Ice Sculpture Contest in Canada's Banff National Park an Olympic Qualifier

Lake Louise is a gorgeous year-round destination spot in Canada's Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. But it's even more spectacular in the winter, when it becomes an ice wonderland. This year the International Ice Sculpture Competition -- part of the festival near the Victoria Glacier -- is also a qualifying event for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Lake Louise Tourism team up for the January 25-27 events.

International teams have two_ days to create masterpieces from 15 blocks of ice. Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association Beginning in 2009, carvers will earn points needed to qualify for the International Ice Competition in Whistler, BC, in 2010.

This year’s theme “Celebrating Snow Queen, Ice Fairies and The Enchanted Forest” will bring ice carving teams from as far away as Nigeria, as well as the Banff Centre’s Canadian composer Patrick Cardy’s adapted score of The Snow Queen for string quartet. Also new this year is Baker Creek Chalet’s Ice Playground, Samson Mall’s Little Chippers Children’s Carving and Lake Louise Inn’s One Hour, One Carver, One Block. Watch in on the Canmore Eagles Hockey Game at the Recreation Centre or a dog-sledding demonstration, as the entire community of Lake Louise celebrates the Ice Magic Festival weekend. “This is a great step forward for the festival. Ice Magic has been growing fast and several new events have been added this year,” says Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects for Banff Lake Louise Tourism. For a full schedule, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic.

Tucked deep within the boundaries of Banff National Park, the Lake Louise area boasts world-class festivals, breathtaking scenery, excellent restaurants and charming hotels. Lake Louise is a terrific destination for families, couples and nature lovers.