Stories

Wintervention

July 3, 2018

With skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing all on the roster, there is no shortage of snow-inspired activities in Crowsnest Pass. But visitors looking for an unconventional take on classic winter sports need to put WinterVention (a weekend event) at the top of their winter bucket list.

Every year, in late February, local community organization Crowsnest CanDo partners with local organizations and corporate sponsors to offer up an eclectic mix of winter festivities to help beat the winter blues.

According to event organizer Randall Shemko, the weekend kicks off with a pancake breakfast – but that is where the ordinary stops. Activities like ski joring (skiiers pulled by horses), a fun run and a ukulele jam session are sure to capture imaginations and curiosity.

Junior WinterVention participants can join in the fun – family-friendly frying pan toss, and a movie matinee are among the options for kids.

For keen competitors, the human dog sled races are new take on an old favourite, which occasionally features Crowsnest’s local MP harnessing up for the cause.

Food fans will love the Chili Bowl Festival, hosted at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery in Frank. Attendees can participate for about $10, and choose a handmade pottery bowl to take home. BONUS – fill it with chili at the festival (then eat it), add on a freshly baked roll (then eat it) and follow it up with homemade treats for dessert (and eat that too!) This notoriously popular event is available on a first-come first-served, so new WinterVentioners are advised to come early.

The WinterVention weekend winds down with a much anticipated silent auction, then a dinner and dance held in the town of Bellevue, featuring local bands.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Blairmore Scotiabank starting in September. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit the Crowsnest CanDo website.