The Best Of The Best: Our Kootenay Winter Celebrations
The rest of the world may tuck itself indoors as temperatures fall, but not the people of the Kootenays.
This region of British Columbia, belted by a thoroughfare nicknamed “The Powder Highway”, embraces winter weather. The mountains powder themselves in crystalline white while inhabitants — both people and wildlife — bundle up with thicker coats.
But unlike the mammals that burrow as daylight hours wane, Kootenay folks find ways to maximize shorter days and light up the longer nights.
We celebrate.
In towns across the Kootenays, you’ll find hardy outdoorsmen and women (and their children) stepping willingly into chilled air with their neighbours. Cheeks red, hands mittened, the season is welcomed with winter carnivals, festivals, and the general shenanigans the Kootenay culture is known for.
Golden’s Snow King’s MasqueParade - February 18, 2017
Fire moves from ground to sky in this celebration of local creativity and winter. A bonfire is lit as the Snow King and Lady Spring—both giant-sized puppets come to life—move into the town’s ‘Spirit Square’. Fire dancers perform along with other larger-than-life characters who perform skits for the townspeople surrounding the hub. Drumming and music fuels dancing for both performers and spectators, building momentum until a finale of fireworks litters the sky.
If you’re looking for the essence of Golden’s locals, this event is where to find it. “The Snow King’s MasqueParade isn’t an event that was put together for visitors,” says Andy Brown, part of the tourism team for Golden. “It’s put together by people who know what it is like to live in a mountain town and love the lifestyle … this is Golden’s way of celebrating our piece of the mountains and the culture that comes with it.”