Alberta
- Christmas in November, Nov. 3-16: The theme for this year’s event at Jasper Lake Lodge is Home for the Holidays. Food Network stars such as Anna Olson and Michael Smith are just two of the big names who will participate. www.christmasinnovember.com
- Bombardier World Cup Downhill Races, Nov. 28-29 & Dec. 5-6: International annual downhill ski race competition, with The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as the event host hotel. Skiers from around the world race in the Canadian Rockies, with the men’s competition during the first weekend, women’s second.
- IceMagic International Ice Carving Competition, Jan. 23-25: Carvers from around the world showcase their themed art on the shores of Lake Louise. Sculptures remain on display until the sun takes them away.
Aspen, Colo.
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Wintersköl™ Jan. 8–11: Now in its 58th year, Wintersköl dates back to a quiet January in 1951 when locals celebrated Aspen’s alpine lifestyle with an eclectic weekend of festivities. This year there are 30 events in four ski areas: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Events include snow sculpting, a parade, doggie fashion show, fireworks, and a torchlight descent.
- Winter X Games 13, Jan. 22 – 25: Ski, snowboard and snowmobile athletes will compete in ESPN’s Winter X Games 12 on Buttermilk in Aspen/Snowmass.
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
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World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb, Jan. 22-25: Snow King Mountain rises 1,500 vertical feet above the town of Jackson, and this race route challenges even the best snowmobilers. Some do tumble down the “hill” instead of reaching the summit. www.snowdevils.org
- International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, Jan. 29-31: Dog mushers compete in a 10-day race that begins in Jackson and has attendant events like a torchlight parade and fireworks. www.wyomingstagestop.org
Park City, Utah
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National Children’s Alliance Fundraiser “Picabo’s Challenge for Children” Celebrity Ski Challenge, Jan. 18: Ski competitions hosted by Olympic medalist Picabo Street.
- Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 15-25; Begun in 1978, the largest independent cinema festival in the U.S. happens annually and showcases new work from international independent filmmakers. www.sundance.org
- Spring Gruv, March 27 – April 5: The Canyons Resort presents the 2nd Annual Spring Grüv. Free concerts, the famed Pond Skimming Contest and Canis Lupus Challenge celebrate the season. www.thecanyons.com/springgruv
Telluride, Colo.
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Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, Dec. 24: Skiers carry lights down the mountain into town for some memorable holiday magic.
- 14th Annual Ouray Ice Climbing Festival, Jan. 9-11: Ice climbers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts gather in the mountain town of Ouray, about 50 miles outside Telluride to climb ice. Vendors and an auction are part of the spectacle. www.ourayicefestival.com
- KOTO Street Dance & Ski Closing Weekend, April 3-5: Ski season’s last weekend brings Telluride’s independent radio station KOTO’s big Street Dance event. Telluride’s main street closes to vehicles for a free concert. On the slopes, there are costume contests and live music. www.koto.org
Whistler, British Columbia
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Whistler Film Festival, Dec. 4-7: A four-day, action-packed celebration of film, featuring 90+ films, special guests and prizes. www.whistlerfilmfestival.com
- First Night Whistler, Dec. 3: Whistler’s First Night is a legendary alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, art workshops and street entertainment for all ages. www.whistlerfirstnight.com
