Banff National Park's $25,000 Big Mountain Challenge Winner Announced

Ontario team to tackle three mountain peaks in Canada's hiking capital in support of Médecins Sans Frontières

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, AB, Aug. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Twenty-two year old George Woodhouse of Owen Sound, Ontario, whose enthusiasm for Banff National Park's Big Mountain Challenge contest led him to post a musical tribute on YouTube, will be singing all the way to Canada's iconic mountain park later this month when he and a friend will challenge themselves to some of the park's classic hikes in a bid to earn up to $25,000 for Canadian charity Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge contest launched on Facebook on June 11, 2012, asking entrants to submit a photograph of themselves with accompanying commentary about how they would prepare for the epic challenge of ascending three mountain peaks over the course of seven days. By close of the contest, 719 entries had been submitted from around North America.

Ten finalists were chosen based on the number of favourable votes received via the online contest site. A panel of judges from Banff Lake Louise Tourism then whittled the list down further by taking both creativity and votes garnered into consideration.

"It was challenging to choose a winner after receiving so many enthusiastic entries and we want to congratulate and thank everyone who entered," said Jessica Pacheco, Banff Lake Louise Tourism's marketing manager and contest judge. "We felt that Mr. Woodhouse demonstrated exceptional creativity and we were equally impressed with the support he received from voters which put him well ahead of the second-place contestant."

Woodhouse's picture depicts himself and friend, Dave Lawless, peeking from behind a tent set amidst a scenic mountain backdrop with the caption, "Did someone say mountain challenge? We just took this photo!"

Woodhouse will now have two weeks to raise pledges of support that will be matched by Banff Lake Louise Tourism up to $5000. He will then travel to picturesque Banff National Park with a companion on August 27 and spend a week hiking to the spectacular summits of Mount Temple, Cascade Mountain and Sulphur Mountain. Upon completion of the ascents, the team will earn a guaranteed $15,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières as well as up to $10,000 more based on pledges earned.

"I'm still trying to catch my breath, this is just so exciting," said George upon hearing of his win. "This is a not just a good day for us, but a good day for Doctors Without Borders which is an organization I've supported as much as I can because I find their work so inspiring."

• The total prize package for Woodhouse's adventure in Banff National Park includes:
• Round-trip airfare for two to Calgary, Alberta and transportation to Banff National Park.
• Eight nights' luxury accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• Spa treatments at the exclusive Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs.
• Certified Mountain Guide for Mount Temple & Cascade Mountain hikes and a Parks Canada guide for the Sulphur Mountain summit.
• A Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge is presented by Banff Lake Louise Tourism with generous support from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Parks Canada.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership.

SOURCE Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Image with caption: "Did someone say mountain challenge? We just took this photo! (CNW Group/Banff Lake Louise Tourism)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120803_C4920_PHOTO_EN_16631.jpg