Tourism Sun Peaks Story Ideas - October 2009

For additional information on these or any other Sun Peaks Resort stories, please contact Melanie Simmons at communications@sunpeaksresort.com.

 I want to be the Snow Bum contest launches with a bang

People from around the globe are talking about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend three months on the slopes at Sun Peaks Resort in the BC Interior. I want to be the Snow Bum launched October 1^st and people like Jem from Somerset, England, Michael from Milwaukee, USA, Ian from Toronto, Canada and Rachel from Pitt Meadows, BC are just a few potential Bums who have already pulled out their video cameras to show their enthusiasm, passion and energy for winter sport and why they should be the Snow Bum at Sun Peaks for the winter. Check out their entries at http://www.snowbumcanada.com/ and find out how you can be the Sun Peaks Snow Bum! A prize valued at $35,000, this includes airfare, season's pass, accommodation, equipment, outerwear, food and more! In return for all the perks, the winner will keep the rest of the world up to date on their adventures at Sun Peaks through social media avenues such as Facebook, Twitter and the official Snow Bum blog. Videos must be submitted by Sunday, November 15. Twenty finalists will be announced November 19. The winner will be announced December 1 and will begin their three month stay at Sun Peaks on January 4, 2010.

 The Austrians Arrive at Sun Peaks focused on 2010

The best skiers in the world will be returning to Sun Peaks Resort in November 2009 for their final tune-up before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler. For the last 5 years, the Austrian National Ski Team has enjoyed exclusive rights to train at Sun Peaks in the Nancy Greene International Race Centre before the first world cup event of the season. Both the men's and women's national teams will be training for Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G in the lift-accessed training centre at Sun Peaks. And keep an eye out for our own Olympic Gold Medalist, Nancy Greene, who calls Sun Peaks home. Meet Nancy at the top of the Sunburst Chairlift most weekends for a complimentary mountain tour.

 Sun Peaks Fire Fighters' Support Local Charities

Fire Fighters at Sun Peaks will be polishing their boots and pressing their uniforms for the annual Fire Fighters' Gala at the resort on November 21. The Mountain Formal evening held in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort hotel is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Guests enjoy a three-course dinner, an impressive silent auction and dancing into the wee hours of the morning with live music from the Rim Shots&all for three great charities. Ticket proceeds go to the Sun Peaks Fire Department Society and all silent auction proceeds will benefit the Sun Peaks Alpine Club and the Kamloops Child Development Society. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-807-3257.

Oct 15 - from ATMS messenger
Not A Typical Tour- Discover Alaska Your Way
WASILLA, Alaska-Natural and cultural history interpretation brings Alaska to life for those visiting this vast land. Tour operator Alaska Outdoors allows visitors to engage in and experience Alaska in an affordable and experiential way... Alaska Outdoors

Save the African Mountain Gorillas, One Excercise at a Time
TAMPA, Florida- Tour operator Terra Incognita Ecotours has joined with fitness specialists Fit for Trips to create a training program that will allow travelers on the In the Realm of the Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda trip to prepare themselves physically for a walk on the wild side in the footsteps of Dian Fossey and the gorillas of Rwanda... Fit for Trips

Fjord Norway's Jørgensen Joins Adventure Travel Advisory Board
SEATTLE, Wash.- Kristian B. Jørgensen, Managing Director of the Fjord Norway Tourist Board, today was named to the Adventure Travel Trade Association Advisory Board... Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

Morgan's Rock Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary
OCOTAL BEACH, NICARAGUA-Nicaragua's leading romantic destination, Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its opening on October 12, 2004... Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge

Pacuare Lodge Honored in Conde Nast Traveler's World Save Awards
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica- Pacuare Lodge- Costa Rica's quintessential whitewater rafting eco-resort has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as a finalist in the Preservation and Doing it All categories of the 2009 World Saver Awards... Pacuare Lodge

Bike and Beer Cultures Collide on Brewery Tour in Fort Collins
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Home to numerous micro-breweries and a Budweiser plant, there is only one thing this Front Range town takes more seriously than beer and that's bikes. Here, the bike culture and beer culture collide to create a European vibe... Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau

Adventure Travel Trade Association Achieves Key Milestones in 2009: Membership Growth, World Summit Registrations
SEATTLE, Wash.- With the October 12, 2009, addition of Mexican tour operator Ecoaventura Mexicana, the global Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has grown to 500 corporate memberships representing 56 countries... Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

Discover the Diverse Scenery and Cultures of South America -- on a Bike
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Forget Europe: savvy travelers know THE up-and-coming cycling destination is South America. Renowned for its wide-ranging rides, no other region offers the assorted landscapes of mountains and beaches as well as fascinating people and captivating cultures. South America is the Holy Grail... ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours

Oct 14 - From ATMS

Fjord Norway's Jørgensen Joins Adventure Travel Advisory Board

 SEATTLE, Wash; October 14, 2009 - Kristian B. Jørgensen, Managing Director of the Fjord Norway Tourist Board, today was named to the Adventure Travel Trade Association Advisory Board.

As Managing Director of Fjord Norway, Jørgensen oversees a region that is found in the Western part of Norway and stretches from Stavanger in the south to Ålesund in the north. Fjord Norway is a region that was rated by National Geographic Traveler's panel of specialists as the world's most attractive, unspoiled and best cared for UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jørgensen also brings exceptional destination marketing expertise, innovative sustainable tourism sensibilities and important European perspectives to the ATTA, a global trade association representing members from 56 countries. Jørgensen, veteran traveler having visited more than 80 countries and who speaks five languages, leads the Fjord Norway Tourist Board, an organization which has been nominated the best destination marketing company in Europe and has seen a 25 percent growth of tourism in the last four years.

Established in 1990, the Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences, the ATTA also makes possible http://www.adventure.travel/, the travelers hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators from around the globe.

Oct 13 - From Tourism BC

Kootenay Rockies Powder Highway Beckons the Ultimate Ski Bum: Take one of the most coveted ski destinations on the planet. Add three entire months of exploration on four famed mountain ranges: the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees. Drop in eight resorts, and the highest concentration of snowcat and heli operations anywhere, not to mention endless glaciers, peaks, tree stashes and bowls, all linked together by one adventurous road, and then make it all free. Need more? Throw in cosy accommodation and a sweet ride for three months, one very lucky winner and you've got the The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum contest. From January 1 -March 31, 2010, the Ultimate Ski Bum will revel in unlimited day passes at eight resorts (Red Mountain, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Kimberley, Whitewater, Panorama, and Fairmont Hot Springs); 16 days of Heli/Cat skiing from, you guessed it, 16 powder greats, including Powder Cowboy and Big Red Cats; accommodation, return flight and vehicle rental (plus gas). Beginning October 5, 2009, submit a 90-second video explaining why you should be the Ultimate Ski Bum; the winner will be announced December 1, 2009, as voted by video viewers and the Powder Highway Ski Resort judges. For full details, plus a bit of inspiration, visit http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,hypv,gp9p,g9r6,buv

The Thompson Okanagan tempts with another beguiling adventure:

Snow Bum Forever... Or At Least this Winter in Sun Peaks: Got any plans this winter? You just might want to shelf them as Sun Peaks Resort launches an incentive sure to entice snow sliders into early retirement. The I Want to Be the Snow Bum contest is open to all skiers and snowboarders, whether you simply want to put school or work on hold or are looking to check off another goal on your "Life List." One lucky winner will spend January through March skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoe golfing (the resort's newest giggle). The Snow Bum package includes airfare to Kamloops, a season's pass for Sun Peaks, food vouchers, accommodation in fine hotels, equipment and outerwear, as well as VIP and backstage passes to resort events and functions. To win, submit a 60-second video showcasing your wit, charisma, love of mountains, and ability to keep the rest of the envious world updated on your activities through social media avenues such as Facebook, Twitter, and the official Snow Bum blog. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,5fqs,elf5,g9r6,buv; http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,dj8k,bhqf,g9r6,buv

Paralympians Get Schooled At Kimberley's New Training Centre: Kimberley Alpine Resort's new Paralympic Race Training Centre is off the drawing boards and under construction. The new year-round, $6-million dollar facility is designed with both disabled and able-bodied athletes in mind; when the lifts close for the season, fitness and dry-land training will take priority in non-winter months. In addition to training facilities, look for meeting and change rooms, an audio-visual department and a conference space to hold 500 people. This marks yet another milestone in a long tradition at the resort which earlier this year hosted an International Paralympic Committee-sanctioned race. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Jerry and Annie Johnson, the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers was founded here on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in 1976. Visitors to Kimberley will also find a bit of luxury at the new Bellstar-managed ski-in/ski-out Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa. In addition to 11 sister properties in BC and the Alberta Rockies, Mountain Spirit marks Calgary-based Bellstar's first move into the ski resort market. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,2pqe,dkig,g9r6,buv

Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers the ultimate Ski and Ride Adventure: With lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing all in one Kootenay Rockies playground  the only resort on the planet to offer all four to powderhounds - Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a revelation. Add massive Selkirk Mountains terrain, the highest lift-serviced vertical skiing in North America, and ski-in/ski-out slope-side accommodation with lift, heli and cat access from the base of the gondola, and you've got it made. While a December 5th opening day will beckon skiers and snowboarders to the slopes, it will also reveal a new slope-side addition: the much-anticipated Revelstoke Outdoors Centre, situated in Nelsen Lodge at the foot of Revelation Gondola. A one-stop shop for the town's ski and boarding pros, the centre will offer top-notch programs including avalanche skills courses, guided backcountry trips, cat- and heli-prep sessions and specialty mountain education options. The best part? You can book a multitude of adventures in just one visit, leaving ample opportunity to snag a much-sought Mid-Mountain Lodge granola bar  perfect to power you through one of the resort's powder-filled bowls. Also on schedule for 2010, Nelsen Lodge will unveil their second installment with 56 new suites (ranging from studio to penthouse digs), and a new restaurant with adjacent retail space. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,k8cp,hda7,g9r6,buv

Hang With Olympians and Paralympians on Vancouver Island: When Vancouver Island's Mount Washington Alpine Resort hosted its first International Paralympic Committee Nordic contests in 2008, eyes were already trained across the Strait of Georgia on the slopes of Callaghan Valley where the new Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park was beginning to take shape. Why? Same elevation, same weather conditions, same mountain ambience. Small wonder that beginning this January over 23 Nordic and Alpine teams from 10 countries will journey to the Comox Valley to train and just plain relax their nerves until Olympic and Paralympic show time. Show up and rub shoulders with the world's best, especially in the laid-back Raven XC Lodge. If the rumored debut of Slopestyle as a snowboard event at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, is true, Mt. Washington's new Stomping Ground Terrain Park - with its $150,000 investment in rails, flat, down-flat, multi-drop, and battleship boxes - will be a west coast talent incubator. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,j2sq,gvhz,g9r6,buv

Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park Partners with Callaghan Country to provide Nordic Skiing in Callaghan Valley: Hosting a big party is never easy, especially when it comes to keeping the neighbours happy. A time-honoured tradition to avoid trouble is inviting everyone to join in. With this spirit in mind, Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park has forged a new partnership for the 2010 season with its longtime backcountry ski lodge neighbour, Callaghan Country, to offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Callaghan Valley. The move combines 30 kilometres of Olympic trail system with all of Callaghan Country's 42 kilometres of routes. Toss in another 15 kilometres of snowshoe trails, including a newly-brushed-out section to Alexander Falls, for good measure. As the Olympic competition area will not be open to the public this winter, access to all of the Callaghan Valley's recreational trails will be via Callaghan Country's operation base where skier services such as lessons, rentals, tours, a warming hut and full-service ski shop will also be available (provided by Whistler's Cross Country Connection). Opening day is set for November 21; earlier if conditions permit. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,d7uz,6r0h,g9r6,buv; http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,h6c5,4scc,g9r6,buv; http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,7y1j,igvq,g9r6,buv

Big White Cruises Into 2010: Big White Ski Resort is set to kick off the winter season with a cork-pulling splash. On December 12, for one night only, the resort rebrands itself as Big Red when it hosts the new Premier Red Wine Tasting Festival at the Village Centre. This gala evening coincides with the new vintage release of Okanagan reds - think Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir - from the region's 100-plus wineries. And with the imminent arrival of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, there are a whole lot of expectations to toast as well. Come February, revellers aboard the Norwegian Star will break out the bubbly to salute the big event when Big White's 10-day, 2010 cruise-and-ski package rolls out. From Los Angeles, passengers will take four leisure-filled days to reach Vancouver (with a full day stopover in Victoria), just in time to regain their land legs while soaking up the buzz on the streets. Then it's on to Big White for five days on the slopes where Olympic celebrations are in full swing. One thing is certain: there'll never be another sea-to-ski voyage to match this jaunt. http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=llfl,19c1u,2nqf,dki6,4ygi,g9r6,buv


Oct 8 - from ATMS
NEWS
Observe Survival of the Fittest - Not Live It with a Luxury Cruise Through the Galapagos Islands
QUITO, Ecuador -- Famous as a "living laboratory," the Galapagos Islands team with biodiversity both above and beneath the water's surface. From playful sea lions to giant tortoises and marine iguanas, nature runs abound, creating a haven for wildlife-loving tourists... Latin Trails

Activity Sector Adventure Distribution North America
CHICAGO, Ill.-Following an internal review TUI Travel PLC Activity Sector is to consolidate its back office systems in its three North American distributors of adventure travel products. To support future growth, iExplore and the Adventure Centre, both based in the USA, and Trek Holidays in Canada, will assume a central management structure ... iExplore

Winter Dew Tour Crashes Colorado: Top Boarders take to Breck's Slopes
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.- It won't be long before Colorado's high country is a winter wonderland. With plans to open their 2,208 acre, world-renowned ski resort in the second week of November, Breckenridge is ready for the big season... Breckenridge Resort Chamber

Piedras y Olas - Weddings Hosts with the Most
SAN JUAN del SUR, Nicaragua-Set above the cosmopolitan fishing village of San Juan del Sur on the southern coast of Nicaragua, the popular Piedras y Olas Hotel can provide a wedding party that dreams are made of, actually a variety of weddings with many happy dreams. The one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, resort and residential community ... Piedras y Olas, A Pelican Eyes Resort

Adventure Travel Media Source Announces New Client - Hotel Eco Paraiso
WELLINGTON, Colo.-Adventure Travel Media Source, an online company that delivers publicity and media relations services for adventure travel clients around the world is pleased to announce that it is now representing Hotel Eco Paraiso, located in Celestun on the northern Gulf of Mexico, province of Yucatan, Mexico... Eco Paraiso Hotel

Adventure Travel Media Source Announces New Client Terra Incognita Ecotours
WELLINGTON, Colo-Adventure Travel Media Source, a firm that offers Public Relations services for adventure travel companies around the world is pleased to announce that it is now representing Terra Incognita Ecotours, an adventure travel company that is committed to making a difference to travelers and to the places they visit... Terra Incognita Ecotours

Oct 6
NEWS
Adventure Calls When the Snow Falls in Northern Arizona
MORMON LAKE, Ariz.- At Mormon Lake Lodge, you don't just deal with winter, you embrace it. Here visitors can take advantage of cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing across Northern Arizona's winter wonderland. Welcome to ski heaven... Mormon Lake Lodge

Mix Business with Pleasure in Moab, Utah
MOAB, Utah-Is your company looking for something a little different for your next business conference, retreat or training seminar? Want to treat your employees to something special without spending a fortune? Moab is all of this and so much more... Moab Travel Council

Book 2010 Special Events at Rock Harbor Lodge Today
HOUGHTON, Mich.- Isle Royale is special place. It's an island. It's a National Park. But those who come here will find more than that: They'll find an adventure. Rock Harbor Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Superior within Isle Royale National Park... Isle Royale Resorts - Rock Harbor Lodge

Improve Your Kayaking Skills with Renaissance Adventure Guides Costa Rican Adventure Vacation
DENVER, Colo.-Renaissance Adventure Guides is offering a Costa Rican kayaking trip that gives beginner to intermediate paddlers the chance to improve their kayaking skills while seeing "hidden" Costa Rica Costa Rica's outdoor adventure playground is filled with beautiful rivers that few tourists ever get to see... Renaissance Adventure Guides

Press Brief: Praveen Moman, Co-Founder of Volcanoes Safaris Speaks about the Friend a Gorilla Campaign and the Plight of the African Mountain Gorillas
On September 26, 2009, Volcanoes Safaris co-founder Praveen Moman spoke to an audience of over 350 about the new project created by the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) called Friend A Gorilla and the plight of the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Africa. This event brought together hundreds of individuals from the industry... Volcanoes Safaris


Oct 5

Gabriola Island Annual Studio Tour

Darlene Foster sends this notice:

The Gabriola Island Annual Studio Tour will be held on Thanksgiving weekend, October 10, 11, & 12.  This is a fun get-a-way to a gorgeous island with an opportunity to visit almost 50 different artists in their own studios and galleries.  See potters at their wheels, jewellers at their benches, painters at their easels and weavers at their looms, to name a few. When you experience this weekend of artistic adventure you will see why Gabriola is called "The Isle of Arts".  The experience could make a great travel story. For more information visit www.gabriolaartscouncil.org

Oct 3 from Tourism Whistler