January 18, 2008 (Vancouver, BC) – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, backcountry skiing – these are just some of the activities that the BC Nordic Marketing Society will be promoting this winter. The BC Nordic Marketing Society (BCNMS) is a non-profit organisation made up of Nordic activity operators, ski areas, and tourism marketing organisations with an interest in promoting participation in non-mechanized snow-based activities.

BCNMS was created with the cooperation of Tourism British Columbia and has a mandate to market cross country skiing and other Nordic activities throughout the province. BCNMS will receive ongoing support from Tourism BC, but the society is made up of members that represent the interests of the Nordic sector and these representatives determine the activities of the society.

“We have fourteen members right now,” says society president, Rob Bernhardt, who is also the Manager of Cross Country Skiing for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “Our members are from all across the province – from Smithers to Vancouver Island – and we would strongly encourage more operators and organisations to consider joining the society.”

The BCNMS will be undertaking a number of strategic and proactive marketing initiatives that will benefit members of the society, including the development of a web site and online advertising campaign, the production of promotional marketing materials, and the implementation of a media outreach program.

“BC offers an unparalleled diversity of opportunities for Nordic activities,” says Bernhardt. “With our varied geography and expansive terrain, we are able to offer a Nordic experience for every taste and provide a virtual certainty of great conditions somewhere in the province. These natural advantages combined with the upcoming 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games provide BC with a unique opportunity to be seen as a destination of choice for these activities.

The BC Nordic Marketing Society is an initiative of the “Experiences BC” program which was established by Tourism BC to identify and support the development of market-ready tourism products. While the BCNMS is an independent organisation, Tourism BC will facilitate, support, and provide some funding assistance.

Membership in the BCNMS is open to anyone who is interested in promoting Nordic winter activities in the province.

Current members include:

– Columbia Shuswap Regional District
– Tourism Kamloops
– Tourism Smithers
– Mount Washington
– Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventure
– The Hills Guest Ranch
– Cypress Mountain
– Resort Municipality of Whistler
– Nipika Lodge
– Manning Park Resort
– Whister Olympic Park (Nordic Venue)
– 100 Mile Development Corporation
– Silver Star Mountain Resort
– Tourism Golden

For more information about the Society or membership, please visit www.bcnordic.com