Ice Magic Festival Event gets ready for 2010 Olympics

For Immediate Release

December 27, 2007

Banff Lake Louise Tourism
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Ice Magic Festival Event gets ready for 2010 Olympiad

International Ice Carving Competition becomes a Qualifying Event

Banff National Park, Alberta (December 27, 2007) – The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Lake Louise Tourism team up to transform Lake Louise into a magical wonderland of ice but this time its sights are set much higher. The International Ice Sculpture Competition part of the festival events set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier has become a qualifying event for the 2010 Olympiad in Vancouver.

Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, renowned international accredited teams are given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours of carving time over a 2½ day event to create masterpieces. Beginning in 2009, the bar has been set higher as carvers will accumulate points needed to qualify for the International Ice Competition in Whistler, BC, in 2010. The Lake Louise competition is the only qualifying event in Western Canada. “This recognition is a great step forward for the festival. Ice Magic has been growing exponentially and several new events have been added this year. We look forward to showcasing Lake Louise to the world through this special acknowledgment” says Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects for Banff Lake Louise Tourism.

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. For a full schedule, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic.

Tucked deep within the boundaries of Banff National Park, the destination of Lake Louise holds unrivalled experiences to make your visit a moment to cherish. From world-class festivals and breathtaking scenery to cozy restaurants and charming hotels, Lake Louise is a destination of choice for families, couples and nature lovers.

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For general festival media inquiries:

Annik LaRoche
Manager, Media Relations
Banff Lake Louise Tourism
annik@banfflakelouise.com
Phone: (403) 762-0290
Fax: (403) 762-8545

For Fairmont Hotels & Resorts:

Nancy Jackson
Regional Manager, Public Relations
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
nancy.jackson@fairmont.com
Phone: (403) 762-1705
Fax: (403) 762-5741

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership. General media inquiries, please contact Annik LaRoche, Manager Media Relations at 1.403.762.0290 or annik@banfflakelouise.com. www.banfflakelouise.com.