Red Tree is a cedar tree that has lived and grown in the Elk Valley of the East Kootenays for hundreds of years. The grand tree then denoted one of Fernie’s favorite ski runs on Snake Ridge. Now it represents the experience and atmosphere of the newly refurbished Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant located on Highway 3 in the heart of Fernie.

Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant, previously known as Cedar Lodge, was purchased in the spring of 2007 by Nonstop Adventure, a family-run British company specializing in ski/snowboard instructor and improvement multi-week programs to Fernie. The company included accommodation in the winter packages and for the past five years has leased rooms in many locations throughout town. However, as the company has grown it was felt that a central location which included accommodation and dining would be more convenient and suitable for the clientele. Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant was envisioned. “We’re delighted to be opening the Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant to the local community, our program participants and visitors to Fernie,” announced Rupert Taylor, Managing Director of Nonstop Adventure. “We’ve had an amazing crew working on the renovations this summer and the building is looking awesome.”

Red Tree Lodge & Restaurant has seen a $750,000 renovation and refurbishment and is slated to be open for business mid-December, 2007. The lodge and restaurant now feature a cozy alpine décor that is instantly seen as you enter the welcoming lobby. The décor carries throughout the lodge to the guest rooms. Each guest room features new furniture and carpet, 3-piece bath, air conditioning, T.V., microwave, small fridge and in-room coffee. The Lodge amenities include wireless internet, free laundry and parking, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, theatre room with inviting sofas, small meeting rooms and the on-site Red Tree Restaurant.

The Relaxed European Dining of the Restaurant provides a comfortable and casual dining experience from the atmosphere to the menu selection. Dress down, dress up, enjoy a quiet romantic dinner, bring the family for some quality time or spend a casual evening with friends in the comfy lounge area savoring a glass of wine with a selection of tapas. The Mountain Brunch on Sundays is not to be missed and weekly dinner specials will complement the A la carte menu. “We’ve got a top notch team of chefs and servers itching to open the doors and welcome everyone for fantastic food in a warm and friendly environment,” says Taylor.

The Restaurant will be open year round for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily beginning in mid-December. The Lodge will be welcoming guests as a commercial property spring, summer and fall each year.

Only 50 Team Spots Left . . . The 2008 TransRockies Challenge is selling out at a record pace with 200 of the 300 available entries sold on November 1st, the first day of registration, and barely 50 entries remaining as of Monday morning. For some perspective, more teams registered for TransRockies VII on the first day of sign-up than competed in the first two editions combined.

“It was a hectic morning,” said Event Director Aaron McConnell. “Changing the opening time to 10am worked out well as we were in the office and able to handle the numerous enquiries which came in from all over the World.”

2008 Registrants were also greeted by a brand new website when they signed on. The 2008 TransRockies site, which was launched October 31, is not only a big visual upgrade, but it also makes it easier for participants to access images, information and rider forums while providing much more powerful communications and update tools for TransRockies staff.

For more information on the TransRockies Challenge, North America’s premiere endurance mountain bike event, visit www.transrockies.com.

Hollywood is coming to Banff. Celebrities will gather January 17-20 to protect North American waterways while skiing Sunshine Village and sleeping at Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational — in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Waterkeeper Alliance – will be co-hosted by Tim Robbins, Christie Brinkley and Alec Baldwin.

Earlier this year, the made-for television extravaganza raised more than $1 million for the Waterkeepers, as the gala event was expanded to support the landmark environmental organization’s water protection efforts in both Canada and the United States. The event will culminate with a gala dinner and concert at The Fairmont Banff Springs by Michael McDonald, the former Doobie Brother and Steely Dan vocalist now enjoying a strong solo career.

Tickets are available for the only open-to-the-public event at the Banff hotel. The celebrities will also spend two days skiing and competing in events at Sunshine Village. Activities including toboggan, cross-country skiing and dual giant slalom races are well within public view to lift ticket purchasers.

The names of other participants will be announced as the event draws closer. The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational, which has raised millions of dollars for environmental protection in recent years, has in the past drawn such Hollywood A-list stars as Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Meg Ryan, Dan Aykroyd, Jason Priestley and Martin Sheen.

Gala tickets for this year’s event are $500 CDN per person plus applicable taxes and the purchase of a gold table is $10,000 CDN plus applicable taxes. The purchase of a gold table accommodates eight guests and a celebrity and their companion for a total of 10 people. Tickets for this year’s invitational are available through The Fairmont Banff Springs by calling (403) 760-1400.