These dudes are the real deal. Seeing in the video that they are chill with someone like Mountain Mel says it all. I hope they make something happen. With all of the news these days about Vail being a terrible company and ultimately screwing over workers and skiers it’s awesome to see dudes like this that are going grassroots.
I would love to know a chill ski resort. Ive been skiing at Vail and Breck all my life. They try to sell as many tickets as possible so you will end up with 30 min lines.
Fantastic job on this video!!! I didn't ever think I would see photos of my parents from the 80's anywhere other than at their house in a photo album!!! My mother was a ski instructor and my father worked on maintaining the equipment and lifts. Fortress Mountain was where they met. They are going to celebrate their 31st anniversary in April.
I learned to ski here as a kid, started skiing on a team based out of there in the early 2000's and we were all sad to see it left the way it was by Resort's of the Canadian Rockies. My family stayed in an rv parked in the overflow parking lot with Mel and a few other die hard ski bums, my fondest memories of winter are still in this place. Thank you for making this video, it touched me deeply to see people still care about it the way we all did 20 years ago.
Fortress closed because of Nakiska and Lake Louse .When RCR Bought it ,, they wanted skiers to go to those resorts .. More Money , More Glitz Actually Fortress could have great snow , much more than Nakiska and Lake Louse and come March to April even May legendary powder with Upslope Conditons. had ski Resort buddies come to the resort for the 2 months. I used to ski it 50 plus days a year and bought season passes for $149.00 a year in the 80's the mat $3.00 a day .. skied it to the last day .. The Access toad was a big expense .. 1 million turns in first tracks
I just to hitch hike there sometimes w my sister Hannah maybe around 1979 . Our family lived at the kananaski research center at Barrier lake. I remember Chevy when he was a patroler I think at sunshine. He tried charging me with trespassing, because I didn't have a ski pass. But the day he caught me ,non of the lifties would admit whether I had been riding the lifts or not. Regardless, the day I was in trouble . I pulled out a copy of the Canada charter of rights that Mike sternloft gave to the entire grade 8 social studies class . And I declared, that without proof .I had the right of mobility, and walked out of the patrol office. Hey Chevy you remember that?
Fortress was the FIRST hill I put a pair of skies on and then preceded to bounced down the Canadian. May I suggest, Crowd Funding. Red Mountain did it 5 years ago (Fight the Man) and it saved the mountain from corporate consumption. I think you guys are right. There are lots of die hards that want to see you and this hill succeed. Power to the People!
Fortress was and still is one of the best ski resorts. I live in Calgary and spent many a winter hitting the slopes in Alberta and BC. This video was awesome and I wish there was some kind of funding campaign to help put Fortress Mountain back in business. The lodge was too cool with that huge central fireplace. Brought back great memories of much better times.
It so good to see the return of this series. I know a ton goes into these productions, but I really hope we don’t have to wait another year for the next chapter!
Had the pleasure of visiting this resort back in the fall of 2020. Beautiful place, and amazing people working together to re-open the mountain. Let's hope it comes back as a full ski resort soon!
Memories! Love that place. My friend had a motorhome parked there for a season about 20yrs ago. Not long before it closed. Mel was known as the Mayor🙂. The whole place had a welcoming family feel. I sure hope they open again.
Had the pleasure of skiing there as a kid and then was fortunate to have a day on the mountain riding with my kids a few years ago as guests of Thomas and his crew, an absolutely unreal day on a stunning mountain, they were also filming The Revenant that day including the avalanche scene. Even had lunch with Mountain Mel! Great memories, can't wait to get some turns out there again soon!
So sad ,we ski,Ed at fortress is the 70,s. Our favorite place to ski , period. Can't believe it , it was the total best ,been there and done that for years. Sorry to hear, we LOVED it . Thank you for the awesome memories !!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN !!!!!!
This really brought back memories of my dad and I. We went down that one run beside the chair lift so many times in a row and just enjoyed ourselves learning to snowboard together. It was either 2003 or 2004. I’m thankful for this video.
Grew up skiing/racing in Calgary in the 80's and 90's and so many memories of Fortress burned into my memory. Thanks so much for this. Have lived in Vancouver and been skiing Whistler for the past 13 years and while the skiing is amazing, the vibe of the place compared to what Fortress was couldn't be more opposite. The only thing I've seen that compares is Powder King north of Prince George BC.
The Brewster ski bus, oh such memories, parents would drop you off at Market Mall, catch the bus to go skiing for the day. That big fire place, brings a tear to the eye to see it now. Fortress was the best resort, it was magic, can't wait til it opens again.
some of my favourite moments in life were snowboarding on the backside of Fortress...hope they get to open this again. will be there with new generation!!!
This brings back some memories. I worked at Fortress in 2001 for a season as a lifty. Best winter of my life!! Beer and boarding every day. Best of luck with opening this amazing place back up. 🍻
Great video. Thank you for making it. Fortress holds a special place in my heart. First time I went there was on a cat-skiing trip in late April 3 or 4 years ago. It was supposed to be the last day of operations for the season and the weather forecast for the day didn't look all that promising--sunny and mild with no new snow. I didn't have high hopes for very good conditions but that all changed once I got past Nakiska on the way to the resort. It was dark and snowing like crazy. It had snowed all night at Fortress and another 20cm fell on us while we were cat-skiing. That might have been the best Pow I've ever ridden.
I was lucky enough to ski Fortress from 1976-1989 and it was a very special place. Spent many days in glorious sunshine drinking from our wineskins (remember those?) in the snow chairs we carved into the mountain. Or hiding a 6-pack to cool off in the snow until were sweated up and thirsty for a brew. And yep, wearing one piece Sun Ice ski suits in hideous colors. Next to that fireplace was jukebox that always seemed to be playing 'Blinded by the Light' by Manfred Mann. Fond memories. Sad to see it in such dis-repair. Great video guys.
Chris Mueller was nice enough to give me and my son permission to bike up the service road and see the resort. It brought back so many great memories. I spent many a day skiing at Fortress and I will definitely come back when they reopen. Next summer I hope we can bike back but this time hike up to the top of the Canadian to see the true beauty of this place. Great video!!!! Good luck gentlemen.
Oh man, talk about making me misty. I remember taking the Eaton's Ski Bus there as a kid in the mid-1970s. Skiing Molstar races there, skiing there as many weekends as I could in the 1980s in between university terms and early careers. I especially remember spending New Year's Eve up there in 1986, 87, and 88 and thinking those times would never end. At least I still get to ride the T-Bar that goes up to Blackcomb Glacier, which was originally one of the famous curved T-Bars at Fortress but hauled out to Blackcomb in the early 1990s. Great film, and hope that one day, I get to enjoy the Canadian once again.
0 seconds ago My best ever ski memory was my best friend and I almost exactly 20 years ago skipping out of university on a crazy dump and heading out in his 84 Pontiac with bald tires and rusted through floor so you could see the highway to get out to Fortress. It had already snowed 130cm by the time we arrived and kept puking all day. Weather was so bad it was us, 100 other people and lifties. Pure ecstasy for hours. Bring Fortress back.
As a teen every Sunday, we would catch the Brewster ski bus at Chinook Centre to Fortress Mountain. So much so that the smell of diesel still reminds me of skiing. Fortress was cheaper and closer than Lake Lousie or skumshine. We could get in an extra hour of skiing. Those shots of the mountain itself made me smile. Thanks so much. Maybe do another vid on the old rope tow at Shaganappi golf course.
That bus ! What memories! And when it lost traction going up the access road we all had to stand up and move to the back of the bus to put more weight on the rear tires.
@@downlowperformanceinc4860 Bus left chinook around 7am, got to the ski hill around 9. But this was 40 yrs ago so ... i don't remember specifics. Think it left the hill around 4pm to return back to Calgary.
3:33 - We worked just down the road at Nakiska in the late 80s... and yes everyone was in SunIce, our uniforms were SunIce It will be great to see Fortress come back.
I worked at Nakiska as well. In the kitchen on weekends. I was part of the young crew that drove up in the company Chevy Astro van from Calgary. I started just after the Olympics and quit when I moved to Vancouver in 1990. I have a lot of fond memories working there. I worked the main lodge and mid mountain on the BBQ in spring. Great times.
"When have you that kind of magic....its like leaving a part of you behind". Wow. Chills. I feel it through this incredible video. This is the mtn we need. Vail has destroyed the soul of skiing/riding.
Wow, just found this video, one of my favourite places to ski. My husband (David Wickson) at the time was a ski patroller from 1982 until Nakisha opened. Spent most weekends skiing, what a great group of people to be around. My daughter also learnt to ski at Fortress. Spending time in the lodge around the fire, the stories would flow of the day on the slopes.
What an amazing film! My friend Grant and I did a road trip from Ontario to Vancouver for expo 86. Ran out of money and food before we got there, met Eric (Scat) Peterson who was the manager at fortress at the time. He gave us odd jobs to do for gas money said go to my condo make what ever you want to eat and get some sleep. Came back when the season started ….. best winter of my life! You do leave a little bit of yourself at fortress!! Would like to hear from other alumni from the 1986/87 season.
I still can believe that Fortress closed. So many memories and good luck guys in reopening it. I looked forward to hitting the slope’s there again in the future 👍🏻
Worked there for 3 seasons in the early 2000’s! Best years of my life! It was very punk rock during that time.. ;) shout out to Levi, Nate, Jasmin, Chad, Sarah, Matt, Justin, Mika, Matthew, and Josh!! They need to open this place back up!!!
I miss Fortress. The backside was really good but the front side was always windy when I was there. It was much more affordable than Sunshine or Louise. It was a good place to learn.
Fortress was always my favourite hill. Never had a bad day there. My wife and I spent a weekend in the lodge on what had to be the coldest weekend of the decade. Our neighbour up the street in Calgary was one of the original investors in Snow Ridge, the original incarnation, and the logo was still on the doors the last time I was there in the late 80s.
What a great short doc! So many great memories of being there in the 80s and 90s. Seeing the old stationery, lift tickets, ski wear, and the lodge on the inside was amazing. That place kindled my passion for skiing and the outdoors.
Skied there once when it was called Snowridge when I was about ten years old (1968 or so). First real mountain experience after learning to ski outside Calgary at Happy Valley.
I skied many times at Fortress over the 70's. Have some excellent memories of that hill. All the best to get it up and running again. Very sad to see it in the current condition.
I worked at ,what was then "Snow Ridge Ski Resort 'in 1969- 1970...I'm not sure when the name changed to Fortress...It was a beautiful place to work.and I worked with wonderful people.I've lost touch with most of them over the years,but the memories are alive and well !! There were no paved roads and no phones just a Walkie Talkie in the office that was used mainly for emergencies.Staff quarters were in the right wing of the lodge.. Dining lounge on the main floor,and the Pub was downstairs. I'm not sure what year it was built,but to it now on this movie is heart breaking..It was a Classy place in the early years...My son worked up there after graduation....We both have great memories of "Fortress",and I'm happy to hear it's being restored...
Lol, funny you say that. Went there for training camps competitions in the early/mid 90’s. We were staying there and at night it was just us and the cat operators. We ‘found’ beer from the bar and even took the snowmobiles for a ride at night. Never got in trouble for it either. Pretty cool being so isolated from everything in the Canadian Rockies at night.
Great to 'see' you again Chevy in this great mini-doc. It's been a long time since sailing on Lake of Two Mountains in Hudson. Good luck with the re-birth of Fortress. It's too good to let slip away.
Thank you for that trip down memory lane! So many vivid memories of the bump run just above the aerial site, the old fireplace and don’t forget the Fortress wind… Well done!
I have great memories as a kid skiing here in the 80’s!! With my pink Sunice jacket and pants! I still have a pair of black Sunice pants that are made out of the best material! Epic road to get there, but worth it! Thank you
Who else remembers the afternoon winds? I'm guessing that's still a thing? I don't care, I'd go back to Fortress anytime. Grew up on that hill (and Lyon Mountain!!!). Great job on the video!
Had a property in Canmore from 2002-2014. I learned to Ski and Snowboard at Nakiska, but I remember always begging my parents to take me to Fortress Mountain. I have always wondered why the hill closed & never reopened. Thank you so much for this video!
I've been lucky enough to ski fortress with K-POW cat skiing its a great operation, and it's closing was an unfortunate event. Would love to see this resort be brought back to life!
Was unbelievably disappointed when fortress shut down - spent a lot of days there every winter from 1999 to 2004, and the only thing I ever skipped school for was for untracked powder days at Fortress when I knew it snowed all night, the the hill would be all mine if everyone else was at school, untracked fresh lines from the lift all day long. The closest to Calgary, most fun and easily accessible natural terrain - natural half pipes and natural hits all over that mountain made it a blast. People would also make the best kickers, and launch all over the backside of that mountain… The first time I ever saw someone float a massive 720 on a snowboard was from a home video (VHS) taken at fortress, it was just like in snowboarder magazine… the image of that video and riding the real location burned that memory into my brain. Bring it back please!
When RCR sold the Fort I went up with some other RCR lift mechanics and Highlander and we got all the lifts and the tee bar fixed and certified, it's painful to see the lodge that way, actually shed a tear.
This is where I learned to ride. Had friends that worked the lifts. So many memories and good times, would love to see it open again. Did my intro to backcountry riding with the UofC outdoor centre here as well, over a decade ago.
Just a guy from Pittsburgh PA Spent a lotta time in Kananaskis country. Summited The Fortress in '08. Always wondered about The Fortress Ski Area. Now I know a little bit. Special.
Im a cat operator at Nakiska and havent had a chance to get up fortress yet but have heard so many stories about what a great place it is and of "the old man who lives there". Can't wait to get my avy course and gear and go for a skin up this legendary mountain.
I have so many great memories at Fortress. It gets storms that Sunshine and Louise don't. The terrain is playfull and unique. I drove some athletes up there for a commercial shoot and so many great memories came flooding back.
I have ridden at Fortress in the early naughties after moving to Calgary. It is a hidden gem. Of all the great resorts close by, it was my favourite and I wish it could be brought back to life. I would certainly support it and wish these folks success.
Had the pleasure of riding Fortress a few times in 96 while living in Banff. You're right it does have a magic about it and was always one of my favourite spots to ride out side of Sunshine and the Lake.
A fantastic area, skiied bottomless powder there on the far side chair in the 80's. My buddy Greg "Fletch" (RIP) was the bartender in the lounge of the same name! Can't wait for it to re-open.
I took a University of Calgary Avalanche course there, in 1996. Wish I could have gotten to ski there. Hope you can get the operation going again. It is a fantastic location.
I had my first ever pow day as a little kid at fortress. That place was the best. I happened to meet one of the guys trying to reopen it and he was one of the chillest, friendliest people I’ve ever met. I really hope this works out this time (so many false promises and rumour of it reopening in the past).
I went up to Canada and skied sometime around 2000. Sure, I also skied Lake Louise and Sunshine, but Fortress is the one I always talk about when people ask about skiing in Canada. I didn't even know it had closed :(
I visited fortress in 2001,I was visiting family in Canada from the uk.. an uncle (david) was then maintenance I believe. It was pre season and I got to witness the preparation for the snow,I was and am still in awe of fortresses total beauty,its so sad seeing the huge fire area in such a bad way.. from the heart of England I truly hope you can rebuild and bring life back into one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.. thank you for your video.
Love this retrospective. I used to do volunteer ski patrol (CSPS) in the mid 90’s. We were all fiercely proud of Fortress. Because of its different aspects and many gullies, we could always find powder stashes. Bring it back!’
I worked at Fortress as a dishwasher in the early 90’s. I think my bosses name was Clifton?. He loved to ski and we loved to ride. My buddy and I and the boss made it work. We would ride first thing, come in and bang out the breakfast dishes and head back out. Come in after lunch and bang those dishes out, then head back out. If the cook wanted us he would call a chair and someone would let us know the dishes were piling up. After almost 30 years I think I am also at my core a fortress mountain dishwasher. It’s been a while since I rode there but I’ll never forget the place.
Only skied here a couple times in the 90s but vividly remember the central fireplace, super windy environment, one piece ski suits and the freestyle mogul runs. Would love to tour around again!!
I’ve always been fascinated with abandoned places. It’s sad to see a ski resort like this. So many people with good memories of the place. I hope they can reopen!
Totally agree. I always love imagining what it was like back in there heyday of these places. It’s pretty cool being one of those people with good memories for once. It’s great having memories of Fortress from the 90’s, but it’s sad that it closed down.
I was the last maintenance manager the winter it closed when owned by RCR in 2003-4. The amount of work to get the lifts up to par then was enormous! So many stories of the problems of a financially gutted resort to tell but memories none the less. Drank far side lounge dry when we found out it wasn't opening the following year! Good luck in trying for a reopen!
Awesome video guys. Are used to ski there in 2000. Are used to drive there from Calgary even for half days. Never lineups always great powder awesome skiing . I preferred it over Lake Louise or sunshine.
I worked fortress mountain in 2003 - 2004 was the best job ever. Was like a family working with every one.. pretty sure it was the last time before it closed
I skied there as a kid too... Fond memories... I don't live in Alberta anymore and Didn't even know it was gone so was disorienting to watch this. Thank you!
First skied there in the 70's when it was Snowridge. A great area. Met many of the volunteer patrollers (CSPS) whom became great friends. Stayed in the patrol dorm at night. After dinner we would ride the cafeteria trays down the front slope to the lodge. I remember the creek that flowed through the bar in the basement. No one mentions the curve t-bar but it was unique, ride it up the front side, release at the top, then ski down the back side and pick up the same lift for a rid back up to the top. A continuous lift. When Snowridge closed, many of us went to Lake Louise to patrol but we went pack to Fortress , after it opened, to participate in patrol events.
These dudes are the real deal. Seeing in the video that they are chill with someone like Mountain Mel says it all. I hope they make something happen. With all of the news these days about Vail being a terrible company and ultimately screwing over workers and skiers it’s awesome to see dudes like this that are going grassroots.
That was the most incredible part for me. Dude is so humble and his stoke levels are the highest I’ve seen.
Although I'm in France and probably will never snowboard here I want to see these guys succeed! Time to start crowdfunding!
@@GC16199 Well there is a lot of money in Calgary and most of us ski :)
@@ryangregohara So enough crowd to fund it... 😁
I would love to know a chill ski resort. Ive been skiing at Vail and Breck all my life. They try to sell as many tickets as possible so you will end up with 30 min lines.
Fantastic job on this video!!! I didn't ever think I would see photos of my parents from the 80's anywhere other than at their house in a photo album!!! My mother was a ski instructor and my father worked on maintaining the equipment and lifts. Fortress Mountain was where they met. They are going to celebrate their 31st anniversary in April.
This is so nice! I have a similar story to tell: my parents fell in love in Ischgl, Austria.
My dad would know them probably
Was ready to watch an hour of that
I learned to ski here as a kid, started skiing on a team based out of there in the early 2000's and we were all sad to see it left the way it was by Resort's of the Canadian Rockies. My family stayed in an rv parked in the overflow parking lot with Mel and a few other die hard ski bums, my fondest memories of winter are still in this place. Thank you for making this video, it touched me deeply to see people still care about it the way we all did 20 years ago.
The story, the images, the sound design, the color grade... all is absolutly beautiful!
I'm a french guy but now I want Fortress open again!!
I was told the reason it closed was that it didn't have that much snow fall compared to nakiska and sunshine and I can beleive it
I would love to be able to ski at fortress as I never got the chance being younger than when the hill closed. Live in Calgary
Fortress closed because of Nakiska and Lake Louse .When RCR Bought it ,, they wanted skiers to go to those resorts .. More Money , More Glitz Actually Fortress could have great snow , much more than Nakiska and Lake Louse and come March to April even May legendary powder with Upslope Conditons. had ski Resort buddies come to the resort for the 2 months. I used to ski it 50 plus days a year and bought season passes for $149.00 a year in the 80's the mat $3.00 a day .. skied it to the last day .. The Access toad was a big expense .. 1 million turns in first tracks
Yup. How many times did we just stare in awe at the night Fortress mountain going up that back side chair. Amazing.
Nah it had great snow, not as good as sunshine but the backside had amazing powder from the times I remember.
I just to hitch hike there sometimes w my sister Hannah maybe around 1979 . Our family lived at the kananaski research center at Barrier lake. I remember Chevy when he was a patroler I think at sunshine. He tried charging me with trespassing, because I didn't have a ski pass. But the day he caught me ,non of the lifties would admit whether I had been riding the lifts or not. Regardless, the day I was in trouble . I pulled out a copy of the Canada charter of rights that Mike sternloft gave to the entire grade 8 social studies class . And I declared, that without proof .I had the right of mobility, and walked out of the patrol office. Hey Chevy you remember that?
Like so he sees!
That’s some funny S. The 70s rocked
Fortress was the FIRST hill I put a pair of skies on and then preceded to bounced down the Canadian. May I suggest, Crowd Funding. Red Mountain did it 5 years ago (Fight the Man) and it saved the mountain from corporate consumption. I think you guys are right. There are lots of die hards that want to see you and this hill succeed. Power to the People!
Fortress was and still is one of the best ski resorts. I live in Calgary and spent many a winter hitting the slopes in Alberta and BC. This video was awesome and I wish there was some kind of funding campaign to help put Fortress Mountain back in business. The lodge was too cool with that huge central fireplace. Brought back great memories of much better times.
It so good to see the return of this series. I know a ton goes into these productions, but I really hope we don’t have to wait another year for the next chapter!
Had the pleasure of visiting this resort back in the fall of 2020. Beautiful place, and amazing people working together to re-open the mountain. Let's hope it comes back as a full ski resort soon!
lol, Love your channel. Didnt imagine to see you comment.
@@nathanjanuszewski 🤣How could I not comment on this amazing video?
@@Skier72 fax ngl
Memories! Love that place. My friend had a motorhome parked there for a season about 20yrs ago. Not long before it closed. Mel was known as the Mayor🙂. The whole place had a welcoming family feel. I sure hope they open again.
Had the pleasure of skiing there as a kid and then was fortunate to have a day on the mountain riding with my kids a few years ago as guests of Thomas and his crew, an absolutely unreal day on a stunning mountain, they were also filming The Revenant that day including the avalanche scene. Even had lunch with Mountain Mel! Great memories, can't wait to get some turns out there again soon!
So sad ,we ski,Ed at fortress is the 70,s. Our favorite place to ski , period. Can't believe it , it was the total best ,been there and done that for years. Sorry to hear, we LOVED it . Thank you for the awesome memories !!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN !!!!!!
I love this. As a kid who grew up on Fortress Mountain, it's amazing to see the ghosts of my past and also hope for a reunion one day.
This really brought back memories of my dad and I. We went down that one run beside the chair lift so many times in a row and just enjoyed ourselves learning to snowboard together. It was either 2003 or 2004. I’m thankful for this video.
Grew up skiing/racing in Calgary in the 80's and 90's and so many memories of Fortress burned into my memory. Thanks so much for this. Have lived in Vancouver and been skiing Whistler for the past 13 years and while the skiing is amazing, the vibe of the place compared to what Fortress was couldn't be more opposite. The only thing I've seen that compares is Powder King north of Prince George BC.
The Brewster ski bus, oh such memories, parents would drop you off at Market Mall, catch the bus to go skiing for the day. That big fire place, brings a tear to the eye to see it now. Fortress was the best resort, it was magic, can't wait til it opens again.
some of my favourite moments in life were snowboarding on the backside of Fortress...hope they get to open this again. will be there with new generation!!!
My old stomping grounds! Miss ya ol’ Yeller. You have always had a special place in my heart. Fortress Forever! 💙⛷
This brings back some memories. I worked at Fortress in 2001 for a season as a lifty. Best winter of my life!! Beer and boarding every day. Best of luck with opening this amazing place back up. 🍻
Great video. Thank you for making it. Fortress holds a special place in my heart. First time I went there was on a cat-skiing trip in late April 3 or 4 years ago. It was supposed to be the last day of operations for the season and the weather forecast for the day didn't look all that promising--sunny and mild with no new snow. I didn't have high hopes for very good conditions but that all changed once I got past Nakiska on the way to the resort. It was dark and snowing like crazy. It had snowed all night at Fortress and another 20cm fell on us while we were cat-skiing. That might have been the best Pow I've ever ridden.
I was lucky enough to ski Fortress from 1976-1989 and it was a very special place. Spent many days in glorious sunshine drinking from our wineskins (remember those?) in the snow chairs we carved into the mountain. Or hiding a 6-pack to cool off in the snow until were sweated up and thirsty for a brew. And yep, wearing one piece Sun Ice ski suits in hideous colors. Next to that fireplace was jukebox that always seemed to be playing 'Blinded by the Light' by Manfred Mann. Fond memories. Sad to see it in such dis-repair. Great video guys.
Chris Mueller was nice enough to give me and my son permission to bike up the service road and see the resort. It brought back so many great memories. I spent many a day skiing at Fortress and I will definitely come back when they reopen. Next summer I hope we can bike back but this time hike up to the top of the Canadian to see the true beauty of this place. Great video!!!! Good luck gentlemen.
Oh man, talk about making me misty. I remember taking the Eaton's Ski Bus there as a kid in the mid-1970s. Skiing Molstar races there, skiing there as many weekends as I could in the 1980s in between university terms and early careers. I especially remember spending New Year's Eve up there in 1986, 87, and 88 and thinking those times would never end. At least I still get to ride the T-Bar that goes up to Blackcomb Glacier, which was originally one of the famous curved T-Bars at Fortress but hauled out to Blackcomb in the early 1990s. Great film, and hope that one day, I get to enjoy the Canadian once again.
0 seconds ago
My best ever ski memory was my best friend and I almost exactly 20 years ago skipping out of university on a crazy dump and heading out in his 84 Pontiac with bald tires and rusted through floor so you could see the highway to get out to Fortress. It had already snowed 130cm by the time we arrived and kept puking all day. Weather was so bad it was us, 100 other people and lifties. Pure ecstasy for hours. Bring Fortress back.
On a crazy dump, kept puking all day, lifties,.....no idea what this means. Brooklyn worlds away.
Crazy dump - a huge amount of snow
Puking all day - it kept snowing all day.
Lifties - the guys who operate the chair lifts.
As a teen every Sunday, we would catch the Brewster ski bus at Chinook Centre to Fortress Mountain. So much so that the smell of diesel still reminds me of skiing. Fortress was cheaper and closer than Lake Lousie or skumshine. We could get in an extra hour of skiing. Those shots of the mountain itself made me smile. Thanks so much. Maybe do another vid on the old rope tow at Shaganappi golf course.
The Ski bus was amazing. If you know you know.
Shaganappi had a rope tow? What year was that?
That bus ! What memories! And when it lost traction going up the access road we all had to stand up and move to the back of the bus to put more weight on the rear tires.
@@ABRouleauville leave from south Calgary at like 5 am get to fortress at 10??
@@downlowperformanceinc4860 Bus left chinook around 7am, got to the ski hill around 9. But this was 40 yrs ago so ... i don't remember specifics.
Think it left the hill around 4pm to return back to Calgary.
So many Fortress memories. Nice to see it again.
3:33 - We worked just down the road at Nakiska in the late 80s... and yes everyone was in SunIce, our uniforms were SunIce
It will be great to see Fortress come back.
Me too! 1988-94.
I worked at Nakiska as well. In the kitchen on weekends. I was part of the young crew that drove up in the company Chevy Astro van from Calgary. I started just after the Olympics and quit when I moved to Vancouver in 1990. I have a lot of fond memories working there. I worked the main lodge and mid mountain on the BBQ in spring. Great times.
@@joepainter5722 I probably know you.
I drove the van some mornings
@@joepainter5722 I worked mid mountain too!
That's cool. Definitely would know each other then. I was pretty young then. 17/18 years old and still in high school.
"When have you that kind of magic....its like leaving a part of you behind". Wow. Chills. I feel it through this incredible video. This is the mtn we need. Vail has destroyed the soul of skiing/riding.
Wow, just found this video, one of my favourite places to ski. My husband (David Wickson) at the time was a ski patroller from 1982 until Nakisha opened. Spent most weekends skiing, what a great group of people to be around. My daughter also learnt to ski at Fortress. Spending time in the lodge around the fire, the stories would flow of the day on the slopes.
What an amazing film! My friend Grant and I did a road trip from Ontario to Vancouver for expo 86. Ran out of money and food before we got there, met Eric (Scat) Peterson who was the manager at fortress at the time. He gave us odd jobs to do for gas money said go to my condo make what ever you want to eat and get some sleep. Came back when the season started ….. best winter of my life! You do leave a little bit of yourself at fortress!! Would like to hear from other alumni from the 1986/87 season.
I basically lived there from 95 -2003. The terrain and snow was excellent and very unique to that part of Kananaskis. It was a hidden gem.
Learned to ski at Fortress in the 70s going on the Woodward’s ski school bus every weekend. So many memories and would be amazing to have it reopen!
Awesome!! Well done, crows. Fortress Forever!
Mel is such a living legend there in Fortress! Such an amazing film!
I still can believe that Fortress closed. So many memories and good luck guys in reopening it. I looked forward to hitting the slope’s there again in the future 👍🏻
Such a cool film. Thanks black crows for funding this type of stuff. Much kudos
Worked there for 3 seasons in the early 2000’s! Best years of my life! It was very punk rock during that time.. ;) shout out to Levi, Nate, Jasmin, Chad, Sarah, Matt, Justin, Mika, Matthew, and Josh!! They need to open this place back up!!!
It truly is an incredible place. Those peaks just tower over you. So impressive in person.
I miss Fortress. The backside was really good but the front side was always windy when I was there. It was much more affordable than Sunshine or Louise. It was a good place to learn.
Fortress was always my favourite hill. Never had a bad day there. My wife and I spent a weekend in the lodge on what had to be the coldest weekend of the decade. Our neighbour up the street in Calgary was one of the original investors in Snow Ridge, the original incarnation, and the logo was still on the doors the last time I was there in the late 80s.
What a great short doc! So many great memories of being there in the 80s and 90s. Seeing the old stationery, lift tickets, ski wear, and the lodge on the inside was amazing. That place kindled my passion for skiing and the outdoors.
Enormous ! The cinematography and the story are just mind blowing ! What a beautiful peace of art !
Skied there once when it was called Snowridge when I was about ten years old (1968 or so). First real mountain experience after learning to ski outside Calgary at Happy Valley.
I skied many times at Fortress over the 70's. Have some excellent memories of that hill. All the best to get it up and running again. Very sad to see it in the current condition.
I worked at ,what was then "Snow Ridge Ski Resort 'in 1969- 1970...I'm not sure when the name changed to Fortress...It was a beautiful place to work.and I worked with wonderful people.I've lost touch with most of them over the years,but the memories are alive and well !! There were no paved roads and no phones just a Walkie Talkie in the office that was used mainly for emergencies.Staff quarters were in the right wing of the lodge.. Dining lounge on the main floor,and the Pub was downstairs. I'm not sure what year it was built,but to it now on this movie is heart breaking..It was a Classy place in the early years...My son worked up there after graduation....We both have great memories of "Fortress",and I'm happy to hear it's being restored...
Great mountain on a powder day! Also, one of the first to allow snowboarders. I was the there many weekends from 1987-1991.
I used to run groomer and make snow at this magical place. 84 to 89. My favourite hill.
This brought back so many good memories. I worked at Nakiska from 1988-1995. We used to party (hard) up at fortress.
Lol, funny you say that. Went there for training camps competitions in the early/mid 90’s. We were staying there and at night it was just us and the cat operators. We ‘found’ beer from the bar and even took the snowmobiles for a ride at night. Never got in trouble for it either. Pretty cool being so isolated from everything in the Canadian Rockies at night.
Fortress originally was called Snowridge. My dad bought the family Life time ski passes. It was crazy skiing there, lots of snow and the wind!
Great to 'see' you again Chevy in this great mini-doc. It's been a long time since sailing on Lake of Two Mountains in Hudson. Good luck with the re-birth of Fortress. It's too good to let slip away.
I remember spending weekends at Fortress when I was a kid learning to ski, it would be amazing to see it running again! Fantastic film.
Thank you for that trip down memory lane! So many vivid memories of the bump run just above the aerial site, the old fireplace and don’t forget the Fortress wind… Well done!
I have great memories as a kid skiing here in the 80’s!! With my pink Sunice jacket and pants!
I still have a pair of black Sunice pants that are made out of the best material!
Epic road to get there, but worth it!
Thank you
Who else remembers the afternoon winds? I'm guessing that's still a thing? I don't care, I'd go back to Fortress anytime. Grew up on that hill (and Lyon Mountain!!!). Great job on the video!
Had a property in Canmore from 2002-2014. I learned to Ski and Snowboard at Nakiska, but I remember always begging my parents to take me to Fortress Mountain. I have always wondered why the hill closed & never reopened. Thank you so much for this video!
I've been lucky enough to ski fortress with K-POW cat skiing its a great operation, and it's closing was an unfortunate event. Would love to see this resort be brought back to life!
Was unbelievably disappointed when fortress shut down - spent a lot of days there every winter from 1999 to 2004, and the only thing I ever skipped school for was for untracked powder days at Fortress when I knew it snowed all night, the the hill would be all mine if everyone else was at school, untracked fresh lines from the lift all day long. The closest to Calgary, most fun and easily accessible natural terrain - natural half pipes and natural hits all over that mountain made it a blast. People would also make the best kickers, and launch all over the backside of that mountain… The first time I ever saw someone float a massive 720 on a snowboard was from a home video (VHS) taken at fortress, it was just like in snowboarder magazine… the image of that video and riding the real location burned that memory into my brain. Bring it back please!
Fondly remember more than one closing weekend at Fortress. Multiple beverages consumed. Traying the slopes at night. Good times and misbehavior.
When RCR sold the Fort I went up with some other RCR lift mechanics and Highlander and we got all the lifts and the tee bar fixed and certified, it's painful to see the lodge that way, actually shed a tear.
jeez, what a fantastic film, and that little formation at the end was just *chef's kiss*
This is sooo cool. Love to see genuine people giving some love for these abandoned resorts. Thx crows
@@shanedevon6447 From these vids but im glad you know them better and tell im wrong
This is where I learned to ride. Had friends that worked the lifts. So many memories and good times, would love to see it open again. Did my intro to backcountry riding with the UofC outdoor centre here as well, over a decade ago.
Just a guy from Pittsburgh PA
Spent a lotta time in Kananaskis country.
Summited The Fortress in '08. Always wondered about The Fortress Ski Area.
Now I know a little bit. Special.
So many great memories at Fortress. Loved skiing there and will do so again thanks to these fine gentlemen.
Im a cat operator at Nakiska and havent had a chance to get up fortress yet but have heard so many stories about what a great place it is and of "the old man who lives there". Can't wait to get my avy course and gear and go for a skin up this legendary mountain.
I have so many great memories at Fortress. It gets storms that Sunshine and Louise don't. The terrain is playfull and unique. I drove some athletes up there for a commercial shoot and so many great memories came flooding back.
My favourite hill. Lots of great memories. One being skiing every Christmas day with my Brothers.
I have ridden at Fortress in the early naughties after moving to Calgary. It is a hidden gem. Of all the great resorts close by, it was my favourite and I wish it could be brought back to life. I would certainly support it and wish these folks success.
Amazing work on this! Fortress has the best snow in the Canadian Rockies and I hope to see it open again soon!
Started riding well after this resort closed but always hear about it from friends. Looking forward to it opening up again in the future!
Skied Fortress once and it was amazing I hope it reopens, I will be there. Great story !!!
Had the pleasure of riding Fortress a few times in 96 while living in Banff. You're right it does have a magic about it and was always one of my favourite spots to ride out side of Sunshine and the Lake.
A fantastic area, skiied bottomless powder there on the far side chair in the 80's. My buddy Greg "Fletch" (RIP) was the bartender in the lounge of the same name! Can't wait for it to re-open.
I used to love skiing there, my dad used to take me there when I was a teenager. I still have Sunice clothes hangers!
I took a University of Calgary Avalanche course there, in 1996. Wish I could have gotten to ski there. Hope you can get the operation going again. It is a fantastic location.
Thanks for the memories, and I hope you can start it back up.
By far the best hill in the Calgary area with out an attitude.
I had my first ever pow day as a little kid at fortress. That place was the best.
I happened to meet one of the guys trying to reopen it and he was one of the chillest, friendliest people I’ve ever met. I really hope this works out this time (so many false promises and rumour of it reopening in the past).
I went up to Canada and skied sometime around 2000. Sure, I also skied Lake Louise and Sunshine, but Fortress is the one I always talk about when people ask about skiing in Canada. I didn't even know it had closed :(
Great vid, great location. Loved the Black Crows logo shot with the lift at the end.
So many great memories skiing there. Good luck boys. Can’t wait to make turns there again!
I visited fortress in 2001,I was visiting family in Canada from the uk.. an uncle (david) was then maintenance I believe. It was pre season and I got to witness the preparation for the snow,I was and am still in awe of fortresses total beauty,its so sad seeing the huge fire area in such a bad way.. from the heart of England I truly hope you can rebuild and bring life back into one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.. thank you for your video.
Love this retrospective. I used to do volunteer ski patrol (CSPS) in the mid 90’s. We were all fiercely proud of Fortress. Because of its different aspects and many gullies, we could always find powder stashes. Bring it back!’
I worked at Nakiska in the late 80's and we used to go down the road to fortress to ride real snow, lol.
Nakiska was always a giant ice patch
It looks like an amazing place, may have to come out to skin up and see for myself how magical that snow is
My first skiing experience, Fortress and Sunshine back in the 80s
Top ! Une ambiance irréelle , presque mystique ! Une énergie puissante semble se dégager de ces lieux , Bravo !
I worked at Fortress as a dishwasher in the early 90’s. I think my bosses name was Clifton?. He loved to ski and we loved to ride. My buddy and I and the boss made it work. We would ride first thing, come in and bang out the breakfast dishes and head back out. Come in after lunch and bang those dishes out, then head back out. If the cook wanted us he would call a chair and someone would let us know the dishes were piling up. After almost 30 years I think I am also at my core a fortress mountain dishwasher. It’s been a while since I rode there but I’ll never forget the place.
Lol, we were probably there at the same time. Stayed there for training camps and competitions though.
Reminds me of Irwin lodge. Should of could of would of. Lost paradise and great memories. They will all come back to glory one day.
love fortress. great memories
I still where my green fortress vest everytime I ski. Loved skiing there
The best ski days of my life are memories from fortress
Only skied here a couple times in the 90s but vividly remember the central fireplace, super windy environment, one piece ski suits and the freestyle mogul runs. Would love to tour around again!!
I’ve always been fascinated with abandoned places. It’s sad to see a ski resort like this. So many people with good memories of the place. I hope they can reopen!
Totally agree. I always love imagining what it was like back in there heyday of these places. It’s pretty cool being one of those people with good memories for once. It’s great having memories of Fortress from the 90’s, but it’s sad that it closed down.
I was the last maintenance manager the winter it closed when owned by RCR in 2003-4. The amount of work to get the lifts up to par then was enormous! So many stories of the problems of a financially gutted resort to tell but memories none the less. Drank far side lounge dry when we found out it wasn't opening the following year! Good luck in trying for a reopen!
Awesome video guys. Are used to ski there in 2000. Are used to drive there from Calgary even for half days. Never lineups always great powder awesome skiing . I preferred it over Lake Louise or sunshine.
Superb video. My 16 year old son is happy to come and wash the dishes when you reopen, he's also good with a spanner!
I worked fortress mountain in 2003 - 2004 was the best job ever. Was like a family working with every one.. pretty sure it was the last time before it closed
I skied there as a kid too... Fond memories... I don't live in Alberta anymore and Didn't even know it was gone so was disorienting to watch this. Thank you!
First skied there in the 70's when it was Snowridge. A great area. Met many of the volunteer patrollers (CSPS) whom became great friends. Stayed in the patrol dorm at night. After dinner we would ride the cafeteria trays down the front slope to the lodge. I remember the creek that flowed through the bar in the basement. No one mentions the curve t-bar but it was unique, ride it up the front side, release at the top, then ski down the back side and pick up the same lift for a rid back up to the top. A continuous lift. When Snowridge closed, many of us went to Lake Louise to patrol but we went pack to Fortress , after it opened, to participate in patrol events.