Banff (AB), Canada (Wednesday, October 26, 2005) - Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) has accepted an offer by the Banff Rail Co., Inc. (BRC) to purchase the dormant Fortress Mountain ski and snowboard resort located an hour west of Calgary. Completion of the transaction is subject to the execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between RCR and BRC and the obtaining of all necessary regulatory approvals, upon which Fortress Mountain operation and assets will transfer in full from RCR to BRC.

Situated in the Kananaskis Valley, Fortress Mountain was closed by RCR following the 2003-04 ski and snowboard season. BRC has indicated its intent to begin preparations for the upcoming season, and to reopen the resort as soon as snow conditions permit.

"Over the years, Fortress Mountain has faced significant economic challenges, but BRC will give it a new lease on life," says Zrinko Amerl, the president of BRC. "This magnificant part of Kananaskis Country has a special place in hearts of many Albertans, and we plan to put it back there. It has always been the place of fun and legendary snow conditions. We will strive to bring that environment back."

Due to the year of dormancy, provincial authorities require Fortress' lifts to be re-certified as if they were new devices. The Canadian Chair, Backside Chair and Baby T-bar are all expected to open beginning Dec. 9. The Curved T-bar isn't scheduled to operate until Feb. 12, 2006. As work continues on the Curved T-bar and Farside Chair, Fortress will offer cat skiing tours to the Farside area, weather permitting.

BRC officials hope to have the Fortress Hotel available for day lodge operations by Dec. 9. Barring that, however, contingency plans are in place for a temporary base lodge building. BRC plans to then spend the next 18 months renovating the Fortress Hotel, during which time limited rooms will be available for overnight guests at reduced rates.

BRC intends to maintain Fortress' family-friendly image. To that end, daycare will be available for children ages 19 months to 6 years, and the company will be installing a magic carpet lift to aid in the teaching of youngsters.

BRC officials are also in discussions regarding the rebuilding of the resort's snowmaking system. In the meantime, however, Fortress skiers and riders will rely upon natural snow to cover the trails.