After a five-year hiatus, Ice Castles returns to Edmonton in a new downtown location at Fan Park in January 2026. This awe-inspiring attraction will feature frozen tunnels, archways, caverns, slides, and a one-acre playground—sculpted entirely from ice. Guests can explore hand-placed icicle formations, race down ice slides, and crawl through icy passageways in one of Edmonton’s most enchanting winter experiences.

From January 17–28, 2026, Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival brings the Alberta Avenue District to life with ice sculptures, art, dance, and culinary experiences inspired by Ukrainian, French-Canadian, and Indigenous cultures. The family-friendly celebration showcases Edmonton’s diversity through creative storytelling and interactive winter activities.

Winterruption YEG follows from January 21–25, 2026, filling downtown venues with live performances spanning music, comedy, and art. Known for its inclusive and energetic atmosphere, the festival will feature artists including Nap Eyes, Reignwolf, Dead Ghosts, and The Secret Beach, creating an engaging mid-winter celebration for all.

From January 28–31, 2026, Flying Canoë Volant will illuminate Mill Creek Ravine and Edmonton’s French Quarter with installations and performances inspired by the legend of the Flying Canoe and Métis, First Nations, and French Canadian traditions. The event invites visitors to experience Edmonton’s cultural history under the stars in one of the city’s most scenic settings.

The season continues with the Silver Skate Festival, taking place February 6–16, 2026, in Laurier Park. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival combines arts, culture, recreation, and sport. Visitors can skate along the park’s frozen pathways, view the Snow Sculpture Garden, explore the Folk Trail, and enjoy a full schedule of outdoor programming at this free ten-day event.

From February 13–15, 2026, the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival invites skiers of all levels to take part in one of Canada’s most storied Nordic skiing events. The annual loppet honours the spirit of endurance and adventure, drawing participants from across the country to experience the exhilaration of cross-country skiing in Alberta’s winter landscape.

The winter season concludes with the UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships & YEG Ice Fest from February 27–March 1, 2026, at Louise McKinney Park. This major international competition will feature elite athletes scaling an 18-metre climbing structure, alongside community challenges, clinics, gear demos, and a winter market.

Together, these festivals underscore Edmonton’s commitment to embracing the season and creating experiences that celebrate art, sport, and cultural connection. For more information about Edmonton’s winter festivals and events, visit ExploreEdmonton.com/festivalcity.

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According to a recent Visa* report, Japan’s ski tourism industry saw a remarkable 40% surge in domestic and international visitors between November 2024 and February 2025. With Niseko continuing to attract global attention as one of the world’s top ski destinations, early booking is essential to guarantee your preferred chalet and dates.

The Elite Havens Experience

Elite Havens’ exclusive collection of luxury chalets in Niseko combines the warmth of home with the sophistication of a five-star stay. Each chalet is professionally managed and supported by Elite Concierge, a dedicated team on hand to curate every aspect of your holiday — from private airport transfers and ski gear rentals to dining reservations, spa treatments, and local cultural tours.

Among the collection,  Momiji Lodge Chalet captures the essence of alpine living with multiple living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, a ski drying room, and spacious bedrooms designed for comfort and privacy. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in their private onsen or enjoy après-ski drinks by the fireplace with panoramic views of Mount Yotei.

For those who prefer dining in, Elite Havens partners with  Niseko Gourmet to bring the flavors of Hokkaido directly to your table. Indulge in chef-prepared feasts using fresh, local ingredients — from seafood hotpot to multi-course Japanese dinners served in the comfort of your chalet.

Discover Niseko: Japan’s Winter Playground

Nestled on Hokkaido’s northern island, Niseko is celebrated for its legendary “Japow” — some of the lightest, driest snow in the world. With four interconnected resorts, luxurious onsen hot springs, world-class dining, and a thriving nightlife, it’s a destination that combines natural beauty with sophistication. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, onsen soaking, sake tastings, and authentic Japanese cultural experiences.

Whether you’re returning for another season of powder perfection or planning your first Japanese ski adventure, Elite Havens delivers the ultimate blend of comfort, privacy, and personalized service.

With the 2026 ski season fast approaching, chalets in Niseko are filling quickly. Booking with Elite Havens means more than securing accommodation — it’s unlocking a tailored luxury ski holiday designed entirely around you.

To book a chalet visit the website:    https://www.elitehavens.com

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Alpine culinary journey of the senses

The peak of sustainability

Consistent with the will to blend in the landscape, the design of the resort considered local construction methods, and, wherever possible, recycled and renewable materials inspired by the surrounding mountains through the use of quartzite stone facades, local larch and oak species, and slate roofs. Residual heat from cooling systems, pools, and kitchens is redirected to ensure guests enter into a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Switzerland has an existing waste management infrastructure, which allows for high rates of recycling and upcycling, and Six Senses Crans-Montana also encourages guests to get involved during zero-waste workshops at the Earth Lab to discuss the nuances of a sustainable life.

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1. Cycling Across America: Whether you prefer road biking, gravel or dirt, or want the ease of an e-bike, Adventure Cycling Association has a guided tour for you. Cycle the country’s Southern Tier from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida, go on a gravel ramble in the mountains of Montana or bring an e-bike along for a fall color tour in Vermont. https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/

2. Antarctic Expedition: Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on an expedition to Antarctica with Adventure Life. Watch for seabirds and the first icebergs as you cross the famed Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Once there, experience the wonder of the white continent as you cruise along spectacular ice cliffs looking for seals and whales, and go ashore to visit penguin rookeries and historic huts. https://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica/cruises/14683/spirit-of-antarctica

3. Yellowstone Adventures: Set on the edge of Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure. Guests can explore the natural wonders and wildlife of America’s first national park on their own or with a guided tour, and find hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, skiing and more around Big Sky. https://thewilsonhotel.com/

4. Ozark Mountain Biking: The Ozark Mountains provide the backdrop for one of the best mountain bike trail systems in the country. Bentonville, Arkansas, is every bit the charming town it was when Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, opened the original Walton five-and-dime back in 1950. Today, it also offers world-class restaurants, colorful boutiques, a state-of-the-art museum and miles of singletrack to ride. Explore the area on a new five-day mountain biking tour with Escape Adventures. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/bentonville-mountain-bike-tour/

5. Islands, Andes and Amazon: Discover the enchanting Galapagos Islands at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge, explore the Amazon Rainforest at Sacha Lodge and experience the Ecuadorian Andes at Hacienda Piman, all in a 15-day tour. Learn about endemic flora and fauna, hike near active volcanoes, paddle tannin-rich blackwater creeks and lakes, board a train through the mountains, take in a traditional dance performance and shop one of the biggest craft markets in South America. https://www.sachalodge.com/programs/#galapagos-programs

6. Italy’s “White Road” Riding: Cycle Tuscany’s scenic Strade Bianche through hilly vineyards and medieval villages, enjoying the food and wines of one of Italy’s finest culinary regions on a new tour with Tourissimo and Ride and Seek. The itinerary is filled with “white roads,” interesting stops and authentic beauty. https://www.tourissimo.travel/tuscany-strade-bianche-tour-summary-request

7. Jackson Hole Retreat: If you’re looking for endless adventure surrounded by incredible views, look no further than Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Take a day trip to Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park to see wildlife up close, try out a ropes course, relax in nearby hot springs and more, then retreat to a modern yet rustic cabin at Fireside Resort. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/

8. Barcelona to Rome by Bike: Join Ride and Seek for the 10th anniversary of its Hannibal Expedition, an epic 32-day cycling tour that follows the footsteps of the Carthaginian general from Barcelona to Rome. Guests will ride some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont and Tuscany, and sample the diverse cuisine found along the way. https://www.rideandseek.com/tour/hannibal-barcelona-to-rome/

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• Standard guestroom
• Two welcome cocktails
• Shareable dessert for two
• Based on double occupancy and availability
• Valid through April 17, 2021.
• For reservations and more information, go to https://theglenhouse.com/packages-specials

 Après Ski The Glen House has cozy rooms with mountain views and a spectacular bar area, which was named “The Most Beautiful Bar in New Hampshire” by Architectural Digest. It offers a fireplace and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the snow-covered Presidential Range. There’s a fitness area and indoor pool (with limits on the number of users at a given time). The fire pit on the deck is perfect for après ski. Drinks can be ordered at the bar but must be consumed on the outside deck or in a guest room. The Notch Grille is providing daily breakfast and dinner service with a range of comfort food favorites. There is outside dining (weather permitting) and take-out dining only. Reservations are required in advance for dinner service due to limited seating. No more than six people will be allowed per table. Puppy Love – Dogs Are Welcome TooDogs are always welcome at The Glen House. Just ask for a dog-friendly guest room and bring a loyal four-legged companion along for fun in the snow. Pet Policy: A nightly pet fee of $20 will be charged, which includes the use of a doggie bed and water bowl, as well as treats. Based on supply, which is first-come, first-served.
Winter 2021 Covid-19 ProtocolsThe Glen House is gearing up for a spectacular winter season in the White Mountains and also providing a safe environment for guests and team members. While offering the same warm hospitality, guests will notice changes and new protocols designed to keep everyone safe as they enjoy snowy days filled with adventure. Full details are available on the website at https://theglenhouse.com/welcome-back.
Upon arrival at The Glen House, all guests will be required to either provide a valid New Hampshire State ID or read and sign the letter found here. Guests may sign and return the letter prior to arrival by emailing the completed form to the guest services team at info@theglenhouse.com.

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