Fact Sheet

Banff Mountain Book Festival

November 5 to 7, 2008

What is the Banff Mountain Book Festival?

The Banff Mountain Book Festival is the largest book festival of its kind in the world. Each year, the Festival brings the spirit of outdoor adventure and the tradition of mountain literature to Banff, uniting writers, publishers, editors, photographers and, of course, readers. Featuring guest speakers, readings, seminars, an international book competition, a book fair, and book signings and launches, the festival offers a wide spectrum of experiences for the participants and the audience. The year 2008 marks the 15th anniversary of the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

What is the Banff Mountain Book Festival competition?

The Banff Mountain Book Festival is an internationally recognized literary competition. In 2008, more than 105 books from 14 countries were entered into the competition.

What awards are given?

Winners of the following awards will be announced at the book festival during the evening presentation on Thursday, November 6:

• GRAND PRIZE: Phyllis and Don Munday Award, sponsored by the Alberta Sections of the Alpine Club of Canada: $2000
• BEST BOOK — MOUNTAIN LITERATURE: Jon Whyte Award for Mountain Literature, sponsored by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff: $1000
• BEST BOOK — MOUNTAIN EXPOSITION, sponsored by Yamnuska Mountain Adventure: $500
• BEST BOOK — MOUNTAIN IMAGE, sponsored by Rocky Mountain Books, Calgary: $500
• BEST BOOK — ADVENTURE TRAVEL, sponsored by Batstar Adventure Tours, Port Alberni, B.C.: $500
• BEST BOOK — MOUNTAINEERING HISTORY: James Monroe Thorington Award for the Best Work of Mountaineering History, sponsored by UIAA: $500
• CANADIAN ROCKIES AWARD, sponsored by Deuter and selected by a local committee

What happens at the festival?

The festival includes presentations by special guests, readings, panel discussions, book signings and a mountain book fair.

Over its 15-year history, the festival has featured guests such as; David de Rothschild, John Harlin III, Ed Viesturs, James Tabor, Steph Davis, Jim Perrin, Jennifer Jordan, Mick Fowler, Dr. Bradford Washburn, Dr. Thomas Hornbein, Jon Krakauer, Wade Davis, Ed Douglas, Terry Tempest Williams, Joe Simpson, David Roberts, Greg Child, Jim Curran, David Breashears, Tim Cahill, Gretel Ehrlich, Sid Marty, Aron Ralston, Rick Ridgeway, and Alex Huber.

The 15th annual Banff Mountain Book Festival will feature Sid Marty, Dawa Steven Sherpa, Dr. Zeb Hogan, Lynn Martel, Maria Coffey, Topher Donahue, Michael Kennedy, Majka Burhardt, Bernadette McDonald and others.

What is Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre?

Mountain Culture is a unique division of The Banff Centre, one of Canada’s leading cultural and education institutions. Established in 1996, Mountain Culture programming promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places by creating opportunities for people to share — and find inspiration in — mountain experiences, ideas, and challenges.

IIn addition to the Book Festival, Mountain Culture activities include the Banff Mountain Film Festival (November 1 - 9, 2008), the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Banff Mountain Writing Program, Banff Adventure Photography Workshop, Banff Adventure Filmmakers’ Workshop, Banff Mountain Summits, the Banff Mountain Photography Competition, seminars, and grants for mountain projects.

What is The Banff Centre?

The Banff Centre is Canada’s only learning centre dedicated to creative excellence in the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. The Centre serves the needs of accomplished artists, business and community leaders, and members of the global mountain community through year-round programs designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre is also home to a world class conference facility.

Where is Banff?

Banff is located in the province of Alberta, Canada, about 130 km west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. Banff is situated in Banff National Park, which is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Banff is Canada’s oldest and most popular national park.

How can I get more information?

Details about Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre events and programs may be found on the festival website at www.banffmountainfestivals.ca

Media contact:

Jill Sawyer
Media and Communications Officer
The Banff Centre
phone: 403-762-6475; fax: 403-762-6158
e-mail:

The 15th annual Banff Mountain Book Festival, presented by Canadian Mountain Holidays and National Geographic; sponsored by New Balance, Patagonia, Deuter, Outdoor Research, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, and Gortex; with assistance from the Alpine Club of Canada, The Mountaineers Books, Rocky Mountain Books, CBC Radio-Canada, the Calgary Herald, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.