Prince George Braces for Coldsnap 2008: There are many ways to bundle up against the cold weather months. Roaring fires. An extra blanket. A snuggle with a loved one. But in Northern BC’s bustling community of Prince George, you’re best to throw on a scarf and settle in for the Coldsnap – particularly when it boasts a symphony of musicians and plenty of incentive to shake off the chill. Positioned to play January 26 – February 2, 2008, this is one music festival which celebrates quality of artistry, thanks to an offering of jazz, contemporary and traditional folk, roots, celtic, rockabilly, modern rock and more – all considered to be among the best in the biz. This devotion to showcasing some of the world’s finest musicians is the brainchild of the Prince George Folkfest Society, the same chorus of dedicated souls who brought four years of stellar music to the summer stage during the city’s Folkfest celebrations - an event heralded as one of the country’s finest music fests. Coldsnap promises to follow in these footsteps with eight days of play in a host of venues throughout the city. Mainstage draws will round up the masses; you won’t be anywhere near your seats thanks to the infectious beat of Spirit of the West; the Ben Harper-style funk and pop sounds of Seattle's Leroy Bell Band are sure to be a show stopper; and charismatic Brit artist Martyn Joseph will have you clamouring as a newbie fan. Aboriginal award winning artist Leela Gilday will be joined by her band of skilled musicians, while Afro Cuban jazz from Zapato Negro, and Hot Club of France 20s and 30s jazz from Van Django both promise an experience out of this world (or at least, not of this country). To round out the acts, former Wailin' Jenny member Cara Luft, and the power-pop sounds of Maurice (who have just finished their first cd produced by David Foster) will ensure Mom, Dad and even the little ones take in a bit of toe tappin’. And for those seeking a bit of musical inspiration, along with a strum of instruction, a series of Saturday workshops awaits at Art Space from 10am-4pm. Point your compass north, and take in the cool sounds and righteous riffs during this Coldsnap. www.coldsnapfestival.com
BC’s Kootenay Rockies Region Provides the Backdrop to Stoke It Up: For some, a winter adventure requires a little torque. And maybe a fuzzy toque. In BC’s Kootenay Rockies region, plan (and pack) for both. Glacier House and Resort, just north of Revelstoke, is all about winter, and certainly about winter fun. That means snowmobiling (or sledding) directly from the resort’s picturesque lodge onto celebrated snowy surfaces dubbed Frisby Ridge, Boulder Mountain and Turtle. Bring your own winter steed, or saddle up with one of the resort’s premier sleds, provided by Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours. With an annual snowfall of 16 to 20 metres (50 to 60 feet) within the Columbia Mountain range, that’s plenty of powder guaranteed, at least until mid-May. And with moderate temperatures, an extensive network of groomed mountain trails and endless alpine meadows and deep powder bowls, this is one outing which promises to be a class above the rest. Prefer a more hands-on experience? The resort’s full service shop provides fuel for snowmobiles, the aforementioned rentals, workshops, trail information, as well as guides and sled tours. There’s even night riding complete with a barbeque for those looking for something a bit off the trail. Hands off? Take the trail map…and just ride. Back at the resort, park your sled and shelf the horsepower for the night amid the destination’s array of snug, hand-crafted log chalets and cabins. If you can tear yourself away from the crackle of the fire and unobstructed views of Begbie Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Park, an indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, bistro menus and a full-service spa might just provide the ideal respite. Friends, family…bring ‘em all. Time to get back in the saddle. www.glacierhouse.com
Prince George Braces for Coldsnap 2008: There are many ways to bundle up against the cold weather months. Roaring fires. An extra blanket. A snuggle with a loved one. But in Northern BC’s bustling community of Prince George, you’re best to throw on a scarf and settle in for the Coldsnap – particularly when it boasts a symphony of musicians and plenty of incentive to shake off the chill. Positioned to play January 26 – February 2, 2008, this is one music festival which celebrates quality of artistry, thanks to an offering of jazz, contemporary and traditional folk, roots, celtic, rockabilly, modern rock and more – all considered to be among the best in the biz. This devotion to showcasing some of the world’s finest musicians is the brainchild of the Prince George Folkfest Society, the same chorus of dedicated souls who brought four years of stellar music to the summer stage during the city’s Folkfest celebrations - an event heralded as one of the country’s finest music fests. Coldsnap promises to follow in these footsteps with eight days of play in a host of venues throughout the city. Mainstage draws will round up the masses; you won’t be anywhere near your seats thanks to the infectious beat of Spirit of the West; the Ben Harper-style funk and pop sounds of Seattle's Leroy Bell Band are sure to be a show stopper; and charismatic Brit artist Martyn Joseph will have you clamouring as a newbie fan. Aboriginal award winning artist Leela Gilday will be joined by her band of skilled musicians, while Afro Cuban jazz from Zapato Negro, and Hot Club of France 20s and 30s jazz from Van Django both promise an experience out of this world (or at least, not of this country). To round out the acts, former Wailin' Jenny member Cara Luft, and the power-pop sounds of Maurice (who have just finished their first cd produced by David Foster) will ensure Mom, Dad and even the little ones take in a bit of toe tappin’. And for those seeking a bit of musical inspiration, along with a strum of instruction, a series of Saturday workshops awaits at Art Space from 10am-4pm. Point your compass north, and take in the cool sounds and righteous riffs during this Coldsnap. www.coldsnapfestival.com
BC’s Kootenay Rockies Region Provides the Backdrop to Stoke It Up: For some, a winter adventure requires a little torque. And maybe a fuzzy toque. In BC’s Kootenay Rockies region, plan (and pack) for both. Glacier House and Resort, just north of Revelstoke, is all about winter, and certainly about winter fun. That means snowmobiling (or sledding) directly from the resort’s picturesque lodge onto celebrated snowy surfaces dubbed Frisby Ridge, Boulder Mountain and Turtle. Bring your own winter steed, or saddle up with one of the resort’s premier sleds, provided by Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours. With an annual snowfall of 16 to 20 metres (50 to 60 feet) within the Columbia Mountain range, that’s plenty of powder guaranteed, at least until mid-May. And with moderate temperatures, an extensive network of groomed mountain trails and endless alpine meadows and deep powder bowls, this is one outing which promises to be a class above the rest. Prefer a more hands-on experience? The resort’s full service shop provides fuel for snowmobiles, the aforementioned rentals, workshops, trail information, as well as guides and sled tours. There’s even night riding complete with a barbeque for those looking for something a bit off the trail. Hands off? Take the trail map…and just ride. Back at the resort, park your sled and shelf the horsepower for the night amid the destination’s array of snug, hand-crafted log chalets and cabins. If you can tear yourself away from the crackle of the fire and unobstructed views of Begbie Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Park, an indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, bistro menus and a full-service spa might just provide the ideal respite. Friends, family…bring ‘em all. Time to get back in the saddle. www.glacierhouse.com
