Mike Mortimer first showed mountain films at the University of Calgary, Science Theatres in 1980, with films he had rented from various libraries.

In addition to bringing in adventure films, Mike would over the next twenty years, (through his company The Hostel Shop-and later under the banner of Mountain Film-Calgary) arrange lecture tours and presentations across Canada and the U.S. for more than 50 of the world’s top mountain adventure speakers.

For many years Mike was the master of ceremonies
at the Banff Festival of Mountain Films.

Since 1980 the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival has been brought to Calgary by  Mountain Film-Calgary. For our first 40 years we used the Eckhardt-Gramatte theatre at the Rozsa Centre at the University of Calgary. In 2022 we moved to the 600 seat Bella Concert Hall at Mt. Royal University, having outgrown the Rozsa Centre.

Mike Mortimer has been involved with the outdoor community since 1977 when he first moved to Calgary. During this time he has served the outdoor community in the following capacities:

Professional:

  • Owner of The Abbot Pass Trading Co (The Hostel Shop) in Calgary from 1986 to 2005
  • Distributor of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Equipment from 2006-2012

Volunteer:

1980-1981 Chairman Calgary Section, Alpine Club of Canada
1982 Founding President Calgary Area Outdoors Council
1986-1994 Vice President, Facilities Alpine Club of Canada
1994-2002 President Alpine Club of Canada
2003-2006 North American Delegate International Mountaineering Federation (UIAA)
2003-2006 Chairman 2006 Alpine Club Centennial Committee
2005-2007 Director Canadian Avalanche Association
2005 Mike was made an honorary member of the Alpine Club of Canada.
2006-2011 World President International Mountaineering Federation (UIAA)
2014 Mike and Heather Mortimer were honoured as patron’s of the Mountain Guides’ Ball