WRANGLE THE CHUTE RETURNS

February 1st, 2010, Golden, BC…. Get out your western gear and get set for the most unique two day big mountain showdown in the west. Wrangle the Chute returns to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this weekend, February 6th and 7th. The showdown combines four unique elements including big mountain skiing / riding, a massive terrain park jump finishing off with a bucking bronco ride on the custom kicking horse and a massive patio grandstand including live DJ’s and an outdoor BBQ at the Heaven’s Door Yurt Café .

“Athletes choose the line they want to ride and the tricks they want to attempt. At the bottom of the course lurks a monstrous terrain-park jump, marking the first twist to the show. However, the fun doesn’t end there,” states Steve Paccagnan, President and General Manager at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. “After quickly ditching their snow gear, racers will finish off by mounting a bucking bronco suspended between two snowcats. A wild ride is guaranteed with the previous competitors at the reigns to control the bronco.”

The Heaven’s Door Yurt Café, in Crystal Bowl, will be transformed into a lively grandstand for an outstanding view of all the action. Spectator entry is free with a lift ticket and the barbecue will be smoking with mouth-watering western grub. Guests are encouraged to join in the fun by sporting cowboy hats, chaps, and other western apparel.

Wrangler Jeans is pleased to jump into the saddle as the presenting sponsor of this year’s event and will be presenting cash awards and prizes to the top competitors. Additional supporters include the Kicking Horse Big Mountain Centre, Rossignol, Big Rock Brewery, SBC Skier & Snowboarder, Biglines.com and a special appearance from the Red Bull Wings Team.

The on-mountain showdown gets underway at ‘High Noon’ on both Saturday and Sunday with each participant getting a single run each day. On Sunday afternoon shortly after the final rider rolls in, the new champions will be awarded.

WRANGLE THE ‘SHOOT’ – Photo Event

February 1st, 2010, Golden, BC…. Complimenting Wrangle the Chute, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is pleased to introduce yet another creative twist to this year’s event: ‘Wrangle the Shoot’ frozen frame photo competition. This one day photo event will take place Saturday, February 6th with some of the region’s best photographers shooting the action in attempts to claim a $1,000 cash prize.

“It’s a perfect way to capture the action and provide a chance for the photographers to be in the spotlight,” states Steve Paccagnan, President and General Manager at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. “With a tight production deadline, cash prize and Saturday night art show in the Day Lodge, the event will really test the skill and talent of some of the region’s best photographers.”

The winning photographer will be chosen by the audience submitting votes based on five categories: best action, best landscape, best lifestyle, people’s choice and overall best photographer.

To place a vote, public are encourage to join the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Big Mountain Centre for the 3rd Annual Texas Hold’em party in the Day Lodge on Saturday, February 6th. Admission is $5 and doors open at 7:00pm with everyone invited to fill out a ‘Wrangle the Shoot’ judging form to determine who is the sharpest shooter in the west and worthy of the $1,000 cash prize.

Along with the ‘Wrangle the Shoot’ art show, the Big Mountain Centre will continue their anniversary tradition with some Texas Hold’em for prizes. The Cold Tec crew will also be on-site spinning some tunes and keeping the room warm with an original saloon style party celebrating the big mountain ski culture that keeps the Wild West fresh.