Good things come out of the Bow Valley, and this new craft distillery is just the latest. Bringing together local grain, local water, and local people, Wild Life Distillery offers authentic Rockies spirits made in small batches 100% on-site. We talked to co-owner Matt Widmer about the ins and outs of the distillery industry, and what to expect when they open their doors.

For four years, Joanne Liu has lived with Lyme disease after contracting it from a tick in Kananaskis Country. Among many changes, the infection has brought about unforeseeable consequences, including an estrangement from the mountain community she was so much a part of, especially as a climber. Here she describes the inspiration behind a photo series, what she’s learned living with the disease, and her best tips for avoiding it in the first place.

Banff attracts flocks of tourists and the local ski scene is bright and robust. It is thanks, in part, to the families that form the backbone of the ski culture, who work at the resorts, and lend a hand to ski clubs and programs. Writer Kevin Hjertaas profiles one such family, whose modesty is as impressive as their accomplishments on the slopes.

Few people have summited each of the Ten Peaks that tower over Moraine Lake. Even fewer have photographed from their highest points. Writer Kyla Jacobs interviews Crowfoot Media’s Photo Editor, Paul Zizka, about his journey to climb and photograph one the most famous skylines in the Canadian Rockies.

Mountaineering requires a fair amount of gear, and between your hard goods and clothing needed for an array of weather, you need to be careful not to leave crucial gear behind. Abby Cooper caught up with ACMG/IFMGA-certified guide, Lilla Molnar, to find out what’s in her pack, and her best tips for packing for a day spent high in the alpine.

Many hikers won’t think too much about what goes in their pack until something goes wrong on their adventure. Whether it’s a First Aid incident or an unexpected night out, your day pack should be fully loaded with items you’ll need if your day takes a turn for the worst (or to prevent that from happening in the first place). We called on IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide, Eric Dumerac, to show us how he packs his kit.

As backcountry touring rises in popularity, the sport’s gear is proliferating left, right and centre. So, how do you choose the best gear? What’s been tried, tested and true? We turn to pro freeskier, Eric Hjorleifson, for his rundown on what he puts into his pack for a day out ski touring. Here are his favs (and some sweet hacks, too!).

What are the chances that bears and people are on the same trail at the same time? And what are the conditions that lead to a higher chance of encounter? These are just some of the questions that Canmore-based researcher, Sarah Elmeligi, is studying as part of her PhD. In this article, she walks us through the preliminary results of her research, and tells us why people should be prepared for a bear encounter – especially when you’re close to a road or town.

Known for her trademark laugh and generous spirit, Canmore-based climber Anna Smith was a prolific and cutting-edge climber whose passing has left a mountain-size gap in the climbing community of the Rockies and beyond.

There are a few schools of thought when it comes to whether or not a dog should be free to roam in the mountains. Some think, “isn’t a dog happier, less threatening and more fun when it is off-leash?” Canmore-based biologist Sarah Elmeligi says it doesn’t matter how happy it makes your four-legged friend (or you); dog owners have a responsibility to follow the rules for a reason. Here she presents her case, backed by science, for putting your dog on a leash.

At the heart of mountain culture in the Canadian Rockies is the tradition of mountain lodging that beckons travellers to disconnect, unwind and enjoy a warm drink by the fire. Our Mountain Lodge Spotlight series features just this – a long-standing history that continues to this day. Whether in the backcountry or at the roadside, these mountain lodges feature stunning locations and good old mountain hospitality.

At the heart of mountain culture in the Canadian Rockies is the tradition of mountain lodging that beckons travellers to disconnect, unwind and enjoy a warm drink by the fire. Our Mountain Lodge Spotlight series features just this – a long-standing history that continues to this day. Whether in the backcountry or at the roadside, these mountain lodges feature stunning locations and good old mountain hospitality.