Countdown to the Canadian Cowboy Ski Race
BY DEANNA KRISTENSEN
![\"Canadian](\"http://www.westernhorsereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ski-Stampede.jpg\")
Lake Louise Ski Resort is about to get wild and western March 29, as Canadian Professional Rodeo (CPRA) contestants make their way to the top of the hill for the second annual Back on Track Canadian Cowboy Ski Race sponsored by Ranchman’s. In 2013, CPRA cowboys and cowgirls invaded the slopes and raised $14,000 in support of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team (CPRSMT). Spectators at last year\’s event witnessed not just a ski race, but a full-on cowboy stampede!
![\"Stampede](\"http://www.westernhorsereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Ski-Louise-Stampede111.jpg\")
During the rodeo season, the CPRSMT (a not-for-profit, volunteer run organization), attends over 130 events and assists injured rodeo athletes, with their network of sport medicine doctors and orthopaedic surgeons.
“We are such an integral part of the rodeo industry,” commented Brandon Thome, Vice President of the CPRSMT, in a March 20, press release. “It’s a fun way to get the funding we need to improve our services and make it more affordable for rodeos to bring us in for events.”
![\"Ski](\"http://www.westernhorsereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Ski-Louise-Stampede10.jpg\")
It\’s a new breed of western as Canada\’s top rodeo celebrities, conquer the hill and raise money for the CPRSMT. Proceeds from the ski race, dinner and silent auction, go towards the efforts of those who aid the contestants behind the scenes at Canada\’s rodeos. Not only is the ski race in support of a great cause, but those in attendance are guaranteed to have a wild weekend on the slopes with many of Canada\’s top CPRA athletes.
With races set to start at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, the official wind-up to the showdown has now begun. March 27, at 8:00 P.M., is the Back on Track Canadian Cowboy Ski Race Kick-off Party at Ranchman\’s in Calgary. Make sure you check out Facebook, for updates and event highlights. Between the cowboy hats, chaps and colourful CPRA contestants, those lucky enough to take in the weekend have definitely secured their ticket for a good time.
If you haven\’t put this event on your list of things to do this year, make sure to follow it for next year. Full details of the ski race and information on great places to stay at Lake Louise, can be found on Everything-Cowboy.com.
