Off to the Elite 8. Not bad for a tiny patch of turf tucked away in the sleepy BC Interior.
In this story, you can read about Nelson/Rossland’s latest triumph in Powder Magazine’s Ski Town Throwdown on-line contest. This is hardly the Olympics. There are no medals and no massive endorsement deals for the winner. It’s simple bragging rights for the North American locale voted the ultimate winner later this month.
Out of the 32 ski towns that started, voters have moved Nelson onto some pretty exclusive company. First we beat Maine’s Sugarloaf, somewhat easy pickings. Then last week in an amazing come-from-behind victory, we topped the more formidable Whitefish, Montana.
We all know Nelson is a special place in the winter. With Whitewater Ski Resort and an abundance of cat/heliski operations dotted all around us, our snow is world famous. Throw in a cool little town with great restaurants and an active nightlife, there is plenty of reasons for outdoor lovers to flock here.
So why do we need a contest to prove we are the best? We don’t. But it sure is fun trying.
What last week’s victory shows is just how much pride this community has and how those who love it want to spread the word.
Since this was an online contest, community leaders cast a net far and wide to help with the win. Shambhala appealed to its Facebook followers, Whitewater sent the word out via the internet, tourism boosters were busy on their keyboards and the Nelson Star did its very best to keep online readers informed. In a more traditional manner, Mayor John Dooley literally hit the streets and visited local businesses to encourage them to vote.
It all added up to a big win over a worthy challenger. And it put us one step closer to the overall title and even more winter fame.
The next round of voting goes December 12 and 13. The competition gets stiffer and it will take an even greater effort to win. Are you up to the challenge?