Valemount Winter Festival
Get ready for a fun-filled, energetic outdoor winter experience at the Second Annual Valemount Winter Festival. Whatever your winter pleasure, you will find it here, with a snowmobile poker run in the lower elevations, a winter triathlon and family games at the marsh, bonfires, hot chocolate, a trade show and a concert dance with a live band.
Friday, January 29, 2010
On Friday evening come and enjoy a wine and cheese reception while you listen to the smooth sounds of local Jazz band “Blue Syntax” and browse through the mini-trade show presented by local businesses. Event information, package pick-ups and last-minute registration for some of the events will also be available.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Family games on the Marsh – Play in the great outdoors as you compete in a snowshoe race, try your hand at milk jug curling, play a little pick-up hockey, or experience the thrill of body bowling. These and other games and events will be organized with the help of the College of New Caledonia Northern Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism students. Known as the Cranberry Marsh to local residents, and often just referred to as, “The Marsh,” the 600-acre R.W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary transforms into a frosty wonderland during the winter months. For years, Valemount residents have enjoyed this well-kept secret, skating and playing on the frozen surface of the marsh, and now you are invited to join in the fun. After joining the kids for an interpretive scavenger hunt, warm up at the bonfire with your hot chocolate goodies from the concession. This event is free to anyone who wishes to join in the fun! Shuttle service will be available throughout the festival, or you can park at Canoe View Park off McKirdy Road.
Winter Triathlon – Set a personal best, strap on a pair of snowshoes and compete against a friend or family member, or join up with two friends for the relay version of this race. You will feel the crisp, clean winter air on your face as you ski, skate and run through picturesque snow-covered landscapes, from wide-open vistas and spectacular views of the mountains to serene winter trails and friendly side streets through town. You will ski along the dikes and skate on the frozen surface of the marsh; and run through the outskirts Valemount’s friendly village while local residents cheer you on as you cross the finish line back at Cranberry Marsh. There will be a long course and a short course, and you can compete on your own or with your friends on a relay team. All registered participants will get a “Second Annual Valemount Winter Triathlon” t-shirt!