WinterStart Festival to Kick-Off the Season in Banff/Lake Louise

Lake Louise kicks off its newest season with one of its most exciting events of the year, the 2005 Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup. Visitors can watch some of the world’s best ski racers from Alpine Canada, the US Ski Team, and the European National Ski Teams. The annual World Cup Men’s and Women’s Downhill and Super-G races will be held in Lake Louise from November 26th – December 4th, 2005. The internationally televised event will officially open the 2006 World Cup season and will lead into the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

Here is the schedule of events:

Santa’s Parade of Lights
Santa’s Parade of Lights will kick off the holiday season on Saturday November 26th at 6:30pm. The parade will be brilliant with illumination as each entry will be decorated with twinkling lights in celebration of the winter season and spirit of community fellowship. Santa will be in Banff Avenue Square immediately following the parade for photos and hot chocolate. The event is free to the public.

Street Party
Visitors are invited to at the Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine Annual WinterStart Festival Street Party. The event takes place on Saturday, November 26th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be barbecued delights from local restaurants while partiers watch pro boarders compete in a Rail Jam. Also on offer are carnival games, face painters for children, and a human dog sled competition.

Light Up Banff
On November 26th, visitors can enjoy the annual Light up Banff event. At 6:00pm, Banff will light up their holiday displays for all to see. They can get into the holiday spirit by taking a walk or driving around town to take in all of the residential light displays. The party is free to the public.

Mineral Springs Hospital Annual Christmas Craft Sale
This annual event takes place at the Banff Senior’s Center on November 26th from 10am – 4:00pm. Many unique items feature the talents of the Bow Valley. All proceeds go directly to the Mineral Springs Hospital and the artists exhibiting their goods.

Joy!
This holiday celebration features over 15 Canadian artists at the Canada House Gallery on 201 Bear Street in Banff on Saturday November 26th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. This event is open to the public.

The Tangerine Dream Film Release
Showing on Saturday, November 26th at 8:00pm, The Tangerine Dream is a film that represents 10 years of broken down trucks, whiskey bottles, wanderlust, and the most down and dirty skiing and boarding to be seen. Visitors can watch the film and sample the menu offered up by one of Banff’s newest culinary experiences. The event is hosted by the Elk & Oarsman Pub & Grill at 119 Banff Avenue. The event is also open to the public.

WinterStart Wine & Dine
This event, held from November 26th – December 4th, celebrates the culinary excellence in the Rockies. Diners can listen to classical music, ponder works of art, learn while watching a chef’s demonstration, or, just sit back and enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner.

Lives & Legacy Tour
On Sunday, November 27th and Sunday, December 4th, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies offers a 40-minute tour included with the museum admission fee. Visitors will experience Banff’s history through the lives and legacy of artists and museum founders Peter & Catharine Whyte.

Heritage Homes Tour
Tourists can step into the 1931 home of Peter & Catharine Whyte, museum founders and visual artists. Visitors view the rustic elegance enjoyed by collectors Philip & Pearl Moore in their 1907 home. On Sunday, November 27th and Sunday, December 4th, visitors can get an intimate look at both homes and the intriguing people who lived in them. Offered by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, tours are 45 minutes long.

SnowDance and Bonfire
This event, held on Saturday, December 3rd, celebrates the snow and ski god, Ular, who blesses the mountains with bountiful snowfalls. Visitors don snow masks and bring their dancing boots as they stoke up the bonfire and dance for the snow gods in the glow of the fire and the reflection in the Bow River. This is a long-standing, time-honored Banff tradition.

Giant Snowman
On Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th, visitors put on their warmest mittens and earmuffs and join the Small Business Association’s construction of their giant snowman in celebration of the start of the winter season. Construction will start the previous weekend of November 26th and 27th, and the snowman will be completed on December 3rd and 4th with the wrapping of a warm woollen scarf. The event is open to the public.

Rocky Mountain White Christmas
The Rocky Mountain White Christmas shopping extravaganza takes place in Banff on Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th. Local retailers offer up special, hard to find gifts along with unique artwork.

Article provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism.

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