Rossland Winter Carnival
by Darci Friesen
Olaus Jeldness never would have imagined that his 'tea party' atop Rossland's Red Mountain
...would lead to an annual, action packed weekend of winter sports and adventurous activities. Almost 115 years ago, Norwegian born Olaus set out and hiked up Red Mountain with a group of friends. Though referred to as a 'tea party', tea was not the drink of choice that day. After a generous amount of liquor was consumed by the men, out came the skis. From that moment on, Olaus has been known as the 'father of skiing', having been the one to introduce the sport to Western Canada.
The last weekend of the month, January 27th to the 29th, sees the small town of Rossland, BC, population 3,500, bustling with over 1,000 extra bodies: tourists - all awaiting the annual Rossland Winter Carnival. From home-made bobsleds on an iced-up main street, to snow volleyball and pyrophoria firedancers; this action packed event gets two thumbs up from locals and visitors alike.
“The whole town is involved,” Deanna Steven, the executive director of Tourism Rossland remarked. “They're either participating in the carnival or volunteering at it. It's a fantastic weekend all around!”
The weekend kicks off with the City of Rossland Carnival Parade down main street, ending with Sally's Alley Fireworks Show – launched from the ski hill, but positioned so that it's visible from town. The live music of the Blizzard Music Festival starts at six at the Ice Palace Beer Gardens, with pyrophoria firedancers at eight. Though complete with an array of ice sculptures, the Ice Palace's piece de resistance is by far is it's stunning ice bar. The bar, built completely out of ice, has lighting inlaid in it's structure, making it a brilliant work of art. For further musical entertainments, the Historic Miner's Hall, the Drift, and the Flying Steamshovel all will be hosting local talents throughout the weekend.
Saturday morning begins with the renowned bobsled races. With an average of 30 people participating every year – each entering their own self-made sleds – it is considered to be one of the biggest events of the weekend. This year, downtown's Spokane Street will be iced up and ready for the races. Each sled and driver must complete two runs, some reaching speeds of 80 km/hr, then combine their two times... and determine a winner. Once the adults finish their races, next up... the kids on their GT Snowracers!
Saturday evening, at the Prestige Hotel, you can get your grape on. With over 31 different wineries in attendance last year, 2012's Rotary Wine Tasting should exceed and excite. At the Historic Miner's Hall, both Friday and Saturday evenings, 'Ski Bum: the Musical' will be performed by Rossland's own Iron Mountain Theatre. Written and executed by these actors, their show has been seen across the province. “It's a really great musical about ski bums...” shared Deanna Steven, “...it's all about being a ski bum!”
Need a tad more excitement? Head up to the ski hill Sunday morning and take in the infamous BC Cup Luge Race, on their 'natural luge course'. Other events that the weekend will offer are: the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast, the Game Rail Jam (where a downtown street is turned into a nighttime ski/snowboard park, illuminated by lights), snow volleyball, the World Bigolfathon (a combination golf and ski competition), the John Heintz Cup (5 person relay in which they bike, cross country ski, snowshoe and run), and the King of the Mountain Relay (downhill skiing, telemarking, and snowboarding).
For the young ones, check out the Kids Festival (Lions Campground), the Kids Art Exhibit (Royal Framing), a magic show put on by Wizard Kim, and 'Learn to Luge' lessons – available all weekend. The Rossland Museum, known as the Western Canadian Museum of Skiing, has a one-of-a-kind exhibit, showcasing 50 years of skiing, and will also be featuring new exhibits for the carnival. For more information on times, dates and events, go to www.rosslandwintercarnival.com.