fortress no closing and being upgraded

August 18, 2003


MAJOR LIFT OVERHAUL PLANNED AT FORTRESS SKI RESORT
RCR Responds to Skier Requests to Keep Unique Area Open This Winter

CALGARY, Alberta – Work will begin almost immediately to modernize ski lifts at the unique Fortress Mountain ski resort in Kananaskis Country in time for opening this winter, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies announced today.

“Our customers told us loudly and in large numbers they want to ski and board the powder at Fortress Mountain this winter,” said Matt Mosteller, Senior Director of Business Development for the Calgary-based largest private operator of ski resorts in North America. “Resorts of the Canadian Rockies listens to its customers.”

Mr. Mosteller said RCR will quickly seek the permits necessary to rebuild the existing lift system to guarantee increased reliability, comfort, speed and capacity for the upcoming season. The exact budget will only be determined once contracts are let.

Faced with skyrocketing power and insurance costs, RCR conducted an extensive review of the economic viability of the Kananaskis resort, a favourite for boarders, freestylers powder hounds and families.

Although operation of the resort remains financially questionable at best, RCR decided to operate Fortress this season while working collaboratively with the provincial government to explore longer-term sustainability options. The company had actively considered consolidating Kananaskis resorts at its nearby Nakiska this winter.

Fortress Mountain will operate on the same powder-preservation schedule as it did last season, opening Wednesdays through Sundays inclusive, with additional operating days scheduled for the following holiday periods:

Christmas and New Years: December 17, 2003 to January 4, 2004
Family Day Weekend: February 11-17, 2004
Easter: April 7-13, 2004

Season passes are available immediately, with a 20 per cent discount available on all RCR passes through Sept. 20. Fortress prices range from $129 for a child to $929 for a family. Purchasers will also be permitted unlimited skiing at the world-famous Lake Louise ski area in the early season before Fortress opens for the winter and after it closes in the Spring. Fortress will also be included in the highly successful RCR Superpass, permitting unlimited skiing and boarding at five major resorts throughout Alberta and South Eastern British Columbia.

“Kananaskis can be the heart of the Alberta recreation experience year round for people of all ages if organizations work together to explore all possible, environmentally progressive opportunities,” added Mr. Mosteller





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