As we were just getting ready to promote the 2017 Tour De Frank that takes place every year at Frank Slide, we found out the news that this years event has been cancelled due to extreme fire risk.
For the past month, there has been a Fire Advisory for the Crowsnest Pass Area. Trent Hoover, one of the organizers of the event, recently spoke to the site coordinator for Frank Slide and reported that access to the boulders is still open but the operators do not want any large groups in the area because of the increased risk for a potential human-caused fire. As of such, the organizers have made the decision to cancel the event for this year.
Here is a note from Trent Hoover:
Due to the fact that there is very little rain forecast for the upcoming weeks, simply postponing the event for a week seems unwise and unrealistic. If there is substantial rainfall before the weather becomes too cool we may consider holding the Tour de Frank later this fall. However, given the ongoing dry conditions, the likelihood of the 2017 Tour de Frank is uncertain.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause anyone! We are deeply disappointed that the weather has not cooperated, and regret that we won’t be able to show off Alberta’s Biggest and Best Bouldering Area! Check the blog for updates, we’ll post if the event is rescheduled.
Huge thanks to those individuals and companies that support the Tour de Frank! This year we have 14 sponsors supporting the event, including climbing gyms, retail outlets, and distributors from across Alberta and southern BC! Awesome Adventures (Lethbridge), Flashed Climbing, Friction Labs, Trailhead (Red Deer), ARQ Mountain Center (Cranbrook), Outdoor Research, Static Climbing Bags, Osprey, Rock Jungle Fitness (Edmonton), Grand Wall Equipment, Bolder (Calgary), Outside All Day (bringing you not just prizes but the new Frank Slide Bouldering tees), Spry (Crowsnest Pass), and Calgary Climbing Center (Calgary) all stepped up to support the event! Throw some support back their way!
Thank you for your interest and support! It is your support that makes events like the Tour de Frank a reality.
The announcement must be a huge disappointment to all those who put in the effort for this event, but at the same time, it is a testament to the awareness of the greater climbing community and the ability to work with all groups in order to continue access to our beloved climbing areas. Organizers, we salute you!