Feature Story

The Guides Hut – Taking the Leap

As an action photographer, Mark Gallup has watched many people literally make the leap – over rocks, off a cliff. He has also watched friends and professional athletes make the leap to a new career. Now it’s his turn. “I still love taking pictures” Mark says. “But it’s time for a change from the constant travelling. I want to spend more time at home, here in Fernie.”

So begins Mark’s new adventure. Together with wife Beth, he recently purchased The Guide’s Hut. “It’s a good fit. I’ve always been about motivating people to play outside. Now I am just doing it in a new way – making sure locals and visitors have all the right gear and clothing and little extras to make it fun.” Mark’s vision for the store includes making it part of community life. He started, quite naturally, with a photo
contest: asking people to share inspiring mountain/outdoor images with a human element. He is also looking forward to taking part in the regular Thursday rides – everyone is welcome, be at The Guide’s Hut @ 7pm – started by the store’s bike
mechanics.

In the winter, Mark plans to continue to build The Guide’s Hut reputation as the best place in town to go for backcountry ski gear. The store will
start carrying splitboard bindings, since snowshoes aren’t always practical for resort-based touring. “We are very open to ideas for other products and services as well”, Mark concludes. “Now that I’ve made the leap, I want to land on both feet, in a healthy business with happy
customers.”

For more information go to www.theguideshut.ca
250-423-3650

MEMBERS
PROMOTIONS
Canyon Rafting
Curves
Goldstar Cleaning
Cuban Adventure
Fernie Alpine Resort
College of the Rockies
Trit Trot Farms RV Park
College of the Rockies
Elk Valley Family
Chiropractic
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For the newsletter click here: Chamber E-News June 10, 2010