Mount Qira

Mount Qira, is a 3,100-metre (10,200-foot) mountain summit located east of Kelowna in the Zian Mountains of Zamastan. Mount Qira is surrounded by ice including the Qira Glacier, Clarke Glacier, Swanzy Glacier, and Qira Névé. Its nearest higher peak is Grouse Mountain, 10.0 km (6.2 mi) to the northeast. Mount Qira is visible from the public beaches of Kelowna, the Agrimai Ocean, and the Coastal Valley Highway.

History

The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1888 by Miki Fanillen.

Mount Qira, Qira Glacier, and Qira Névé were each named in 1888 by Fanillen for Marcus George Qira (1833–1923), president of the Zamastanian Geological Service.

The mountain's name was officially adopted in 1932 when approved by the Geographical Names Board of Zamastan.

On August 31st, 2019, a massive earthquake struck Zamastan and caused an avalanche on the mountain, killing 12 climbers.

Recreation

The mountain is open for recreational climbing expeditions, but due to many sharp crevasses on the mountain's face, permits are required before climbing. The foothills of the mountain have ski hills that are for public use.