This festival takes place over 2 weekends:

Each November, the WinterStart Festival in Banff and Lake Louise kicks off with the heart-pounding World Cup alpine races in Lake Louise. The fastest skiers on the planet hurtle down the mountain at speeds that easily top 100 kilometers per hour over two consecutive weekends of men’s and women’s ski racing.

Christmas in the Rockies celebrates the season with holiday cookies & crafts, photos with Santa Claus, caroling and a Banff Ave Treasure Hunt. The streets are strung with Christmas lights and displays and the annual Santa Claus parade circles through downtown streets. Nothing says Christmas like the Canadian Rockies!

November 28
Men's World Cup Ski Racing

Bombardier Winterstart World Cup Downhill - Men's
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Come out to watch as the fastest alpine skiers from around the world come to Lake Louise for the first stop on the North America World Cup tour and the last stop on Canadian snow before Vancouver 2010!

Free Concert: Mocking Shadows Rhythm and Blues Revue
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Race Awards (following the race)
1:30pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Castle Carolers
Time: TBC
Location: Roaming downtown Banff

Delight in the holiday season with the Castle Carolers! For many years, this carolling quartet has been delighting audiences throughout the Bow Valley with their beautiful harmonies and entertaining performances.


November 29
Men's World Cup Ski Racing

Bombardier Winterstart World Cup Super G - Men's
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Race Awards (following the race)
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area


November 30
Warren Miller’s “DYNASTY”
Time: 7pm
Location: Eric Harvie Theatre, Banff Centre

Narrated by Jonny Moseley and presented in striking high-definition, Dynasty will get you craving deep powder and epic adventure! This year’s film takes you on a breathtaking global tour of some of the world’s most impressive terrain, including Alaska, Norway, China, British Columbia and more.

Proudly presented by Ski-Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine in partnership with Sundog Transportation and Tours and the Elk & Oarsman Pub & Grill
Box Office 1-800-413-8368 or www.banffcentre.ca


December 4
Ladies World Cup Ski Racing

Bombardier Winterstart World Cup Downhill - Ladies
Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Come out to watch as the fastest alpine skiers from around the world come to Lake Louise for the first stop on the North America World Cup tour and the last stop on Canadian snow before Vancouver 2010!

Race Awards (following the race)
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Teton Gravity Research (TGR) “RE:Session”
Time: 8pm
Location: Elk & Oarsman – 119 Banff Avenue (above the Banff Ski Hub)

This project takes viewers beyond the traditional ski and snowboard movie into a revolutionary realm of action sports entertainment. Follow the crew as they score in one of Alagna, Italy’s deepest seasons on record. Check out forbidden powder in Poland, massive wedges in Colorado, new gap jumps in Utah, and seven weeks of epic riding conditions in Alaska.

Proudly presented by the Elk & Oarsman Pub & Grill in partnership with Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine
Admission is a non-perishable food item upon entry.


December 5
Ladies World Cup Ski Racing

Bombardier Winterstart World Cup Downhill - Ladies
Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Race Awards (following the race)
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Christmas In The Rockies
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Cascade Plaza & Banff Ave Square

Face painting, Christmas crafts & cookie decorating, Christmas carolling, performances by Mountain WIT improv theatre and photos with Santa. With all this to choose from and much more, it will be fun for the entire family! For full details on all the events taking place, visit the Christmas In The Rockies event page.

Parks Canada Theatre Troupe, Mountain WIT
Time: 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Location: Main Floor Theatre, Banff Visitor Information Centre

Parks Canada's very own theatre troupe, Mountain WIT, celebrates 125 years of National Parks in Canada with a tale of hope, inspiration and natural wonders. "Imaginanation" will delight the whole family through the magic of puppetry, mask and music.

Castle Carolers
Time: TBC
Location: Roaming downtown Banff

Delight in the holiday season with the Castle Carolers! For many years, this carolling quartet has been delighting audiences throughout the Bow Valley with their beautiful harmonies and entertaining performances.

Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Banff Ave - Elk St. to Buffalo St

Led by Santa Claus, creative and festive floats will parade down Banff Ave, highlighting the Christmas spirit of the Banff National Park.

Stuart McLean and a Vinyl Café Christmas
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Eric Harvie Theatre, The Banff Centre

Enjoy the beloved storyteller and humourist Stuart McLean as he presents stories, essays, and music from the Vinyl Café Christmas.

All performance ticket holders are eligible for 20% off dinner at the Three Ravens Restaurant, and a special Stay With Us rate of $95 per night. For information: Box Office 1-800-413-8368 or www.banffcentre.ca


December 6
Ladies World Cup Ski Racing

Bombardier Winterstart World Cup Super G – Ladies
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area

Race Awards (following the race)
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Lake Louise Ski Area