This press release came across the wire about my sorta-acquanitance Ross Rebagliati’s new gig as the snowboard guru for Kelowna Mountain.

In my article for Heads magazine about Ross’ quest for Team Canada for 2010 [“Rebagliati Positive about 2010″ in Heads, the marijuana lifestyle magazine] and Olympic Outsider interview [Coffeetalk with Gold Medalist Ross Rebagliati – Olympic Outsider #3], i pointed out how sharp, healthy and communicative the youthful Rebagliati is.

As such, this is a wicked smart move by Kelowna Mountain as Ross brand appeal is still massively high (no pun), and this is a great deal for Ross who can solidify his role as the elder statesman of Snowboard culture and the resort business.

His RASTA brand of camps and gear will also benefit from the increased exposure and the will be evidenced in the super-skilled and chilled boarders graduating from his dojo.  Anyhow, read it up and enjoy.

July 3, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KELOWNA – The world’s first Olympic snowboarding champion will be training future Olympians at a four-seasons residential resort planned for Kelowna.

Ross Rebagliati, B.C.’s Olympic gold medalist from the 1998 Nagano Games, is the new Director of Snowboarding and Skiing for Kelowna Mountain. Rebagliati lived in Whistler for 17 exciting and productive years.

Ross and his wife Alexandra plan to share their time between Whistler and the Okanagan. Alexandra worked as a realtor in Whistler with Macdonald Realty and will continue to work with Macdonald Realty in Kelowna.

“We believe having Ross join us is a real coup for Kelowna,” said Kelowna Mountain co-owner Nicola Consiglio.

“With Ross on board, we know we’ll have a top-notch facility,” said co-owner Mark Consiglio. “We’re also excited about supporting Ross as he trains young people for the Olympics.”

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Rebagliati. “I’ve known Mark for 10 years and I’m excited about being part of the Kelowna Mountain team.”

The Rebagliati Alpine Snowboard Training Academy (RASTA) will officially open next year at Kelowna Mountain. The training academy will focus on riders of all levels who are looking to improve in the sport of snowboarding. For more information on RASTA camps, please e-mail rasta@rossrebagliati.com or phone 250.870.2792.

Rebagliati has been hired to design and manage the snowboard and ski operations at Kelowna Mountain, an exciting, youth-amenities-oriented residential resort at the corner of Chute Lake Road and Gillard Forestry Road in the Upper Mission neighbourhood.

More on Ross Rebagliati:
Born: July 14, 1971, North Vancouver, B.C.
Vitals: 5-10, 180 pounds
2005 – Inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame
1998 – Olympic Gold Medal, Nagano, Japan
1997 – 1st place, World Cup Giant Slalom, Whistler
1996 – 1st place, World Cup Super G, Whistler
1996 – 1st place, World Cup GS, Sestriere
1991- Canadian Amateur Snowboard Champion

As an active member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ross has helped grant the wishes of children from as far away as Florida. Ross’ name and offer of a snowboard lesson can be seen on silent auction ballots for many charities. Ross is an active participant at annual events hosted by the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver and Kids Help Phone.