Spring Ushers in Extreme Skiing and Boarding at Sunshine

Banff, AB -- With the longest snow season in the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine has increased the amount of terrain available to skiers and boarders with the opening of the Wild West Freeride Zone today.

The Wild West is the second of Sunshine's Freeride Zones to open this season featuring some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain available in North America. Located on Goat's Eye Mountain, the Wild West can be seen from the gondola shortly after leaving curve station. Not for the faint of heart, the Wild West features three major rock walled couloirs, steep crevices, and a series of cliffs, some of which are over 100 feet.

"We�re extremely excited to open Wild West for the season," said Mike Moynihan, Manager, Sales & Media, "I can�t think of a better way to kick off the remaining 2 months of spring skiing and riding here at Sunshine Village."

The distinct features of the Wild West were named for many of Banff National Park's pioneers, providing a glimpse into the colourful history of the region. Some of those founders include "Wild" Bill Peyto, a trapper and one of Banff's first wardens; Norman "Mr. Banff" Luxton, an early publisher of the Crag & Canyon; and Bruno Engler, explorer and renowned photographer.

In order to gain access to all of Sunshine's Freeride Zones, including the Wild West, skiers and boarders must be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and a similarly equipped partner. All skiers and boarders pass through an avalanche control gate which will only open if their avalanche transceivers are working.

The Wild West is open as weather and conditions allow. Patrol reserves the right to refuse anyone who they deem ill-equipped or ill-prepared. For current information on both of Sunshine's Freeride Zones, daily recorded updates are available by phoning 403-762-6511.

Sunshine Village, Alberta's number one ski and snowboard resort receives over 30 feet of natural snow annually and boasts 12 lifts, including the most quads in the Canadian Rockies. Sunshine each year attracts more than 500,000 skiers and boarders during Canada's longest season stretching from November to the end of May.