Banff,Candian Rockies

I just love Canada.Both coasts.The Canadian Rockies are still one of the most magical places I have been to on the planet in winter.Lake Louise,Banff. It's all worth a trip.For those game -  try to check this out!

WELCOME WINTER AT BANFF’S WINTERSTART FESTIVAL!

Travelers Can Celebrate Winter in the Albertan Rockies: Nov.24-Dec.8

Banff, Alberta, November 21, 2008 — Travelers can officially welcome another winter and get in the seasonal, snowy spirit at Banff National Park’s WinterStart Festival with the ultimate Rocky Mountain winter experience from November 24^th- December 8^th. The two adrenaline-filled weeks will feature World Cup ski races, ice carving, free events .

WinterStart Festival highlights include:

• Travelers can experience Banff’s renowned snowy slopes by themselves or alongside others while cheering on future Olympic athletes who are vying for a spot on the 2010 Winter Olympic alpine team at the men’s and ladies’ World Cup ski races at Lake Louise Mountain Resort from Nov. 29^th-30^th and Dec. 5^th-7^th. The fastest skiers on the planet hurtle down the mountain at speeds that easily top 100 kilometers an hour.  Those who prefer to enjoy the excitement from the comfort of downtown Banff can catch the races on a JuboTron LED screen.

• Visitors can enjoy the holiday splendor of WinterStart’s annual “Christmas in the Rockies” event on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.  Cascade Plaza and Banff Avenue square in downtown Banff will host a family-oriented afternoon filled with holiday treats including:
• Christmas crafts
• Cookie decorating
• Face painting
• Free popcorn and candy
• Ice carving demonstrations

Later that evening, lights will twinkle under the Rocky Mountain sky as a parade of holiday floats delights the crowds lining the streets of Banff Avenue. The Santa Claus Parade of Lights is the perfect way to end a family day!

Participants can enjoy these events and more with live music and World Cup award ceremonies throughout the festival that celebrates the start of another six months of outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies!

Travelers and their families can opt to stay in a condominium or chalet or Banff-area hotel and take part in a variety of seasonal activities. Bring skates and glide across frozen lakes and rivers, toboggan down nearby hills, or go for a steamy soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs under star-filled night skies.  

For information on lodging packages like the below, see http://www.banfflakelouise.com

Banff Centre Performance/WinterStart Festival Special

Attend a performance at The Banff Centre (http://www.banffcentre.ca/) during the WinterStart Festival and get a special “Stay With Us” room rate of $72 per night (single or double occupancy) plus taxes. Performances include: Barra MacNeil’s Christmas Concert, Nov. 28; Stuart McLean & A Vinyl Cafe Christmas, Dec. 6; and Concert Night Out, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.

Rooms: $72 per night; performance tickets: $13 to $40.