SAM Magazine-Lake Louise, Alberta, Nov. 12, 2008-Charlie Locke, the former owner of Lake Louise, has reacquired a 50 percent share in the resort from Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR). As part of the agreement, Locke will assume the role of managing partner for Lake Louise.

Locke was instrumental in creating the resort as a primary investor in 1974. He became sole owner by 1981, operating the mountain for 20 years until RCR assumed sole ownership in 2003.

Under the new agreement, Lake Louise will be operated by The Lake Louise Ski Area Ltd., and will continue its association with RCR. It is expected that Locke will oversee all day-to-day operations of the resort and will spearhead investment in the mountain, including upgrades in snowmaking, grooming and guest services. The change in ownership is expected to have no impact on rates or services for the current season, although the RCR ban on terrain parks will likely be overturned at Louise, and the mountain will once again offer pipe and park terrain to guests.

"For me, this is not so much a business decision as a return to a fundamental passion," Locke said in a written statement. "My family and I are very excited about getting back to the mountains and reinvesting our energies to ensure Lake Louise continues to be Canada's favorite ski resort." \