Banff (AB), Canada (Thursday, July 6, 2006) -

Mount Norquay ski area in Alberta's Banff National Park asserts that it needs to include summer operations in order to survive. Alpine Canada Alpin, the governing body of ski racing in Canada, has officially endorsed the ski area's proposal. (photo: Ski Banff @ Norquay)

Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) announced today its full support for plans to keep alive the historic Mount Norquay ski area in Banff National Park.

In an open letter to the organization's more than 200,000 members, Alpine Canada Alpin President Ken Read said that the group endorses all current efforts to restore the financial viability and ensure long term survival of Banff Mount Norquay, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this season. Alpine Canada Alpin is the governing body of ski racing in Canada, from junior teams all the way up to World Cup competitors.

Read said ACA encourages the federal government and Parks Canada to endorse the Parks Forever proposal submitted by the owners of Mount Norquay, including Canadian Alpine Ski Team member Thomas Grandi and his family.

"Parks Forever is environmentally strong, and would be available to visitors year round. Norquay is asking Parks Canada to advance the Parks Forever proposal in a new long range plan, one which will undergo the most stringent independent environmental assessment in the country," wrote Read.

Mount Norquay, the smallest of the three Banff-area ski and snowboard resorts, is the only one currently denied summer use. In order to ensure survival, owners have advanced an interpretive and sight-seeing program designed to showcase the core values of Parks Canada while reducing the actual size of the resort and its building footprint.

"Norquay is losing money because it is allowed to operate in the winter only. Norquay, located in close proximity to the Town of Banff, is in danger of closing unless new revenues can be generated during the summer months. The owners have proposed to Parks Canada a world-caliber education and interpretive program entitled Parks Forever. The proposal highlights the values of Canada's first national park and will provide the resources required to sustain and enhance winter activities," Read added.

Banff Mount Norquay, a key partner of Alpine ski racing in Alberta, has welcomed skiers to its slopes since 1926 and has hosted many national, provincial and regional championships.