The Canadian Ski Patrol Ski Swap is one of the biggest draws at the annual Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show, Oct 27-29, 2023. Photo: Toronto Ski Show, RothMedia
From the West Coast to the East, cogs in the workings of Canada’s ski machine are starting to spin. Ski shows, season openers and new stuff at ski areas are on our radar this week. Let’s get to it:
BUCKLE UP! THE SKI SHOW IS COMING TO TORONTO
The Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show takes over the International Centre in Mississauga from October 27-29, 2023. Highlights of this year’s show include opportunities to connect with Olympic gold-medallist Dara Howell, Canadian freeskier and two-time Olympian Evan McEachran, and Junior World Champion Charlie Beatty. Dan Egan, a pioneer of extreme sports who has ventured into some of the most remote regions in ski country will recount his career, including appearances in 13 Warren Miller ski films. And attendees can catch the exclusive showing of “The Land of Giants,” a Matchstick Productions film featuring today’s hottest skiers. Another top draw is the Canadian Ski Patrol Ski Swap with 2,000 new and pre-owned skis, boards, boots, and accessories available for purchase. Every purchase supports training programs and volunteer first aid services at ski areas. But the top, top, top draw, of course, is SKI CANADA magazine’s booth. Drop by and say hi, and find out more about Canadian Ski Vacations trips.
MEC’s Season Openers feature films, prizes and pro athlete chats on climate advocacy. Photo: MEC
MEC’S ANNUAL SEASON OPENERS GATHER PRO ATHLETES TO DISCUSS CLIMATE ADVOCACY
Mountain Equipment Company’s annual Season Openers return to stores across Canada starting October 22. Co-sponsored by MEC, Arc’teryx and Protect Our Winters (POW Canada), these ticketed events include films, talks and prizes “to get you pumped for the coming snow season.” The “chat” this year will be focussed on climate change: Pro mountain athletes, ambassadors, and outdoor industry professionals lend their voice to a national movement for climate action. “Together we’ll discuss climate advocacy,” promises MEC, “including the effects of climate change in the local mountains and snowpack, and the power of community in creating change.”
DATES:
October 22 – MEC Vancouver
October 25 – MEC Montreal
October 29 – MEC Toronto
November 1 – MEC Calgary All proceeds from this event are being donated to #MECOutdoorImpact partner @protectourwinterscanada
MIKE WIEGELE HELI-SKIING SELLS TO ALTERRA
In case the news didn’t reach you somehow last week, there was a shake-up in Blue River. Bonnie Wiegele and daughter Michelle Wiegele announced that Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing (MWHS) will be sold to Alterra Mountain Company. It’ll be Alterra’s 18th destination operation. Other Canadian properties include Blue Mountain, Tremblant and Canadian Mountain Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures (CMH). Alterra is also owner of the Ikon Pass. “Mike and I were always committed to an enduring future for the business,” says Bonnie Wiegele. “This sale ensures MWHS will continue to be one of the most unique powder skiing experiences in the world for the next 50 years.” The sale transaction is expected to close in late 2023 and is subject to certain closing conditions including regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Silver Star’s Des Schumann Express doubles capacity this winter. Photo: Silver Star
SILVER STAR’S NEW RFID AND GONDOLA NEWS
SilverStar Mountain Resort in B.C.’s Okanagan has doubled the capacity of its Des Schumann Summit Express, a high-speed detachable eight-passenger gondola installed in 2017. The initial installation featured 21 cabins. This winter, the resort will add 21 more—reaching the gondola’s total capacity of 2,400 riders per hour.
Also at SilverStar, new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) gates will scan all passes and tickets, eliminating the need to present a ticket to get checked at the lifts. The resort’s new season ski pass includes two free ski days at Sun Peaks, Apex and Whitewater Ski Resort, 25 percent off lift tickets at additional partner resorts, mountain discounts including lessons and food and beverage, and access to seven mountain activities based in Silver Star: night skiing, tubing, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Chalet Chic is the vibe of new renos at Fairmont Tremblant. Photo: Fairmont Tremblant
FAIRMONT TREMBLANT: YOU’RE SO GOLDEN
Fairmont Tremblant has upped its game with extensive renos debuting November, 2023. The vibe is definitely “chalet chic” in the new Fairmont Gold rooms, suites and lounge. The slopeside hotel’s outdoor “wellness oasis” is new, too: a thermal circuit that features a waterfall, hot whirlpool and cold plunge pool, all overlooking Tremblant’s ski scape.
SKI PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Austrian photographer Tom Bause’s photo titled Freeride Skiing in Innsbruck shows just how unique skiing in Austria can be. In Innsbruck, the self-proclaimed capital of Austrian skiing, you can stroll streets full of imperial elegance and Baroque and Gothic architecture in the Old Town, and then take a cable car and be at 2,000m in just 20 minutes. Photo: © Innsbruck Tourist Board
