Snow alert! More than a fluffy foot hits Banff Park

Dry, fluffy powder is blanketing Banff National Park this week and skiers and snowboarders are lapping it up with ear-to-ear grins at Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area, and Sunshine Village. In the last three days, more than half a metre of fresh, light snow has piled up on ski resort bases that already top six feet (187 cms and growing) — translating into endless untracked turns covering almost 8,000 acres of terrain.

The white winter playground sets the perfect stage for the annual Ice Magic Festival January 23 to 25; an exciting 34-hour competition where professional teams carve towering works of art from 300-pound blocks of ice on the shores of Lake Louise.

This year’s interpretive challenge is to create a sculpture that tells a story around the Rhythms of Nature; an artistic theme that explores the preservation of wildlife and ecosystems in this vast pristine wilderness. Deer, elk, cougars, moose, and grizzly bears roam freely through the protected forests of Canada’s first national park, unmarred by ski resort developments and slope-side condominiums. For a full events schedule, visit Banfflakelouise.com/icemagic.

An extraordinary international destination, Banff National Park offers visitors the rare chance to explore outdoor adventures within a genuine wilderness. Take a guided snowshoe trip through the forest and track wildlife; cross-country ski on track-set trails and picnic in absolute serenity; soak in an outdoor natural hot springs and watch the stars; or drive a dogsled team through the forest like early Canadian explorers. Luxury resorts, cozy bed & breakfasts, and self-catering condos are offered in the friendly communities of Banff and Lake Louise, along with spas, unique shopping, gourmet dining, and live entertainment.

For more information log on to Banfflakelouise.com.