14th Annual Ice Magic Festival

January 25-27, 2008

2008 Theme: Snow Queen, Ice Fairies and the Enchanted Forest

Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, Ice Magic is held annually in January at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Professional carvers are invited to compete in this prestigious event staged in the shadow of the glacier-clad Mt. Victoria. Twelve teams of three carvers are given 15 blocks of ice, weighing 300 lb each, which they must transform into seven-foot tall world-class ice sculptures in three days. Weather permitting; the sculptures will remain on display through March 2008.

Enjoy Lake Louise during the Ice Magic weekend, January 25-27, 2008 and witness the meticulous work the carvers put into their elaborate designs. Prize-winning sculptures are selected by a panel of NICA-certified ice carving judges and will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on Sunday afternoon.

There will be an "enchanted forest map" this year available at each of the events. The map will lead you to all of the Ice Magic weekend sites...get a stamp on your map at each location and fill out entry form to win great getaways and dinners in the Lake Louise area.

NEW this year in celebration of The Banff Centre’s 75th Anniversary, The Snow Queen is a musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale. The Snow Queen features Toronto-based actor-director Alon Nashman and the Lily String Quartet. Developed as a result of a two-week residency at The Banff Centre, the 55-minute work is an adaptation of the late Canadian composer Patrick Cardy's score created for string quartet and narrator. Snow Queen is based on Andersen's classic tale of adventure - a girl's quest to find her best friend, who is under the spell of the Snow Queen. The work is set in an enchanted world and the production is designed to engage youngsters in the magic of classical music and storytelling.

We encouraged you to come out on Sunday to see the finished sculptures and cast your vote in the People's Choice Award and Children’s Choice Award competitions. All those who cast a ballot are entered into a draw to win valuable prizes.

For more information, contact the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Information Centre at: (403) 762-8421 or info@banfflakelouise.com