🗻Everest’s Shocking New Shortcut

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’ve got a strange new story about climbers using a banned gas to fast-track their way up Everest. What’s the Bow Valley connection? Canmore locals helped pioneer some of the mountain’s most legendary—and grueling—routes, making this high-tech shortcut all the more eyebrow-raising.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• The snow festival in Banff & Lake Louise begins this week (aka SnowDays)

• Hockey Day in Canada, hosted in Canmore, also begins this week

• Passing one of the new Parks Canada snowplows on the HWY could cost you

• The latest on Canmore’s fireguard project

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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THE CHANGING FACE OF EVEREST: FROM CANMORE’S SHARON WOOD TO XENON GAS

What’s happening? Canmore’s rich mountaineering heritage, defined by historic climbs like Sharon Wood’s 1986 Everest ascent, contrasts sharply with today’s commercialized “flash expeditions,” which promise to summit Everest in as little as a week using xenon gas.

Climbing the hard way. Canmore’s legacy boasts climbs that embody resilience and skill. Sharon Wood’s ascent via Everest’s challenging West Ridge was unsupported (without sherpas) and remains unrepeated. 

Shortcut to the top. On the other end of the spectrum, modern expeditions like Furtenbach Adventures leverage xenon gas, a banned performance enhancer in sports, to accelerate acclimatization and minimize time spent on the mountain. Critics argue this undermines the spirit of climbing, while proponents claim it enhances safety.

Tradition vs. technology. As Everest evolves into a playground for wealthy thrill-seekers, Canmore’s climbers remind us of the value of grit, camaraderie, and the journey—not just the summit.

THE DIGEST

• 🚧SnowDays is coming to Banff from January 17 to February 2, with snow sculptures, skijoring, and winter fun—but also plenty of road closures. Banff Ave, Bear Street, and Central Park will see detours throughout the festival. Check the full list of closures here—or just avoid driving downtown altogether.

• 🛣️Parks Canada’s new snowplows are clearing highways faster with the ability to remove snow from two lanes simultaneously.  But, drivers must follow new rules: no passing in low visibility or unsafe conditions, or it could land you a $324 fine. 

• 👣Looking to make winter nights memorable? Try star walking in Kananaskis. Trails like Hogarth Lake offer a serene mix of stargazing and snowshoeing, with no light pollution and sparkling snow underfoot. Pro tip: watch for wildlife—it’s usually just a fox, but your imagination might say otherwise.

• ⛔Kananaskis is gearing up for a full lockdown as world leaders gather for the G7 Summit this June. Expect restricted access to the area, with sweeping security measures in place, including road closures and heavy military presence. It's going to be a tight squeeze for anyone planning to visit K-Country.

• 🧊Ice Magic, an ice sculpture festival at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, is reserved for hotel guests, BUT locals have a shot at tickets. If you’re from Banff, Canmore, or nearby, snag a spot for January 29–30. Proof of residence is required. 

• 🧗Balin Miller just made the first known solo repeat of The Reality Bath on White Pyramid, a Rockies ice climb route so dangerous it’s been described as “of little value except to those suicidally inclined.” Graded WI5+ or WI6- (basically, super freakin’ hard), Miller completed the climb, adding to his impressive solo resume.

FORTIFYING CANMORE AGAINST THE FLAMES

What’s happening? Canmore is fortifying its defenses against wildfires with a new fireguard project designed to protect the town and surrounding communities. Officials broke ground on the initiative last fall, aiming to curb fire risks exacerbated by aging forests and decades of fire suppression.

Why it matters? Wildfire is the Bow Valley’s top natural hazard, with devastating fires like Jasper’s 2024 blaze serving as a sobering reminder. The fireguard spans 200 hectares of harvested forest and 116 hectares of thinned-out trees near key areas, creating a buffer to slow wildfire spread and protect lives, homes, and infrastructure.

Nature in balance. While the project reshapes the landscape, it aims to mimic nature’s effects by opening forest canopies and boosting habitat forage for species like elk and bears. Sensitive areas, including woodpecker nesting zones, remain untouched to preserve wildlife.

Looking ahead. Set to finish in 3–5 years, the project’s cost remains undisclosed but will be offset by timber sales. Similar efforts are underway across Alberta, ensuring communities are better prepared for future fires.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• RUDEGIRLS X UNLTD Community Ride Day. Embrace the thrill and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It doesn't matter if it's your first time or if you're a park veteran - this event is for all! 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Sunshine Village. Free (Limited Spots). 

• Winter Business Book Club. Kick-off the year by defining what being successful means to you. Then, discuss with fellow business owners and find out how they are building their business to be successful. 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Free Tax Workshop! Tax season is approaching, and the Job Resource Centre is hosting a workshop on understanding your payslip and T4. Register at [email protected] or call 403-431-0091. 6:30 PM. 111 Banff Ave. Free.

• Avalanche Discussions. An evening of presentations, captivating films, door prizes, and incredible craft beer. Hosted by Barry Blanchard with presentations by Tim Ricci and Scott Thumlert. Door prizes and giveaways sponsored by Arc'Teryx, K2 Skis, and Yamnuska. 6:30 PM. Sheepdog Brewing. Free. 

• Canmore Death Cafe. Join volunteer co-hosts Valerie, Jackie and Judy as they gather to discuss everything that you know, don’t know, have experienced, are scared to talk about, are dying to talk about about death. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Lady MacDonald Inn. Free. 

Thursday

• Bear Street Hub. Experience live entertainment right in the heart of Banff, featuring an eclectic lineup of talented artists from across Alberta. Enjoy a mix of live music, circus acts, street performers, and impressive snow and ice carving demonstrations. 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Bear Street, Banff. Free. 

• Festival Play Zone. This winter playground offers fat biking, hockey shots, curling, and more classic Canadian games. Marvel at stunning snow sculptures and enjoy lively entertainment that makes this the ultimate destination for snowy fun. 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Banff Central Park. Free. 

• Women’s Circle Paint Night. Come for a relaxed painting evening and create a unique painting to take home! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free. 

• Poker Night. Come play Thursday night poker at the Canmore Legion with a fun group of regulars. Enjoy great eats from Avi's Kitchen and refreshing beverages. New players are welcome. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion.

• Author Talk. Join in after hours for a spirited discussion of Alpine Rising: Sherpas, Baltis, and the Triumph of Local Climbers in the Greater Ranges by Bernadette McDonald. Bernadette will be joined by Leslie Taylor, Banff's first Mayor. 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Arctic Expedition Talk. This presentation by Pascale Marceau, Canmore resident and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, shares stories of a 7-week ski expedition with the simple goal of eliminating competitiveness and syncing with nature. 7:30 PM. artPlace, Canmore. Regular $15 / members $12.75/ youth $7.50.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤼Women’s Self-Defense. Try out a class at Dark Horse Martial Arts.  Every Saturday at 11 AM.  The best part: it’s free! 

• 🍻Birthday Bash. Canmore Brewing Company is turning 8! They are throwing themselves a huge birthday bash complete with live bands, food trucks, and great beer deals. January 25. Free admission and family friendly. 

• 🚠Chairlift Renamed: Eddie’s Chair. On Friday, January 17th at 10 AM, Mount Norquay will honour Eddie Hunter, a beloved member of the Banff ski community, with the renaming of Chair #26 to Eddie’s Chair, #1926 – marking both Eddie’s birth year and Norquay’s founding

• 🎟50/50 Tickets. Support local hockey in the Bow Valley by purchasing a 50/50 ticket! All proceeds go directly to helping grow the game, supporting players, and strengthening our community.

• 📝Last Day to Fill Out the CYAN Survey. Don’t miss your chance to complete the survey and be entered to win 1 of 8 $10 vouchers to @eclipsecoffeeroasters. The survey closes today.

• 🔆100 Day Challenge. Rock Cycle & Studio is excited to host 100 days of commitment to mental health. It's totally free and joining will encourage you to commit to 10 minutes of movement each day for 100 days. Starts January 21st.

• 🐕Dog Park in Banff. The winter off-leash dog park is open on Hawk Avenue in the Industrial District. The sustained sub-zero temperature and inspections cleared the winter park for use.

• 🎸Music Registration. If you want to play an instrument, sing, or refresh forgotten music abilities, the Valley Winds Music Association is a wonderful way to experience the joy of music and learning in our community. 

• 🍺Hockey Pints. Stop into Canmore Brewing, Wednesday through Saturday, for $6 pints. Beer and hockey. What more could you ask for? 

• 👨‍🎨Endowment for the Arts. Applications are now being accepted for the Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts: Emerging Artist Bursary. The deadline to apply is today.

• 💃🏻Salsa Socials. Join the dance class at 8 PM for some fun tips and to meet new partners. Afterward, party with a DJ, social dancing, and snacks! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experts and everything in between.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: COMMUNITY CRUISERS

Community Cruisers has a simple mission to promote bicycle use for transportation as a means to improve health, sustainability, and equity in the Bow Valley with hub workshops in Banff and Canmore. 

Truly a community-based organization, Community Cruisers provides access to tools and equipment to work on bikes, opportunities to learn from volunteer mentors, refurbished bikes for sale, and secure bicycle parking at community events.

CIVIC NEWS

• Shell Canada is conducting remediation and reclamation at a former wellsite in the Jamieson Road area, north of Township Road 262 off Range Road 70. This project involves transporting impacted soil for disposal at a landfill and, if necessary, bringing in clean fill material. The MD of Bighorn has put in place extra safety measures during this time and understands this activity may cause some temporary inconvenience for residents and visitors in the area. 

• Due to a low number of responses from Banff businesses, the Town of Banff is extending their survey of owners and managers about scheduling or hiring staff and any impacts from childcare availability in Banff. This voluntary and anonymous survey will help the community identify if changes are needed or if everything is going well.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, January 15th, 2025,  8:00 PM: Chad Brownlee. Location: Canmore Golf and Curling Club. $99.25.

• Wednesday, January 15th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Latin Fiesta. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $10.

• Wednesday January 15th, 2025,  10:00 PM: DJ Strength Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, January 16th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Zoo Lion. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Skiing.  Canmore’s own Anjah Morgan-Smith, just 16, claimed 2nd place in world Freeride skiing this week in Austria! Want to see her in action? Check out her run at 3:06:29—you won’t be disappointed. Congrats, Anjah!

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, same time, same place!