photo from December 2023
- Published in Press Release
RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES JOIN THE EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS
STARTING WITH THE 2023/24 SEASON, EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE FIVE COMBINED DAYS AT THE RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
- Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
- 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.
5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.
“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”
Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:
- Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
- Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
- Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
- Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
- Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable free-style area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.
Purchase Now Before Prices Rise
Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.
Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adults, AU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.
The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.
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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.
ABOUT RCR
Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada including: Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.
- Published in Press Release
New season, new systems
New season, new systems!
How to smooth out your first day on the slopes.
Well, here we are!
We’ve made it to another ski season during a pandemic, and while some regulations will stay the same as last season, we are also dealing with a few new ones. Here are some guidelines to help make your first day out in the mountains as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Request your Season Pass or Direct to Lift Card in advance
If you have purchased a season pass, you should have received an email requesting your upload your QR code/proof of immunization online. Please upload your information and request your pass be sent to you as soon as possible. Ensuring your pass gets into our printing queue as soon as possible allows you the best chance of receiving your pass ahead of your first visit. If you have not received your email requesting proof of immunization, please feel free to reach out to our guest services team to request one by emailing information@skircr.com. If you have requested your pass but have not received it before your first day, you will need to visit the resort Guest Services building to receive a day ticket and show proof of immunization. If you are having problems with our system accepting your Proof of Immunization please refer to our FAQ’s to find out why.
Mind our Know Before you Go updates
While many of our guidelines have stayed the same, a key update this season is the requirement to be fully vaccinated to access our resort lifts and facilities. Please refer to the information above on how to provide this ahead of your visit.
Bring your QR Code on your first few visits
To ensure we have record of your information, we encourage you to have your QR Code and government-issued photo id with you on your first few trips. If you purchase day tickets, you will need to show proof of immunization when picking up your lift tickets each time you visit.
Limit your baggage and prepare for a few lineups
We will not be allowing bags to be stored unattended in our daylodge or common areas. Please ensure you’re leaving any unnecessary baggage in your car or purchase a locker. While requiring proof of immunization should help alleviate some lineups at our lifts and facilities, please note that some people may still choose to stay distanced from others; we ask you to respect the wishes of those around you.
Be kind
As always, we ask you to be kind to our fellow guests and also our staff. Please realize our front-line staff are working hard to ensure you enjoy your experience and share your passion for the mountains. Let’s all work together to make our mountain experience an enjoyable one.
Photo by Tim Grey
- Published in Winter
Mid Winter Check Up on Boo
While skiing by the Grizzly Bear Refuge this week you may have noticed some staff members around Boo’s enclosure.
This year, Boo has had the unique opportunity to hibernate in his main enclosure as opposed to his usual winter holding area. This is a first for Boo, giving him the experience to spend the winter in a den he has created on his own.
Over the past few days our team members have been working hard on extending the Bear Refuge Habitat fence by four more wires. This is to ensure that come spring time Boo and everyone around the Refuge are happy and safe with the added snowpack!
Boo’s natural den is dug into the roots of an old Spruce stump and is about ten feet into the earth. At the den entrance is a large tunnel about 3 feet in width and 4 feet long. This entry way slants slightly to the left and has a mound of dirt at the end of it creating a windbreak. Past this windbreak you find a large, round area about seven feet in width which is used as the main “sleeping quarters”.
On warmer days, Boo may stretch out to his tunnel and create a break in the snow that has covered the den entrance. On very cold days like we have had recently, Boo will be tucked deep into the back of his den, as it is heavily insulated with the snowpack and deep earth. In the fall, Boo will prepare his den by collecting bedding such as grasses, leaves, and fireweed from the nearby areas. He will roll the bedding up into large tufts, and then proceed to roll it backwards into his den entrance, setting it up in his bedding area. This will add additional warmth and comfort throughout the winter season.
The amazing part of this process is that Boo has never been taught how to hibernate, create a den, or even collect his bedding material. This behavior is based solely on instinct.
You can visit Boo this summer! Stay tuned for upcoming information about the day to day life of Boo the Bear and the team who care for him and get information about visiting our Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre on our website.
Words by Catherine Cowan, Grizzly Bear Ranger
We’re Kicking Off the 2020.21 Season Thursday, December 10th
Golden, B.C – After the abrupt end to last winter, all of us here at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are incredibly excited to welcome you to the resort on Thursday, December 10, 2020! While our operations will look different this winter, we are really stoked to have the opportunity to welcome skiers and riders to the mountain.
Our team worked hard this summer to deliver a safe environment for our staff, our guests and our community. From that experience and guided by the expertise and direction of various organizations, including WorkSafeBC, the Canada West Ski Areas Association, and provincial and local health authorities, we have developed a comprehensive COVID-19 winter operation plan that addresses the complex and unprecedented situation we are currently facing.
Despite all of the planning we have done, the privilege of having a long, safe and healthy season will depend on all of us and our ability to follow public health orders and the measures all businesses in our town, including ours, have put in place. There are many in this community, and likely among you who are feeling anxious about where things are at currently, and uncertain about what the right thing to do is. But if we all work at this together, be respectful, kind and do our part to keep us and those around us safe, then we believe that we can play among the mountain tops this winter.
Here are some of the changes you can expect at the resort this season:
1. Face coverings are to be worn at all times including when you leave your vehicle, in the base area, in lift lines and while riding lifts, all indoor outlets, washrooms.
2. As a result of our safety protocols surrounding the COVID Virus and looking to create a safe environment for our guests, this season we will be closely monitoring lift capacity and ticket sales to help ensure that we can manage daily the number of people at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Day lift tickets will be available at our resort ticket windows daily. However, on high demand days only a certain number of day lift tickets will be sold – so one should use the opportunity to pre-purchase your lift tickets online to guarantee you get the ski day’s you want on those days. We do anticipate some periods of higher demand, so to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you pre-purchase your lift tickets online and in advance as some dates may sell out.
3. Resort capacity is being managed through the sale of lift tickets. On high demand days the availability of tickets will be reduced, so pre-purchasing online is strongly recommended in order to ensure you get the dates you want.
4. Lift lines will be adjusted and stretched out to accommodate physical distancing of 2m between cohort groups.
5. The Golden Eagle Express gondola has undergone an anti-microbial treatment, and will see increased cleaning daily. Cabins will be loaded with family or cohort groups, up to 8 if that is the size of your family or cohort group. Singles will be required to ride with one other single, and loaded after every 5 or 6 cabins. The windows in the cabins will be kept open to improve air flow.
6. As we follow restaurant guidelines, the seating capacity in Eagle’s Eye Restaurant and The Whitetooth Grill have been reduced, and there is a maximum of 6ppl allowed per table. As such reservations will be required in order to dine in both of these outlets, and this can be done in advance through Opentable.ca or www.kickinghorseresort.com. Heaven’s Door Yurt will be open daily, and plexiglass dividers have been placed to maximize the use of the seating.
7. There will be capacity restrictions in place for other outlets so make sure to read signs as you enter and follow the directions. This includes the Performance Rental Centre, so it is strongly recommended that you pre-purchase online to speed up the process for yourself.
8. There will be no bag storage in the daylodge due to physical distancing and sanitization measures. Therefore it is required that you gear up, and leave your belongings at your vehicle.
To review these and other measures being implemented this season, and to keep updated on any new developments make sure to visit our COVID19 information page. Now more so than ever before it is important to Know Before You Go.
We have all been through so much change this year, and change is hard for all of us. But these changes we are making at the resort at least come with the special reward and privilege of chasing our powder filled dreams with our friends and families.
We appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation – “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe”
Think Snow!
KHMR Team
Photo by Jeff Bartlett
- Published in Press Release, Winter
6 breathtaking views and awesome adventures you won’t believe are less than a days drive from Calgary
If you live in Calgary, you’re actually pretty lucky to! Being able to live in a beautiful urban area surrounded by gorgeous mountains is certainly something to be thankful for. On top of the views, being so close to seemingly endless outdoor adventure and activities are an accolade many cities don’t have to brag about. If you’re looking for outdoor fun while maintaining social distance, here are a few suggested short staycations to consider.
Golden, B.C
Hiking & Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse
Let’s start with Golden, B.C, home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and just a 2.5 hour drive from Calgary’s north side. One of the unique aspects of Kicking Horse is the view of 6 National Parks from the peak of the mountain. And guess what, the peak of the mountain is easily within your reach! Kicking Horse has gondola accessed hiking and dining that offer some of the most stunning views you’ll find. And if you’re looking for something a little more to get the adrenaline pumping, the views from Via Ferrata are intense not just due to the views but due to the fact that you’re dangling off the side of a mountain or the suspension bridge (all while harnessed in of course).
Fernie, B.C
Views from town and the top of the mountain
Continuing onto what is already many Calgarians’ favourite short trip to make is Fernie, B.C. An easy 2.5/3 hour drive from the south end of Calgary along the Cowboy Trail you’ll drive right into Fernie’s town site, where you are literally surrounded by mountains on all sides. Continue through the town to Fernie Alpine Resort and you will not be disappointed. The views of the Lizard Range from the base of Fernie Alpine Resort are breathtaking enough, but by taking a ride on the Elk Chairlift you’ll get a view of the valley of Fernie, B.C that can’t be matched.
Kimberley, B.C
Hiking & Biking
People love to describe Kimberley as a hidden gem in the rockies – and that’s exactly what it is. You’ll need to turn off the main highway to find this town but trust us, it’s worth the time. Not only can you hike up the ski hill at the resort to take in some of the gorgeous views of the town from the top of the mountain, but Kimberley, like the others above have an array of trail networks in and around the towns. One of the places that is a must do while in Kimberley is the short walk to the Marysville waterfalls, it’s another one of those hidden gems you don’t expect to find so easily and is definitely worth the short trek out to it!
Places to stay along the way
Even though you can easily visit any one of these towns and get back to Calgary in a day, staying overnight is always a nice option to have!
✅ Gorgeous slopeside mountain views
✅ Outdoor patios & in hotel restaurants offering take out
✅ Outdoor pools & hot tubs
✅ Close to all activities & adventures
✅ Convenient and safe – all our suites have full kitchens
Both of our feature properties at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort feature all of the above, making either location a great basecamp for your quick getaway or longer staycation.
See special offers at Lizard Creek Lodge
See special offers at Trickle Creek Lodge
We realize this can be a difficult time to consider travelling, before heading out on your trip check on the Alberta & British Columbia government website for any guidelines or restrictions at your time of travel. To see what safety procedures and routines we have put in place visit our resort or hotel websites.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort COVID information.
Feature Photo by Powder Matt
Mountain Bike Preview Weekends – Two Opportunities to get on the Trails Early
June 5, 2019 – Can’t wait to get on the mountain and do some biking?
We’ll be open for TWO special preview weekends before our full time opening – June 8th & 9th as well as June 15th & 16th.
Riders can enjoy 11 runs accessed off the Catamount Chair, open from 10am – 4pm. Mountain Bike rentals will be available from the Performance Rental Centre.
Full opening is on June 22nd – get more information on our website.
Mountain Bike Trails Open on Preview Weekends;
#1 – It’s a Ten
#4 – Superberm
#2 – Lower Pioneer
#17 – LYM
#8 – Trapper Trail
#10 – Claim Jumper
#11 – Easy Rider
#5 – Buffalo Jump
#7 – Devil’s Disco
#20 – Swamp Donkey
#32 – Jump Zone
Upcoming Summer Events;
Canada Day Trail Race – July 1st – Ring in Canada’s birthday with us at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! This family-friendly alpine race course will start and finish at the top of the Gondola. There will be a 10K and a 5K race. The course will be a mix of single-track and double track. More details on the specific course routing will be release in mid-June. More information.
Western Open Canada Cup – July 19th – 21st – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is proud to be the host site for the Dunbar Series Kicking Horse Western Open Canada Cup Downhill Race on July 21, 2019. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a long history of hosting great downhill events including BC Cup races from 2012-2017 and is looking forward to finally hosting Canada Cup competitors! Registration information.
For more event information see our online events calendar.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
The Largest Terrain Expansion in Canada is Open to the Public
Golden, B.C – Hot off the heels of a successful Freeride World Tour event, the revered Ozone face has now opened to the public. This marks the completion of the new terrain expansion for the 2018-19 season, adding over 600 acres of incredible big mountain lines.
To access, hike up to Whitewall, ride down the ridge and then hike to the top of Ozone reaching the new high point of the resort at 2,505 m (8,218 ft), then drop into some of the rowdiest in-bounds terrain you can imagine. Ride it like the pros in the Freeride World Tour!
‘This is a one-of-a-kind skiing and riding experience’, says Matt Mosteller, ‘combine the best of Mother Nature’s wildest terrain with the incredible Champagne Powder of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and you have a real treat’, he added.
This is big! In fact so big, it’s the biggest terrain expansion in Canada this winter, so give yourself some time to learn the lines, scope out entry points, take it easy on the first go, and make sure you check in with Ski Patrol and/or Winter Sports School for the best tips on how to ski it and or for your own skill enhancement to take it on!
*Ozone is double black extremely advanced terrain, we advise anyone to ride with caution and only enter with appropriate ability level.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Release
