Editor:
I was surprised to see a full two-page article in the Outlook last week featuring the tours our company ran at Fortress Mountain last summer/fall.
When we initially invited media to come out with us, we hoped only to receive some coverage highlighting the tours, how unique they were, etc.
But this being the Bow Valley, it’s not surprising that the broader issue of human use in the backcountry became the main topic.
Given how strongly people feel about this, I’d like to commend you for publishing an article that looked at all of the views in an open-minded manner.
Striking a balance between use of the environment and its preservation is a delicate act and I think the article highlighted it well. It is an issue all of the guides and staff in our company and at Fortress Mountain take very seriously.
I’d like to make two small points however. First of all, the term “whistleblower” used to describe Neil Warren. The term “whistleblower” implies wrongdoing or a cover up, neither of which has occurred. Mr. Warren is not a “whistleblower,” he’s a person with an opinion, that’s all.
Second, I laughed when I read Sarah Elmeligi’s sentence saying “… the motivation of increasing profit margins …” I laughed because “increasing profit margins” and running a small business are almost mutually exclusive concepts.
If you asked most small businesses how best to increase their profit margins, especially this year, they say it would be to close shop and get a steady paying job with benefits.
FYI, the routes outlined on the map are also incorrect.
Happy Holidays to everyone and wishes for a much better year to come.
Gordon Stermann,
White Mountain Adventures
