This winter – Spectate of participate?

As skis, skates and snowboards are polished and waxed for the up-and-coming season, the Rockies resorts are readying themselves for a plethora of events. Whether you are a spectator or a competitor the Rockies have a challenge for everyone. So why not combine your ski or board trip with an event and try something a little bit different this winter?

World Class Competitions 29 & 30 November & 5 – 7 December
Lake Louise is opening the 2008 Bombardier World Cup tour, where for just a few days the world’s best athletes will be speeding down the mountain side at more than 100 kilometres per hour. This adrenaline pumping event will also see British hopeful Chemmy Alcott competing and pushing for a top ranking result. The men’s Super G & Down Hill takes place on the 29th and 30th November and the women’s events take place between the 5th and 7th December 2008.

Children’s Winter Wonderland – 6th December
For children, Banff brings the Christmas spirit alive like no where else. The celebrations start on the 6th December, with a whole day dedicated to fun festivities culminating in carols, Christmas lights and the Santa Claus Parade through downtown Banff.

New Year’s Celebrations, Double Black Diamonds and a Cardboard Box!
Mount Norquay greets the New Year with the Torch Light Parade. The mountainside will be aglow with glorious orange flames to welcome in 2009. If this is a little too docile for you then you may want to get your skis or snowboard poised for Mt. Norquay’s Mountain Smoker on the 1st February 2009. Large doses of stamina and speed are required for this 3 hour endurance race down Lone Pine, a 1,300 vertical double black diamond run, as the winner will be the person who completes the most laps of this challenging run.

For kids of all ages the Cardboard Box Derby is perfect. Imagination, cardboard, tape and brightly coloured paints are all that is required for you to take up you position at the starting line. Sleds will be judged on originality, construction and design as well as their ability to cross the finish line!

Chilli for the Fun, Fat and Forty – January 2009
For people of a certain age ‘Fun, Fat and Forty’ might sound terribly familiar, but this race in Jasper has a long established twenty year old tradition. The race at Marmot Basin is suitable for all ages and abilities (and weights!) and includes a fun race, lunch and awards banquet. So don’t be shy, grab your ski’s and head out for a fun day of racing.

‘Jasper in January’ (17th Jan – 1st Feb) is a town wide celebration that culminates in The Mountain Park Lodges Annual Chilli Cook-off. With over 20 booths and hundreds of people competing to create the parks perfect chilli, there is plenty of opportunity to taste and judge the chilli for yourself, and of course keep warm.

Slush Cup Splash – 18th May 2009
To celebrate the end the ski season and for those who don’t feel the cold, why not have a go at the Slush Cup at Sunshine Village. Brave and crazy individuals try to empress the judges and the crowds at the end of the season with their attempts to jump over a pool of frozen slush water at the bottom on the ski hill. Those brave enough even don costumes to put on this spectacular and humorous display.

For more information, log on to Travelalberta.com.