Tourism Rossland is opening its doors and slopes to 24 members from the Western Chapter of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) this weekend.
In partnership with Tourism British Columbia and Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Whitewater Ski Resort and Red Mountain Resort will guide the group of 24 journalists into some of the best ski terrain the area has to offer as well as explore its unique culture and history.
“We’re doing this to introduce them to the area and give them a taste of the skiing that we have to offer and also to experience our communities,” said Graham Edwards, director of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.
The group begins its Kootenay experience in Rossland on Friday and jumps between Red Mountain Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort until Tuesday.
The journalists will also absorb unique cultural events such as he Rossland Winter Carnival and the Smith Optics Whitewater Junior Freeski Competition, in addition to enjoying local restaurants, music and experiencing the eclectic mountain lifestyle.
“They’re coming here in a journalistic capacity to experience and see the area for themselves,” said Deanne Steven director of Tourism Rossland, adding that the impact from the stories and photos generated during this event will have a tremendous economic impact.
“They will go back and write some very positive stories about skiing in the area and talk about the communities which will in turn generate more visitors to our area . . . It creates jobs, generates revenue, sustains all the things that we value in the community.”
The ski journalists, all hailing from the Pacific Northwest, include photographers and writers who contribute to publications such as Powder Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Ski Magazine, New York Times, and National Geographic.