New York, NY (September 21, 2015) – New York City-based OutdoorFest is expanding their popular Mappy Hour program internationally to Calgary this October. The monthly community building event, known as “the happy hour for outdoor enthusiasts,” successfully launched in New York City in early 2014 and Washington D.C. in January 2015. Past event hosts have included REI, Hostelling International, and Fjallraven North America, with featured sponsorships from Yelp, Sixpoint Brewery, and Mountain Hardwear. OutdoorFest has identified Calgary as a key urban area with a large population of outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with a community of adventurers.
“Calgary has such an incredible backyard that many come to visit from afar” says Matt Mosteller, social media influencer and head of Mappy Hour Calgary. He hopes that through Mappy Hour locals can “catch that wanderlust… stay close by and get outdoors!”
Just in time for the winter season, the theme for this first Mappy Hour in Calgary is backcountry skiing and the fitness needed to get outdoors. Calgary’s outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to join the launch event on October 29th 2015 at the Village Brewery. Mappy Hour promises to be a night to meet fellow skiers, backpackers, kayakers, climbers and adventure buddies and plan adventure packed trips with a like-minded outdoor community.
Details of the event include:
Who: Anyone who loves to hike, kayak, ski, surf, climb, and generally explore the great outdoors
What: A happy hour with a twist to bring together the local outdoor community
Theme: Backcountry skiing & fitness
When: October 29, 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Where: 5000 12a St SE, Calgary
Cost: Free, just bring some guidebooks, maps, or interesting stories to share
For more information and to RSVP please see the Facebook Event.
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For more information, please contact:
Powder Matt
matt@skircr.com
Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Powder Matt on Pinterest
Powder Matt on Google +
Mappy Hour by OutdoorFest
www.outdoorfest.com/mappyhour
Facebook.com/mappyhour
@mappyhour
- Published in Press Release
For immediate release
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Introduce Fat Biking and Early Booking Deals
Fat biking takes off as new winter experience in British Columbia’s interior
Fernie, BC (September 10, 2015) – The snow sports season is just 85 days away and it’s already snowing on the mountains (check out the image of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort below). Three British Columbia resorts under the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies brand (Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort) are offering early booking savings of up to 35% on the slopes. They’re also introducing a new snow sports experience called “fat biking” which is the fastest-growing cycling segment in BC’s interior.
Fat Biking
Monster tires and low gearing mean biking in snow is easy for both first-timers and seasoned cyclists. Kimberley Alpine Resort & Fernie Alpine Resort will have designated and groomed trails for fat bikers of various skill levels. Fat bike rentals and tours/lessons with guides will also be available.
“Ski Week” Early Booking Special
Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort are located in BC’s interior and offer some of Canada’s best powder and ski-in/ski-out lodging. The following early booking package is offered at all three resorts:
- 2 nights free when you book 5 or more nights
- 5th day on the mountain free
- Kids ski free
Visit www.skircr.com for individual resort details and all early booking packages, including this one. *Note: Early booking deals must be booked by November 30.

The snow is falling at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! This image was taken on September 6.
About Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc.
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, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia. RCR also owns and manages a number of hotels 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. www.skircr.com
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
(403) 209-3323
mmosteller@skircr.com
Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Powder Matt on Pinterest
Powder Matt on Google +
- Published in Press Release
For Immediate Release: September 11th, 2015
3 SNOWSTORMS Stage Early assault on Powder Highway
Early winter on the Powder Highway, British Columbia
Canadian Rockies, Canada – Fernie Alpine Resort & Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, both located on the famed Powder Highway of British Columbia, a region known for over 50 feet of snow annually, and each ski resort known for their high snowfall each ski season, have already seen the foreshadows of an early winter, enduring 3 early snowstorms in the beginning of September.
“Early snowfall of this magnitude and frequency is just incredible! It is not uncommon for us to get early snowfall even in the heat of summer but to have three consecutive storms in last 8 days is just amazing! The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a big winter for the Canadian Rockies region and this is early snowfall is stoking the excitement for skiers and snowboarders for sure,” said Matt Mosteller.

Photo from September 2nd, 2015
EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
Save up to 35% by booking you winter vacation before November 30th! With many packages to choose from including weekender packs, midweek offers and long stay deals, start by viewing our early booking specials, then book online or by calling 1-800-258-7669 to book with a friendly, knowledgeable booking specialist.

Photo from September 6th, 2015
About Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort & Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc.
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. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a world-class destination resort located 2.5 hours west of Calgary, nestled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains in the heart of British Columbia. Winter offers a fully integrated mountain resort experience and the most progressive in-bounds skiing in North America. Fernie Alpine Resort www.skifernie.com & Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, www.kickinghorseresort.com, are both part of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) family. 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, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia. RCR also owns and manages a number of hotels 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.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
mmosteller@skircr.com
Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Powder Matt on Pinterest
Powder Matt on Google +
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- Published in Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9th, 2015
Mountainfilm on Tour to Arrive in Calgary at The Gateway on October 21st
Calgary, AB, Canada – Mountainfilm on Tour brings inspiration and education about important issues to audiences around the world. The tour will soon visit Calgary at The Gateway on the SAIT Campus on October 21st with documentary films that will explore the themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure.
“We are stoked to not only share our passion for skiing and snowboarding but hopefully to inspire adventure in others. Just like our guests inspire us with their amazing experiences in the mountain at Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley and Nakiska.” says Matt Mosteller, VP of Marketing and Resort Experience at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
As a special extra Season Passholder Member Benefit, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies is providing a limited number of free tickets for their members. RCR Season Passholders will receive an email inviting them to register for their FREE ticket, if you have a season pass however do not receive any emails email media@skircr.com to request your link. Tickets can be picked up at the exclusive Season Passholders pre party at The Gateway at 5:00pm (show your season pass to get in).
Established in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating, inspiring and motivating audiences about environments, cultures, issues and adventures. Working at the nexus of filmmaking and action, its flagship event is the renowned Telluride Mountainfilm festival, a four-day event held each Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. The festival has attracted leading documentary filmmakers, artists, photographers, conservationists, mountaineers, scientists, journalists and explorers from around the world to engage in the festival’s tag line of “celebrating indomitable spirit.” Mountainfilm on Tour shares a selection of the films from the annual festival with audiences around the globe and offers Mountainfilm for Students, a free educational outreach initiative for K-12 schools at tour locations. Year-round and worldwide, the tour reaches over 40,000 people on five continents.
The show begins promptly at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00pm. Mountainfilm presenter, Natalie Jones, will introduce the films and engage the audience in discussion following the films.
Tickets for Mountainfilm on Tour in Calgary go on sale September 12th and can be purchased through Ticketmaster online. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at The Gateway. The cost for each show is $15 in advance or $10 if purchased on Sait Campus (student id required). See the complete playlist on the Facebook Event. Mountainfilm on Tour in Calgary, Alberta is hosted by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and The Gateway at SAIT partnering with X92.9 and Kokanee. PLEASE NOTE: this event is 18+, valid ID is required.
For more information feel free to contact Matt Mosteller, VP of Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Email – mmosteller@skircr.com.
- Published in Press Release
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts we will have a ‘harsh & cold’ winter. Boo, our resident bear, seems to agree – he’s been eating and getting ready for hibernation earlier than usual, being about a month ahead of schedule on his winter weight gain leads the experts to believe not only will it be a harsh and cold winter, it will also come early. While some people might not be happy about this foreshadowing, we hope it means a winter season filled with lots of powder for skiing and riding!
Jack Burnett, editor of the Farmer’s Almanac appeared on CTV’s Canada AM recently and said we are in for “the T-Rex of winters”. To check out the full predictions visit this CTV article.
Here’s to hoping that prediction holds true, help motivate Mother Nature and start doing your snowdance. Post your snowdance pics & videos using #thishorserules and start the anticipation of winter now!
Fun fact: Boo gained 25 pounds over the past 2 weeks, he’s currently eating about 40,000 calories a day preparing for his winter sleep (that’s the equivalent of 65 Big Macs)!!
- Published in Winter
Words & Photos by Andrew Findlay
The only thing between me and countless free falling vertical metres of alpine air are some rungs of steel drilled into the rock, and a climbing harness tethered to steel cable. I grasp a rung, scuff a boot onto a ledge as wide as a deck of cards, then pause to study the quartzite in front me, its surface checked and split like a well used map.
I’m clinging to the face of Terminator Peak following what the Italians refer to as a via ferrata, or “iron road.” It’s the latest addition to Kicking Horse’s menu of summer alpine experiences and it’s a winner and today one half of an alpine duathlon of sorts – via ferrata in the morning, bike park in the afternoon. Via ferrata originates from World War I when Italy clashed with the Austro-Hungarian forces in the rugged Dolomite Mountains that divided these two powers. Italian soldiers equipped the mountains with fixed lines and ladders, an ingenuous and much safer way to scale difficult or otherwise un-climbable cliffs. When fighting ended the via ferrata was forgotten, until mountaineers began restoring and repurposing these routes for recreation, launching a new form of mountain adventure. Via ferrata consist of steel rungs drilled and glued into the rock, suspension bridges, and steel cable bridges spanning chasms that can feel like tiptoeing a cross a thread of silk. With a harness, a leash that’s connected to the cable for safety , some sturdy hiking shoes, helmet, and a little coaching from an experienced guide, pretty much anybody from grandmothers to grandkids can experience the thrill of scaling alpine rock.
“We hatched the plan to develop a via ferrata last year, and our crews started working last spring scaling loose rock from the route, then drilling and installing more than 800 metres of steel cable,” says Max Cretin, director of business development and guest experience for Kicking Horse Resort, who has joined me on this new via ferrata.

Via Ferrata Suspension Bridge
I pause on a ledge and turn to face the precipice below. The roof of the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is a splash of red next to the gondola top station. A group of hikers, ant like from these heights, follows the trail descending from Eagle’s Eye to the meadows and alpine pools at the foot of Terminator. I’m accustomed to climbing mountains the conventional way, burdened with an arsenal of shiny metal tools and implements. This is only my second kick at a via ferrata, and for the first 15 minutes I feel sort of naked. However soon I’m enjoying the fluidity and relative unencumbered simplicity of the activity. Grab the metal rung, step upwards until the specially designed aeroligne carabiner slides up the paralleling cable and passes over the steel plate affixing the cable to the rock. At the crest of a 10-metre slab of vertical quartzite I hesitate, to rest my calves.
Kicking Hores offers two via ferrata options. Ascension delivers you to the summit of Terminator Peak. For the less ambitious, or beginners, Discovery provides a shorter option that exits lower down Terminator’s easy ridge. However both routes start with an exhilarating crossing of a 30 m long suspension bridge that spans a steep chute that skiers know as Think Twice in wintertime. After two hours, we top out on Terminator’s summit, with time left to scramble down the ridge and back up to Eagle’s Eye for a 12:30 lunch reservation. I keep it simple, a juicy Alberta beef burger and garden salad, accompanied by a glass of cabernet sauvignon.
After lunch I switch modes for the second half of my alpine duathlon. I strap on some shin and elbow pads and full face helmet, then saddle up a DH bike for the 4000 foot vertical descent to the base village. My guide Ryan Harvey, who works mountain safety in the winter and patrols the bike park in summer, has a route planned, that showcases what Kicking Horse’s park is renowned for – sweet alpine riding. After a quick zip down the loose and rocky cat track, It’s a 10, we roll into smooth and flowy Pipestone, which feeds quickly into the swooping burmed chicanes of Dragon Chaser. Western anemones and Indian Paintbrush blossom trailside. Chute to View drops us into the subalpine forest, followed by Home Run and then Showdown, which descends in big loops skier’s right of the Gondola. By the time I pause to summon courage at the top of the black diamond- rated Rock and Roll, a steep rock slab, my forearms burns from squeezing brake levers. I’m an XC rider at heart so I do whatever it takes to keep the rubber on the ground. Next up is LYM, built by Harvey and his crew; it’s a fantastical corkscrew of elevated ramps that defies logic but works. It’s 2:30 pm when we roll to a stop in front of the Black Diamond cafe. I opt to perk up with an afternoon espresso, before reloading the gondola for another ride. Why not? It’s summer, the days are long and this alpine duathlon isn’t over.
- Published in Winter
For Immediate Release: July 17th, 2015
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT & GOOSE ISLAND present BREWMASTER’S DINNER
Golden, B.C. – People don’t come to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to tackle the same old thing, they come for the adventures and mountain experience, and we have plenty. This summer, at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, enjoy our ‘Brewmaster’s Dinner’ on July 25th where you’ll sip on beverages from Goose Island Beer Company, paired perfectly with the exquisite 4 course meal. Be whisked away on the gondola, to 7,700 and take in the amazing views of 6 mountain ranges and 5 national parks with your meal.
Tickets are available online or by calling 1-866-SKI-KICK.
Eagle’s Eye Restaurant
Discover Canada’s most elevated dining experience and most talked about culinary experience. This crown jewel of resort dining, at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C overlooks 5 National Parks at once, enjoy our Chef’s new summer creations this year! More info & reservations.
KickingHorseResort.com | 1.866.SKI.KICK
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter@KickingHorseMtn
For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
media@skircr.com
Twitter – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
Powder Matt on Pinterest
Powder Matt on Google +
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- Published in Press Release
Wow! We’re pleased to have won the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence award for both Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. To leave your review visit our TripAdvisor page.
- Published in Winter
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata means “iron road” in Italian and is a fixed route climb along a series of cables, ladders and bridges. Climbers are clipped in for safety, which means the system allows amateurs to experience the views and excitement normally reserved for hardcore climbers. Via Ferratas are a relatively new type of mountain adventure brought to Canada from Europe (the first was installed in Quebec in 2002). Our Via Ferrata will be located on the Terminator Peak’s north face – venture through two custom courses, the discovery route and the ascension rote. Both are available to never ever climbers or seasoned pros and vary in length from 2 to 4 hour tours, a suspension bridge crossing is included in both tours! The rock face of Terminator 1 is highly visible from the Gondola, be the envy of all riders as they watch you on this adrenaline filled rock climbing adventure.
Get more information about Via Ferrata on our website.
Super Saver Sightseeing Season Pass
Announced for this summer is the new Super Saver Sightseeing Season Pass, just $32.95 for an adult or $79.95 for a whole family for the entire summer season! Ride the Gondola and visit Boo, the resident Grizzly Bear, all season long! Be whisked up to 7,700 ft and enjoy the breathtaking vistas, hike, view wildlife and enjoy lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. Learn more about Boo and the Grizzly Bear Refuge with plenty of opportunities to get great photos and sightings. Purchase your Super Saver Sightseeing Season Pass online.
Eagle’s Eye Summer Mountain Concert Series
People don’t come to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to tackle the same old thing. They come for the adventures and mountain experience, and we have plenty (now including award winning music). NEW this summer, is the Eagle’s Eye Summer Mountain Concert Series, presented in partnership with Stubhub. Ride the gondola, to Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at 7,700 ft. where you’ll enjoy the amazing views of 6 mountain ranges and 5 national parks while listening to the tranquil crooning of our two musical acts chosen specifically to match the ambiance of one of the most spectacular mountain settings in Canada – Joe Nolan on July 4th & Old Man Luedecke on August 9th. Get more information about Eagle’s Eye Restaurant on our website.
Longer Summer Operation Dates
Summer just got longer at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! This summer, we’ve decided to extend the summer operations by nearly a full month! The new summer season will officially start on May 30th (with a special Bike Park preview weekend on May 20th & 21st) and will extend all the way to September 27th!
- Published in Winter