Alberta, BC winter events to amp your ski stoke
Isn't playing in the snow the best? For many of us, it's one of our fondest childhood memories. But there's no reason to stop once we're adults! In Alberta and BC this winter, there are lots of skiing and snowboarding events, après-skiing and “mountain adjacent” things to do on and off the hill.
So don’t just wax your skis, wax your moustache and polish your boogie shoes, because the good times are here again!
2023-24 winter events in Alberta, BC
Check out the events that top our list of things to do this winter around Western Canada.
December 9 Style Experience: FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup / Edmonton, AB
In Edmonton, they're even building the mountains to bring them to you! That means there's no excuse for sleeping on the fun!
Picture the worlds’ best snowboarders hurtling down a giant snow ramp, dropping into the bowl of Commonwealth Stadium, in downtown Edmonton, as they throw their best tricks in a Big Air comp you don’t want to miss!
Here's a taste with a bit of tongue (LOL), from Canada Snowboard's own Truth D Smith, out of Whistler.
Added to all the high-flying entertainment, there will be demo activities and performances by Calling All Captains, SkiiTour and grandson!
January 12-28 Jasper in January / Jasper, AB
Yes, we know it’s not even Christmas yet, but right after Christmas comes the classic Jasper in January, and with deals on skiing, accommodations and special events around town.
Dare we say, it’s the most wonderful time of the (new) year? Start planning now for the event locals affectionately know as #JinJ.
Jan 19-Feb 4 SnowDays / Banff, AB
Down the road, Banff's Snow Days is the southern equivalent to Jasper in January with a little more "western" thrown into the mix.
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A full range of events spreads throughout town and beyond, but you don't have to go far to see some wild action.
If you haven't witnessed it, the skijoring competition—where a horse and rider team pull a skier through a slopestyle course down Banff Ave—is an impressive spectacle.
February 2-11 Vernon Winter Carnival / Vernon, BC
Western Canada’s LARGEST winter carnival, over 60 years (or 100+, depending on how you count... )
Between raucous shows, check out two-metre plus high snow sculptures at SilverStar, play winter soccer, enjoy tastings and of course, get out skiing and snowboarding during this fun ten days in Vernon.
Feb 16-19 YEG Icefest & Ice Climbing World Championships / Edmonton, AB
Now in its third year, YEG Icefest welcomes the Ice Climbing World Championships to Edmonton. Try out climbing or practice your chops, and then watch the world's best race to the top of this epic man-made ice wall, right downtown in the Ice District.
Climbers scale the icewall at YEG Icefest, 2023.
This will mark the first time this event has been hosted in North America!
If you're feeling like chopping some ice and getting into the sport, you don't have to wait until February—the YEG Icewall is open all season (see operating dates and hours on the YEG Icewall website).
Mar 1-3 Wells Winter Wonder Carnival / Wells, BC *dates pending
The friendly northern BC town of Wells is a winter nature lover's dream, with wide open space to enjoy the snow, on skis, snowshoes or sled. This is year two of the festival, but Wells isn't new to the event scene, having hosted the popular summer fest ArtsWells for over a decade.
More 2023-24 winter events in Alberta, BC
Ski, après, repeat... and keep the stoke going!
Jan 12-Apr 22 Avalanche Awareness Days
Ski resorts and various venues across Canada host Avalanche Awareness Days events, see the schedule here.
Feb 23-25 Winter Festival of Speed
Ice derbies, sled races and a celebration of all things fast off the mountain in Lac La Biche Alberta.
April (dates tbd 2024)
Ski fests, apres parties and winter events are the part of the ski scene that really establish the subculture, it's the colourful, wild, fun part of skiing: the way we come together, around the sport, for fun as a community.
Get your cowbell, your neon and your best grooves ready, this winter is for celebrating!
More ways to apres
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