Banff-Lake Louise Resorts Support Future Champions

November 28th, 2008: BANFF-LAKE LOUISE, Alberta, Canada

Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village, through their joint venture, are proud to announce their new partnership with Alberta Alpine Ski Association, encouraging the development of young Albertan athletes in alpine ski racing.

“We realize the potential these young athletes have, and are excited and honoured to help Alberta Alpine provide a strong, nurturing environment for them to grow in,” said Dan Markham, Marketing Director for the resorts’ joint venture. “Their programs develop future champions, so we are proud to help improve this sport, not only in the local area, but throughout Canada and the world.”

Alberta Alpine represent over 3,400 members and 35 ski clubs, supported by volunteers and corporate partners who invest their time, resources and enthusiasm to nurture local young athletes in this sport. Many of these members are based around Banff National Park, and have grown up on the surrounding mountains.

Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village are training grounds for many of the world’s finest alpine ski racers, thanks to almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, 274 runs and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May – accompanied by some of the world’s most challenging terrain and the World Cup circuit, providing the only Canadian World Cup Downhill and Super G races.

“For over 80 years alpine ski racing has enjoyed a strong relationship with these ski areas – hosting the annual World Cup, Canadian Championship and provincial level events,” said Ken Read, Alberta Alpine President. “This training ground has been a large part of the success of Alberta Alpine and the Alberta Ski Team – from Olympic medalists and World Cup winners to building a lifelong passion for skiing with tens of thousands of the young athletes within our programs.”

Local Alberta Alpine graduates Thomas Grandi, Jan Hudec and John Kucera, all World Cup winners leading the current success of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, are an example of the success of these programs. Through this joint venture sponsorship, the three ski areas aim to see future generations of young athletes flourish from Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.

For additional information, interviews, story ideas or access to high resolution images please contact:

Liz Robins
Media Relations Manager
Email: Media@SkiBig3.com
Phone: 403–760–7742
www.skibig3.com

Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine is Canada’s largest ski destination, a joint venture of three of the world’s finest ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village. Available on one tri-area lift ticket, our three resorts offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May, all in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.