Media Release
For immediate
release
September 25, 2006
Public invited to explore mountain issues and stories at international alpine conference
Bow Valley locals will have an opportunity to explore mountain issues and stories with alpinists from across the globe next month, when the UIAA opens its doors for a number of free public sessions.
In support of the celebrations of the Alpine Club of Canada’s centennial, the UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme, or International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation) will hold its annual general assembly in Banff from October 9 to 14. As part of the gathering, several UIAA events at The Banff Centre will be open to the public. Space is limited, and these events are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On October 10 and 11, the UIAA and the Alpine Club of Canada will host a two-day session on the impact of climate change on the alpine environment. This session includes a day-long workshop at The Banff Centre and a field trip to Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about climate change from recognized experts from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Pre-registration is required. For more information go to www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/uiaa/.
On October 12, join the UIAA and The Banff Centre for “Women who have made a difference to the Mountaineering Community”. This event will feature presentations by Eliza Moran, president of the UIAA Mountaineering Commission; Sharon Wood, first North American woman to climb Everest; Bernadette McDonald, mountain writer and former vice president of Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre; Nancy Hansen, first woman to climb the fifty-four 11,000-foot peaks in the Canadian Rockies; Jillian Roulet, superintendent, Banff National Park; Helen Sovdat, ACMG guide; Charlotte Fox, only U.S. woman to complete three 8,000-metre ascents; Deb Gawrych, former president of USA Climbing; and Kim Reynolds, founder of Chicks with Picks. The session takes place at 7 p.m. (reception) and 7:30 p.m. (session) in the Professional Development Centre at The Banff Centre. The event is sponsored by Marmot Canada.
On October 14, don’t miss “The Great Canadian Slide Show” from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Rolston Recital Hall at The Banff Centre. Join Chic Scott, ACC President Cam Roe, Raphael Slawinski, and others for lively slide shows of their past and recent adventures. Donations will be accepted at the door for the newly formed Climbers Access Society of Alberta.
Media Contact
Jill Sawyer
Media and Communications Officer, The Banff Centre
403.762.6475
