Canada's Hiking Capital to Host $25,000 Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge

Winner to earn up to $25,000 for charity by conquering Banff and Lake Louise 'Classics'

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, AB, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Imagine reaching some of the most iconic and breathtaking summits in Banff National Park, surrounded by glacier-clad peaks, deep forested valleys and turquoise alpine lakes. Three summits in seven days may be a tall order and a dream trip for most - yet this dream will become reality later this summer when a winner and companion will take on the challenge of earning up to $25,000 for their favourite charity.

Just in time to kick off the summer hiking season in Banff National Park, outdoor adventurers across Canada and the United States are invited to compete in this unique opportunity to enjoy some of Canada's classic hiking, while raising awareness and funds for a charitable cause.

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge opens up to contestants on June 11, 2012, when entrants will be asked to share a photo on Facebook showing how they are preparing for this epic challenge. The winner will be selected based on their creativity and their ability to collect 'votes' on a special contest site, www.bllt.ca/bmc.

"Revered by alpinists the world over, the Canadian Rockies, the hamlet of Lake Louise and the town of Banff are truly deserving of the title 'Canada's hiking capital'," said Julie Canning, President and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "The Big Mountain Challenge is a great opportunity for people to reach new personal goals, both physically and charitably."

The successful challenger will be announced on August 3, 2012 and be given two weeks to raise pledges of support to be matched up to $5000. Upon completing the three summits in seven days, the challenger will earn a guaranteed $15,000 for their charity of choice and up to an additional $10,000 based on pledges.

Completing The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge will also bestow huge complimentary bragging rights. These are some of the finest and most captivating peaks in the Canadian Rockies: Mount Temple towering over the Lake Louise region, Cascade Mountain staring straight down at the town of Banff, and Sulphur Mountain, one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. Some much deserved down time between these classic hikes will be enjoyed at two of the world's most iconic hotels.

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge will take place August 27 through September 4, 2012. The total prize package for travel to Banff National Park includes:

• Round-trip airfare for two to Calgary, Alberta and transportation to Banff National Park.
• Eight nights' luxury accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• Spa treatments at the exclusive Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs.
• Certified Mountain Guides for all three hikes.
• A Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge is presented by Banff Lake Louise Tourism with generous support from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Parks Canada. The contest is open to all residents of the U.S. and Canada 18 years of age or over (excluding residents of Quebec).

For additional details about The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge, please visit www.bllt.ca/bmc.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership.

SOURCE Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Image with caption: "Banff National Park launches "Big Mountain Challenge" (CNW Group/Banff Lake Louise Tourism)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120611_C7681_PHOTO_EN_14980.jpg

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