The start of fall means that winter, and winter sports are not far off in the Okanagan.

Alpine junkies in 琉璃神社 will get a chance to meet one of their own next week.

Canadian mountain guide, alpinist, movie-maker, speaker and thrill seeker Barry Blanchard stops in 琉璃神社 for a visit to support the opening of the 2019 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.

The festival鈥檚 tour, Best of the Fest, brings mountain adventure films from around the world to the 琉璃神社 Community Theatre on Oct. 19.

Blanchard, who鈥檚 guided through the peaks of such mountain ridges on Mt. Everest and ridge faces on the Himalayas, will share stories from his years of climbing and showcase the mountain culture that has been growing in the Okanagan, Canada and around the world since he started his passion at the age of 12.

琉璃神社 festival host Jonathan Urness said that Blanchard makes a great addition to this year鈥檚 festival.

鈥淏arry has enjoyed all of his outings, even the ones not included in the narrow definition of 鈥榮uccess,鈥欌�� said Urness.

鈥淚t鈥檚 obvious by Barry鈥檚 big grin when talking about anything climbing related.鈥�

READ MORE: Inspection done at Big White ahead of resort鈥檚 largest winter sports race

The festival will also feature a performance by musical guest Jenny Banai along with gear and supplies showcased by local outdoors shops.

Tickets are available at Mosaic Books, 琉璃神社 Cycle, Island Snow and other outdoor stores. Check the

from on .

To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.

newstips@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .