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April 14, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Gros Morne Touted as World-Class Climbing Destination

World-renowned mountaineer Jim Bridwell is currently exploring Western Newfoundland on the invitation of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Atlantic Canada Mountain Guides International. Mr. Bridwell and Paul Fenton, President of the Rocky Harbour chapter of the ACMGI, have been climbing big wall waterfall ice routes in the landlocked fjords of the Long Range Mountains.

The climbs in the area are classified as "first ascents," a highly- prized designation meaning that no person has ever climbed the route before. Government and the ACMGI are confident the Gros Morne area and all its attractions have the potential to be considered as a world-class destination.

In conjunction with the climbs, Jim Bridwell and Paul Fenton will present a slide show on their many expeditions on Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the lecture theatre, Westviking College, Corner Brook, and on Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at Memorial University, Faculty of Education, Room 2018-b, St John's.

Paul Fenton is an experienced technical climber who has pioneered the development of mountaineering in Western Newfoundland since 1991. Jim Bridwell's famous career has taken him from Gros Morne to Mount Everest to the jungles of Borneo. For more information contact the Rocky Harbour chapter of the Atlantic Canada Mountain Guides International at (709) 458-3004.

Contact: Laura Cochrane, Director, Communications, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928.