Canadian skiing is superb, but it can be just a tad cold and dark in mid-winter and ninety-five years ago next season, Banff hosted its first 'Winter Carnival' to try and add a bit of fun to mid-winter.
The event reportedly saw enthusiastic participants hit the ice on the local Bow River for some curling, and strap on their skis and snowshoes for fun in the snow.
Nearly a century later, a full slate of festivals and activities are still offered in mid winter, now called simply 'Snow Days' events from January 14 - February 12, 2013 will include ice climbing, outdoor skating, hockey, ice carving, curling and snow sculptures among others.
Events already lined up for next winter include a variety of mid-week activities and weekend festivals of all kinds.
These include a new Mountain Adventure Festival on January 14 and 15th and an Ice Magic Festival from January 20 - 29 over two weekends which will see the world's best ice carvers and the creration of a new ice playground.
February 11 and 12 will see a ball hockey tournament and hi-tec treasure hunts will test Banff heritage knowledge with a Geocache challenge.