Lessons learned

By Mark Sereda, SnowSeekers Inc.

Since joining the SnowSeekers team in early January of this year, I …‘the newbie’…’the rookie’…and/or even ‘the intern,' have learned some important lessons that I feel read the best in blog-format: short, informative, and (most importantly) useful. Not only am I learning how to professionally operate a camera and advancing my editing knowledge/skills, but I’ve also picked up some interesting life/athletic lessons along the way.

As a treat for those of you who drop by the website/blog, I offer my advice through recent personal experiences. Enjoy.


Nordic Skiing.
Kimberley, British Columbia offers up great viewpoints during some adventurous trails, perfect for Nordic skiing. After being relieved of camera-duties, Doc Pow took me down a few challenging paths, which he said took him back to the good old days. It had been a decade since I had last fitted my feet into Nordic skis, and knew some learning was at hand, or I suppose foot.

Turns out the entire body plays a big role in smooth movement on these skinny sliders. It began to slowly come back and soon enough I was coming up with entertaining descriptions of the movement-style required. The best was my idea to think of it as doing a “backwards-moonwalk” because your toes stay to the ski and you're propelling yourself forward. Think about it!
Extras:
- I keep my knees parallel to the set tracks to maintain balance.
- I noticed that pushing my ankles out, inside the tracks, during downhill slides helped me stay in the tracks.
- Always stretch before taking part in Nordic skiing and prepare yourself for some serious exercise, especially if you’re trying to keep up with Doc Pow.

But Nordic skiing with Doc Pow was relaxing compared to our recent tour with the Olympic Torch through Alberta. If I learned anything on that tour, I learned how to shoot on the fly – fast. The learning curve here at SnowSeekers is steep to say the least. If you haven't seen any of the footage, feel free to drop by www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Maximize your winter vacation with SnowSeekers Go-Guides

On January 14th, SnowSeekers officially launched 12 Go-Guides for the iPhone. These digital tour guides--downloadable as iPhone applications--give you all the latest and greatest information about 12 of Western Canada's greatest resorts, right on your phone.

Each app includes:

• a complete overview of the mountain and all available activities
• a digital trail map
• local dining and accommodation listings
• an RSS feed with daily snow reports
• tips from locals on where to ski, drink, and eat
• a full listing of town hotspots, with event details
• a GPS locator that tells you where you are in relation to your place of interest
• phone numbers, web links, and google maps of all shops, restaurants, accommodations, transportation, and off-hill attractions

Everyone wants to leave a resort knowing that they had the best time possible. Knowing what activities and amenities are available goes a long way to maximizing your winter vacation.

For prices, a list of titles, and other info, visit www.snowseekers.ca/iphone.

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Lake Louise's spins a little frozen magic

The SnowSeekers team is spread far and wide this weekend. The film crew is in Revelstoke shredding and paragliding - hope they keep their pants clean. And some of us are here in Lake Louise for the Ice Magic festival and a few runs at Lake Louise resort.
After an enjoying an excellent dinner show at the resort (the Torchlight Dinner), I took a stroll around the staging area here at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where the carvers are set up; carvers from around the world I might add - from New Zealand to Russia.
It was the first evening of competition and the blocks of ice are just that - for the most part, beyond carving out some rudimentary designs, it still looked like mammoth blocks of ice. But some of the carvers were kind enough to show their end designs on little signs - pretty impressive. Can't wait to see what happens today.
While I'm spending the day with the carvers and doing a little snowshoeing, others are at the ski hill. Friends of SnowSeekers, Howard and Shauna said yesterday at the hill was brilliant and there's a hint of snow in the air today, so SnowSeeker scribe, Will Colford should be laughing down every run.
Hope your weekends are equally fun - and loaded with some outdoor adventure.
Cheers, Barb
PS: If you haven't checked out the Alberta portion of the Olympic Torch relay, do so at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

A bittersweet farewell

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

It was a bittersweet afternoon at the Alberta/British Columbia border as the Olympic flame left Alberta for its final push towards Vancouver and next month's Winter Olympics.

Among those on hand was Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia, as well as former Alberta premier, Peter Lougheed, who was the last Alberta torchbearer. Lougheed was met at the border by B.C. Lions head coach and general manager, Wally Buono.

After 12 wonderfully hectic days of following the flame through this province, I was sad to see it go. But the team and I have nothing but fond memories of our time with the Relay, and have come away with a renewed respect for not only the province of Alberta as a whole, for hosting such amazing events, but each and every Albertan who came out and supported the Torch along the way.

"The people of Alberta have been very strong supporters and great partners of ours as we work so hard to make these Canada's games," said Campbell. "The border is really a great place to symbolize the unity of not just British Columbia and Alberta, but Canada as well."

Jim Richards, the director of the Torch Relay, has been present at each and every stop throughout Alberta. This native Calgarian is still taken aback at the passion and spirit of his home province and how much they're behind these Olympic games.

"It's been remarkable seeing the enthusiasm, the support, the passion that Albertans have for the Olympic games. it's only been a generation since they hosted the games in Calgary. Albertans understand the importance of that, the legacy and what that means to the communities."

"It inspires everybody," Campbell said of the Torch. "I think it inspires young people particularly, which is what's so great about it."

The young were out in full force throughout this entire Relay, a fact not lost on Richards, who wanted to thank them all from the bottom of his heart.

"I'd like to thank the Albertans for every moment of every day. When they took their kids out of school, when they came to join us at celebrations, they participated fully. It's been remarkable. Hopefully it's been as good for them as it was for us."

It was, Jim. It absolutely was.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The Torch hits the slopes

By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.

Over the past two days, the Olympic Torch has been carried to some pretty stellar places and now, it’s been carried through the Canadian Rockies and into some pretty spectacular spaces.  Twenty-two years ago the Government of Alberta helped to open up Nakiska as part of the 1988 Olympics, an outstanding ski resort tucked away in Kananaskis country – it was the site yesterday of Olympic history, which incorporated a collection of up-an-upcoming athletes. The folks from Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, the owners of Nakiska, put on a great celebration

The return of the Olympic Flame to Nakiska was a triumphant one that included skiers from the Nakiska Ski Team. It was pretty cool to see them rip the slopes as they made their way down towards the Flame.  Over at Sunshine, the celebrations continued with the addition of a lasting 2010 legacy here in Banff.  Whistler Blackcomb has installed a temporary chair that will take people from the base of Creekside up to the finish line for the downhill events.  Afterwards, it will have a permanent home at Sunshine Village.

“Sunshine has played host too many Olympic athletes who have trained here. With the installation of this chair, we help to continue that legacy,” said Sunshine’s president, Ralph Scurfield. “It was a partnership with Whistler Blackcomb that said, ‘OK, we will get the chair if you guys buy it once we are finished with it,’” said Scurfield, in a special celebration that welcomed the Olympic Flame to the slopes of Sunshine this morning.

Sunshine has been known to be an environmentally friendly ski destination, having received multiple awards for its environmental efforts. The resort welcomes the new chair in May where it will replace the Strawberry chair, helping to enhance the visitor’s experience. For more on the new installation and for all the exciting details on Sunshine please click here.

Just up the road, a big party was happening on the slopes Lake Louise Ski Area – owner Charlie Locke dawned his chariot (a snow cat with a pretty impressive set up on the back so he could stand and wave at the crowds) to take the flame up the slopes of Louise. The folks at Louise had constructed a pretty stellar ski jump outfitted with the Olympic rings to welcome the Torch in style. Ski jumpers, a solid ski run with a collection of ski instructors and a crowd of admirers were all a part of the action.

There were more than a few spectacular ice sculptures too, all in celebration for the Ice Magic events that are taking place this weekend at Lake Louise Village.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

A skinny Olympic legacy

By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.

The Olympics bring a wealth of benefits to any host country and its communities. We’ve seen this in action as we’ve travelled with the torch; it binds a community, ignites spirit, creates memories and leaves tremendous opportunities.

In Alberta we’ve seen some stellar benefits for our athletes. In addition to some stellar training facilities at places like Canada Olympic Park and Nakiska Ski Resort, the torch made a stop to the Canmore Nordic Centre yesterday – where it was carried in the finest of forms. The Canmore centre, also a legacy of the ’88 Olympics, is a training grounds for many of the 20 athletes where the torch made its way around the centre for a spin on skinny skis.

It was a pretty cool site when the torchbearers made their way around one of Canada’s premier Nordic training facilities ski by ski. It was a train of 20 skiers, including George Martin, who was a course marshal for the ’88 Olympics here in Canmore. I caught up with him just moments before the flame was back in his eyes. “It will be an exciting feeling to have that torch in my hand; I am very thrilled to see it again.”

The group of 20 skiers included Kurtis Wenzel, who is the youth World champion of the sprint biathlon. “The traditional biathlon no longer exists, it’s now broken up in to three or four differing events and Kurtis has mastered one – the sprint,” said his mom, Trish.

Did you know that half of the Olympians who will be representing Canada in these games are based or are from this province? One would think it might have a little to do with the wonderful training facilities

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Canadian heritage on display in Banff

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

As the Olympic flame made its way through the last few legs of its tour through Alberta today, it stopped at Banff's Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of the National Parks system in Canada. One hundred and twenty-five years ago, in 1885, Banff became this country's first National Park, and it was right here in this spot.

In 1885, the Hot Spring Reserve was created, and since then it has slowly grown into the large park that is located there today. There are now 42 National Parks across the country, and there are well over 900 National Historic Sites.

"For us, this is where it all started, and for that reason it's a really important place for us," said Amar Athwal, interpretation supervisor for the Cave and Basin.

The Parks Canada crew were really excited to have the Torch pass through their beloved site. Their energy was palpable. "It's amazing for us. Just like the Olympics for Vancouver, this event will live in our history as one of our great events. To have it come to the birthplace of the National Parks system, it's unique for us and very important for us as well.

This park is a part of Canadian heritage. It's been with us for 125 years, and let's hope that its going to be with us for the next 125 years. For that flame to come out here, it shows how important this place is, not only to those people who work here, but to all Canadians."

Truly a proud Canadian, Athwal doesn't like to refer to these Olympic Games as taking place in Western Canada; these are Canada's games, meant for all Canadians.

"I think as Canadians we'd be completely behind the Olympics whether they were in Eastern Canada or Western Canada because this is truly an amazing country no matter where you go.

We're hoping a lot of people come out here from Eastern Canada and watch and cheer on the athletes as we, together, try to break our medal record."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

From Hong Kong with love

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

Nothing quite compares to a proud mother.

Maria Leung is the mother of Torch bearer Shirley Leung, who ran through Banff, Alberta today. In Maria's case, "proud" might even be an understatement.

"We're so, so excited," Maria said. "We were so very happy to see her (Shirley) run with the Torch today. We truly feel a part of Canada now."

Maria and her husband, Peter, came to this country 20 years ago from Hong Kong in order to provide better opportunities for their children; although they never expected that carrying the Olympic flame would be one of them, this is definitely what they had in mind.

"We feel very lucky to have been a part of this. Something like this didn't feel possible before it happened, and now that it has ... it changes what you believe."

The entire Leung family was on hand in Banff. They even brought a homemade sign that said "Go Shirley!" in Chinese calligraphy. They were living it up at the festivities, as well.

"Oh, gosh, this is so much more than I expected!" Maria said. "This party is so much fun!" Maria was dancing around with her Canadian flags and glowing Coke bottles all evening, and her energy never wavered. All this after flying straight from Hong Kong the night before.

She can always sleep. She can't always see her daughter carry the Olympic Torch.

"We never thought she (Shirley) would have a chance to do this. I won't sleep for days," Maria laughed.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Banff went Bomba(stic)

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

For the Cuban-Canadian Latin-jazz group, Bomba, being a part of the Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies in Banff is a validation of their status as Canadian citizens.

"This really means something to us Cubans," said Aldo Aguirre, one of six Bomba members. "Coming to this country and achieving success is one thing, but to be embraced and accepted like this is a big deal. We're all honoured to be here."

Having toured for over 10 years in places like Korea, Italy, Cuba, the UK, and the United States, Bomba knows what its like to leave Western Canada (they're based in Calgary) and return to find it all the more beautiful.

"Coming back after a long absence allows you to see a lot of things you take for granted," said guitarist, Rubim De Toledo. "The tradition that's rooted in Western Canada, the natural beauty, and of course, all of the fantastic winter sports here. I can tell you from experience that when people from all over the world think of winter and sports together, they think of Canada."

Listening to the guys of Bomba talk about their adopted home is to hear everything that's great about this province.

"When we're gone, we miss the calm, the quiet, the less-than-hectic lifestyle," Aguirre said. "Western Canada is ... just so empty. But in a great way. There is so much room to breath here and enjoy how gorgeous this province is. There's nothing better than the chilled-out mountain lifestyle where time just doesn't seem to go anywhere."

Sounds like a Canadian to me.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Bow Valley connected to the Olympics through lifestyle

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

On every leg of the Olympic Torch Relay through Alberta, a different choir has performed the song, There's a Light, written by the New World Choirs. In Canmore, the chosen choir was the Bow Valley Chorus, led by Music Director John Goulart.

The Bow Valley Chorus has been performing together for over 10 years, singing classical choral music with orchestral accompaniment. They typically sing the likes of Mozart and Beethoven, but Goulart knew that the opportunity to perform There's a Light at a Torch rally was too great to pass up.

"We haven't done something like this before," said Goulart, "but we've certainly performed in some major concerts over the last decade. To perform as part of the Olympic celebration is a privilege and an honour that we're all really proud of."

A native of Canmore, Goulart is certainly in tune with what makes Albertans achieve such great heights athletically.

"Just looking at the Bow Valley, specifically, you can see that there's a very strong connection to the Olympics here. You have the Banff Ski Racers, you have the Banff Ski Academy, there's Thomas Grandi who lives in Banff, and a former neighbour of mine – Jan Hudec – is on the national ski team and has done very well internationally.

"We also have two gold medalists from the last winter olympics who live in Canmore, Chandra Crawford and Sara Renner. These people are prominent in the community, they play an active role, and because of that they get a tremendous amount of support from the community."

There certainly seems to be a connection between the Bow Valley's athletic success and the way in which its residents live their lives.

"Everyone gets out and participates, gets out and runs, gets out and skis. There's a whole bunch of winter activities that basically make this place one of the the nicest places to live in Canada."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The early birds

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

For Ann Drabble and Nancy Fehr, volunteering during the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta wasn't just a full-time job, it was a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Both teachers (now retired), the ladies would teach until 5 p.m. every day before heading to the old airport.

"After the athletes got off their planes at the new airport," said Fehr, "they would get transported to the old airport, where we'd help them get their pictures taken, supply them with their IDs, and everything. Basically, we were in charge of providing the athletes accreditation throughout the games."

"They couldn't go anywhere or do anything without their accreditation," Drabble said. "We had all the power," she laughed.

The pair also volunteered for the 2010 games in Vancouver and were accepted, but due to some unfortunate circumstances they will not be able to attend. They took some solace in the celebration at Canada Olympic Park today, though.

"This is a great experience," Fehr said. "We're reliving the whole (Olympic) experience again. It reminds me of when Calgary had the 20th anniversary here two years ago, and Eddie the Eagle was here, and a lot of the Olympic athletes and family were here. It's so great to catch up with people and experience everything together again."

When asked why they decided, of all the Calgary-area festivities, to come out to the COP Torch relay, they had one unified answer. "This is the one where they were giving out cowbells!"

"We want to ring them when the torch bearers come," Drabble said. "The first 500 people got them, and we got the first two. We started a waiting line, we wanted to get them so badly. We were even the first two to get the pancakes!"

Fehr, feigning annoyance, turned to me with a smirk, "She picked me up at 6:15."

Unapologetically, Drabble replied, "When something like the Olympics happens, we're right in there."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Torch still burns bright, even after 22 years

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

Twenty-two years ago, Keith Shaw of Calgary, Alberta was one of eight Olympic Torch bearers who rode in the first van as the Torch passed into this province. To this day, the feeling has never left him.

"It was just fantastic," Shaw said. "My Dad was there, which made it really special for me to have been able to share that with him. It's still one of my fondest memories."

Shaw shook his head when asked to think about what the current Torch bearers are thinking and going through at that moment. "You get excited in the van while you're waiting your turn. Then all of a sudden you realize that it's your turn, so you get out, and you're still waiting. Then you see it coming towards you and the momentum is almost unbearable."

As he spoke, Shaw's eyes became increasingly distant, and it was clear that he wasn't in 2010 anymore. He was back in '88.

And then when you run with it ... it's powerful. It's powerful."

Dressed in his original Torch Bearer suit from 22 years ago – which still fits perfectly, I might add, as a result of him still swimming four times a week – Shaw beamed about the power of Western Canada and it's Olympic reputation.

"We put on a pretty good show, I think. We had a fantastic crew of volunteers, there were so many people who were committed and they were trained very well."

Shaw doesn't see things playing out any differently in Vancouver. "The coaching programs, the volunteers, and the facilities are what brought the Olympics back to Western Canada. And now with the 'Own the Podium' program, I think it's really going to pay off. It should be fantastic."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Singing for their country

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

Each stage of the Olympic Torch Relay has featured a performance of our national anthem, and tonight's rendition, by a local elementary choir from Airdrie, Alberta, was certainly one of my favourites.

The invitation to sing tonight's anthem was personally extended to L'ecole Francophone D'Airdrie by Mayor Linda Bruce herself, in recognition of the school’s dedication to strengthening the forming pillars of learning: learning to do, learning to know, learning to be, and learning to live together.

I had the chance to chat with two of the performers, Desiree and Aimee Sweetapple, aged seven and five respectively. They were sweet (pardon the pun) enough to give me a private rendition of what they told me is their favourite song.

When asked what her favourite song was, young Aimee immediately cried, "Oh Canada!" and looked at me like I was crazy to think that there could possibly be a better song out there. I asked her why it was her favourite, and she said, "Because ... the flag," then proceeded to giggle and wave her tiny Canadian flag back and forth to hammer home her point.

There's something about the innocence of a child that can take you out of your familiarity with something and reveal just how powerful and precious it is. The Sweetapples' performance of our national anthem – their obvious pride in singing it – was a poignant reminder that this song we all know so well has a power and meaning beyond those simple words.

So many of us mouth the words and sing along to the anthem at sporting events and community gatherings, but rarely do we listen to those words and take in what they mean. Hearing them from the Sweetapple sisters was like listening to an entirely different song, one that beamed of pride.

"We sang on stage tonight," Aimee said, "for our country."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at YouTube/TravelAlbertaCanada


For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Olympic Torch connecting athletes and fans

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

For Jim Richards, director of torch relays for VANOC, the Torch's trip through Alberta has been something of a homecoming.

"I've been living abroad for many years, and I thought that getting involved (with the relay) would be a great opportunity to come back to Canada. I've worked with the
Olympics since 1988 in Calgary, and ever since then it's been a big part of my life.
The entire torch relay has been magic, but particularly so here in Alberta. "

Tonight's leg of the Torch relay was in Airdrie, just minutes away from Richards' hometown of Calgary. The close proximity allowed him to reconnect with not only his friends and his family, but the province and culture that raised him.

"Half of Canadian Olympic athletes reside in Alberta, so I can't help but believe that there's a huge connection between their success and their families, friends, relatives, and neighborhoods. There's a feeling and a good that's created as a result of the games, and the result of participation in sport. Albertans truly understand this and it's a huge part of our culture. That, to me, says so much about who we are as Albertans."

All bias aside, Richard's favourite moment of the entire Torch relay thus far took place this morning at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

"For me, the epitome was when we had the chance to take the Olympic Flame down to the ice where Canada started to build out its heritage (in '88). To share that flame with the athletes that will be representing Canada in three short weeks, to watch their eyes connect to the people in the stands, the message, the Olympic flame, to see them recognize that we were all there to support them ... that was just beautiful. That was the best moment of the entire relay."

When asked for a message he'd like to send to all of Canada's Olympic hopefuls, Richards' said, "Do your best. Give it your all. Don't hold back. Do yourself proud and do your country proud."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Chestermere's brightest light

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

On a day when the Olympic Torch came through the town, Chestermere, Alberta's brightest light was the Keister Family Fiddlers.

"Words cannot describe how excited and proud we are to be involved with the Olympic Torch Relay here in our home of Chestermere!" said Sherry Keister, guitarist and mother of the Keister Family Fiddlers.

The Keisters got Chestermere's Torch celebration started with a bang today, as they took to the stage and electrified the home crowd. Consisting of mother Sherry, and daughters Quinn, 14, Claire, 13, and twins Faith and Paige, 10, the Keister Family Fiddlers have been wowing audiences all over Alberta for the last four years.

"We all started playing the fiddle when we each turned six, but we started playing together as a group four years ago," Quinn said. In addition to their fiddling, the girls also step dance and sing – all at the same time.

While today's Olympic rally was undoubtedly one of the group's career highlights, these young girls are no strangers to the spotlight. Just last year they managed to perform a whopping 150 times.

"The girls have already gone through a lot," Sherry said. "They've played in minus 30 weather at the the Airdrie Festival of Lights, and performed to almost 25,000 at the BMO Kids Day Breakfast at last year's Calgary Stampede."

While Chestermere's crowd wasn't quite 25,000, the ovation they received would have fooled anyone. The town is clearly proud of their hometown girls. "Playing at home, at the Torch rally, it makes things more exciting, but it also makes you more nervous," Quinn said. "I had an idea what it would be like, from seeing it on television, but it completely exceeded my expectations."

"It was a lot of fun," said the twins, Faith and Paige.

Because of the group's busy schedule, the girls have actually been going to school online this year. This "virtual schooling" seems to be working out quite well for them all. "We love it," Claire said. "It makes things a lot easier. And because of the CD, we don't really have a lot of time."

The CD in question is a planned Keister disc that should be hitting shelves this spring. The girls have been working diligently on it for months, and based on today's performance, it can't come too soon.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada


For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Torch Relay, a first class experience

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

For teacher Judy Sliwinski's grade 6 class at Chestermere Middle School, the Olympic Torch couldn't have come through Chestermere, Alberta at a better time.

"My grade 6 kids are learning all about ancient Greece in class right now, so I think that makes them feel really tied to an event like this," Sliwinski said.


Sliwinski's class was one of dozens of classes that attended Tuesday's Torch relay in Chestermere. In all, five local elementary schools sent their kids to watch and take part in the festivities.

"This is a once in a lifetime event that they (the kids) are able to witness here today. Who knows when the flame with pass through Alberta again, so for some of them this might be the last chance they ever have to see it."

For Sliwinski, she's relishing the opportunity to see the Torch this time around. "As far as I recall, the Torch didn't pass through Chestermere on its way to Calgary in 1988. So just like the kids, this is a once lifetime opportunity for people like me as well."

The Torch's presence in Chestermere today was a symbol of the town's rapid evolution over the past number of years. Sliwinski feels a sense of validation, that her town is finally on the map.


"This is a huge deal for Chestermere, and we want the kids to see that. This town has grown so much in just the last few years, so I think that today is, in part, a celebration of that. Chestermere is a significant place now. We now have the facilities to accommodate an event like this."

As important as this moment is the for town as a whole, Sliwinski knows that the real winners on this day are the children. "Today will show the kids how important these games are to people, and how they aren't just games. It's great for them to see how the whole community comes together to celebrate."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada


For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Saddeling up with the Flame

By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers

Albertan Mac MaKenny, owner of the HomePlace Ranch in southern Alberta, rode his way into the history books tonight, by becoming the first and only torch bearer to have ever taken the Olympic Torch by horseback.   He was on the back of his trusted steed, Rollin' Thunder on the corner of the famous "Red Mile" or 17th Ave and 4th St getting ready to saddle up with the Olympic flame. For him it was certainly not just another day out on the ranch.   "It was a magnificent experience and great to do it on horseback. This horse was pretty comfortable with it, he's been in a few movies and has even had Jack Hanna on his back when he was up here shooting his TV show this past summer."


For MaKenny, the Olympics are a time to reflect, to think about all the good things that have come our way."You think back to how quickly time has gone by and how many things have happened since 1988. It makes you appreciate all the things that have made you happy and all the people along the way that have helped to create those memories."

For MaKenny and his horse, Mr. Thunder, I wanted to know what they thought about this great province,  "Alberta has so much here, its western spirit, its Canadian Badlands, the beautiful Canadian Rockies and than to be in the City of Calgary tonight with all this excitment, this province really has everything."  But with all of this is there anything that surprises him about Alberta? "Everything surprises me about this province, we have so much going on here."

Finally I asked MaKenny if there were any specific messages he'd like to send out to the atheletes that will be in these games in only 25 days. "This is our opportunity to shine, leave it all on the ice, the slopes or the in the sleds, do you'r best and bring us back gold!" For more on MaKenny's hometown hospitality, take a trip out to his dude ranch sometime, consult www.homeplaceranch.com  For all the latest on our Olympic coverage, consult Travel Alberta's YouTube channel

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The fever's on fire

By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers

These last few days have really taught me a lot about the human spirit. Travelling on the road with Olympic flame has educated me on the fact that so many of us really do care about each other, we really do want to help each other out and make a positive difference in the lives of others.   It's the 12,000 torch bearers who emulate this to a tee and after continued discussions with them these past few days, it's easy to see just why they were chosen for their historic roles.

There was a lot of history in the crowd last night in Calgary as this city welcomed back the Olympic torch for the first time since 1988. Many were sporting the vintage '88 Sun Ice Olympic jackets - many very proud Albertan's. Folks like Don Goodrow, who remembers his time as an Olympic torch escort runner like it was yesterday.   "My responsibilities were to travel along side the torch as it made its way across the country. I helped if anyone wanted pictures with the torch and or allow people to run along side of it. Those were still the most emotional days of my life."

When I asked him about what it was like seeing that torch again tonight some 22 years later, just what that meant for him, and with tears in his eyes, Goodrow said, "When the torch bearer spoke of emotion it was such a true statement, it brought it all back. Those incredible moments that we shared with the entire world."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube.

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A return of the Buffalo Runners

For a deeper history see:

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.           

     

      “We didn’t know until four o’clock last night, and then we got the call from the Olympic committee. We are very proud of our grandson,” said Liander Strikes With A Gun, grandfather of today’s torchbearer, Mike. In addition to being selected for the torch relay, Mike was selected or “captured” for another prestigious and historical society: the Buffalo Runners. 

            Ken Williams, who reinstituted the society, told me that before the introduction of the horse and rifle, Native bands would use sites like Head Smashed In to great affect.  The Society of Buffalo Runners was a separate group within each tribe. It was their mandate to identify runners at a young age and “capture” them into the society. A very spiritual affair, these elite runners would be trained and instituted to herd the buffalo to these site. The Runners were prided for their speed, legendary endurance, and skill.

            The real work of the Runners began after locating the herd. “There would be a few runners in the front and a few behind the herd. It was the rear runners’ job to haze the buffalo. They’d wear coyote skins and act as predators pushing the herd forward. The runners in the front would dress as buffalo calves and goad the matriarchal sows ahead by calling out to them,” explained Williams. This way the runners in the front would pull the herd along. 

            The runners would move the herd in this manner all the way to a large gathering basin just behind the cliff. Once there, an appropriate time would be selected based on many factors. “Sunrise is always a good time for both spiritual and practical reasons.”             After inciting a stampede, the rear runners would haze the buffalo ever forward.  The community would be on hand to haze any splintering buffalo back on course. The forward runners, however, were in danger of being trampled. Through their training, however, they would have previously scouted spots – such as boulders or crevasses – in which to quickly duck into. The noise of a herd of stampeding buffalo, thundering overhead and all around must have been terrifying.

             This is the society that Mike Strikes With A Gun, today’s torchbearer, is apart of. The society is very prominent today thanks to the efforts of people like Williams. A runners’ rally is held every few years that carries the community’s own ‘torch’ across hundreds of kilometers of prairie. Like the Olympic torch relay, “It’s not competitive. It’s not for points or high scores. It’s to unite the community, by bringing people together within one of our oldest traditions.”

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at 
http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

For full stories on Western Canada's winter destinations, visit snowseekers.ca and friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

So you think you can dance a man's fancy?

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

So much of the Olympics rests in people's freedom to create and spirit to achieve. For Luke Whiteman of Calgary, Alberta, that freedom and spirit take shape in the form of Men's Fancy Dancing, an Aboriginal style of dance native to Montana, where he was born. He has lived in Calgary for the last 11 years.

"Opportunities like the these (Torch) relays are wonderful because they're all about being recognized," Whiteman said. "People from other countries, maybe they don't hear about Native culture; so getting to dance in so big a place, and for it to be seen worldwide, it gives us that chance to show our culture."

Whiteman wowed the crowd at Olympic Plaza with his vivacious performance, one simultaneously breathtaking for both the performers and onlookers alike. If you take most forms of dance and consider them walking, then Men's Fancy Dancing is sprinting. It's fast, energetic, exciting, and powerful.

"I always tell children that in order to be healthy, you have to eat right. To be physically fit, you have to exercise. And that's what I tell them when I dance. Get motivated."

Although it's also about health, it's even more so about pride. "We dance because we love it and because it's our culture. Most importantly, though, we do it to show our children that it's important to (preserve) our culture through dance. To have that opportunity, it allows us to be role models. We want to show the kids, 'Don't be ashamed of your culture.' Don't be shy. It's who we are.'"

Whiteman's opportunity to educate and strengthen his people isn't over in Calgary, however. Just six days ago he was informed that he has been chosen to participate in the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver.

"(Tonight's dance) was just a teaser," Whiteman laughed. "Just wait until Vancouver. I can do a lot more."

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

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A community in need

By Rick MacDonnell, SnowSeekers Inc.

Synonymous with community and cross-cultural togetherness, the Olympics have rarely, if ever, been a platform for such an important relief effort as the one that is taking place right now in Haiti.

Tonight, at the Torch's stop in Calgary, Alberta, Merv Chia, volunteer regional president for the Red Cross's Southern Alberta chapter, came out to speak to the gathered crowd of nearly 20,000 about the work being done in Haiti, and all the work that yet needs to be done.

"Here in Canada, (the Olympics) really pull Canadians together," Chia said. "It's so gratifying for us to be a part of this and to band with the Olympics to spread this very important message."
That message: keep up the hard work.

"On the regional level, we're fundraising all across the country. So far, across Canada, we've received approximately $26 million in funds already. The support and generosity is really incredible. And the funds are matched by the government, so you can really double that number."

Despite the massive relief efforts that are taking place, not just here, but all over the world, Haiti is still in a state of utter and total disrepair.

"As soon as the earthquake hit, the Red Cross organized what's called 'Disaster Response Teams.' The Canadian Red Cross has sent staff there. We've sent volunteers there providing emergency disaster response, which at this stage is emergency shelter, food, and water.

"But the need is huge, and it's going to continue because the devastation to the country is enormous. The last statistic that I read was that 70% of all their buildings have been destroyed. So there's really no basic infrastructure left, it's been crushed. So what we're focused on is just trying to help rebuild communities."

In addition to disaster response teams and medical personnel, the Red Cross has organized psychosocial programs to help people cope with the trauma that they've received.

"The shock itself is just so inhibiting."

If there was ever a time to embrace your worldwide community, this is it. For not only does the Olympic Torch connect communities, it most certainly connects the world. Please donate.

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The three pillars

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

        

             Growing up in a small town, I know first-hand the importance of staying busy.  Idle hands are, after all, the Devil’s playthings. I know it now and my parents knew it then. As a result they kept me busy and involved with as many sports and recreational programs as possible. The community of High River, however, has a significant advantage over my hometown: a recreation centre. 

            Above the entrance are three signs designating the three activities contained within the rec centre, or as I call them, the three recreational pillars of any small town, swimming, curling, and ice rinks. “Without the rec programs the kids are out on the street, maybe getting up to stuff they shouldn’t be,” said Darryn Gold Thorpe, director of the centre.

 Cynthia Phaero, the center’s program administrator tries, “to implement a wide variety of sports programs to see which ones the kids like best, then promote those.” The local care foundation donates money, enabling a free swim twice a week. 

            The centre isn’t just for the youth either. “During the day the seniors use all the facilities through a wide variety of programs like aquatic aerobics, a curling league, and even a senior men’s hockey league called the Old Timers. But more than just a sporting facility, the rec centre is a social hub where people of all ages within the community go to be social and enjoy sport.

It was a fitting site for the Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies in High River. Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

 

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Bonny and Bob, 22 years apart and together forever

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

        

   Walking through the festival grounds, a curious sight passes by. Walking together are two torchbearers, from different Canadian Olympics. 

Donning the fluid colors of the Vancouver 2010 games is Bob Chabay. Bob recently retired from the Provincial Government after 35 years of loyal service to the province he loves. As a parting gift, he thought it might be great to carry the torch in the city he prides – Lethbridge.  His pledge on the application was to both live and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Beside him stands his wife, charged up for her husband and nostalgic about her time with the torch during Alberta’s own 88 Calgary Olympics. Her onepiece Red and Whites are pristine and vibrant, as though she could run a few legs of the relay tomorrow.              What really strikes me is her touque, which has retained the maple leaf points after all these years. Bonny, however, garnered her spot in the Calgary torch relay in a much different fashion. “Back then you could pick up the applications from the Petro Can. It began one day when I picked up two. One for me and one for Bob, but I ended up filling out both. Before I knew it, I was tracking down stacks of a hundred and sending them all in. All told, I filled out 11,001 applications.” 

For the torch to come to Lethbridge and for Bob to carry it epitomizes the fire of Southern Albertan’s have for sport. “Southern Alberta is a sporting region. We grow up on the ponds or the hills, so an event like this just brings the whole community together.”

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada  

The light of Lethbridge

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

Shaking off the cold, they stood backstage in high spirits, waiting to go on. The University of Lethbridge Women’s Choir were about to sing the official community theme song – composed by Gregory Charles – There’s a Light. 

            “It a great song and is a lot of fun compared to what we usually sing,” said Naggie Ambler. “You can tell time really went into creating it, and having sections in both English and French speaks to our Canadian identity.” 

            The ladies recognize the prestige of being selected for the song. “Having the flame come to Lethbridge is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but then to be selected to sing the official community song for our community is just indescribable,” says Ambler.

            But then, it may not be all that surprising for a choir from the University to be selected to represent a community it is such a big part of. The University of Lethbridge is – to put it simply – involved. Southern Alberta is a sports centric region, and the facilities at the University hold every major elementary, high school, and semi-professional sporting event south of Calgary. 

            However, the University contributes in another major way, and is largely responsible for giving Lethbridge and Southern Alberta such a strong arts scene. 

            “Not only are the fine arts a huge part of the program, but the University exposes Lethbridge and Southern Alberta to five new forms of theatre every year,” said Alexa Shapiro, a current student of the theatre program. “Very shortly, the theatre program is putting on a rendition of the musical, Hair.  For a Southern Alberta community, Hair should raise a few eyebrows.

            As the Women’s Choir finishes a heart-felt and melodic rendition of There’s a Light, it’s apparent that light in Lethbridge is due in no small part to the University and its students.

            Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

Every hoop has meaning

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

       

    JJ First Charger, who competed at the International Hoop Dancing Competition in Phoenix, Arizona, has used his dedication to teach others the art and importance of his art. Quentin Ross Crazy Wolf describes JJ as his best friend. There is a heartfelt tone and deep admiration in his voice.  It is clear JJ has mentored Quentin through some times. 

“JJ is dedicated. It took him a long way to get where he is … a long way.”  To perform at the level JJ does, Wolf says, “He had to practice at least two hours a day on top of teaching.”

            Wolf can’t speak for Lethbridge, but for the Native community, JJ and especially the art of hoop dancing, has had insurmountable positive influence and cultural significance.  Seeing him perform on stage, JJ appears to be concentrating on the hoops he picks up, but, according to Wolf, “Each hoop you pick up, there’s a meaning. It matters.” At least that’s what JJ told him during teaching.

            Wolf, however, no longer practices. “I have my own family now. Three kids I have to be a father to. I dedicate my time to them instead.”

            Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

Back to the well

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

Up to his knees in muck, award-winning country musician, Corb Lund and his buddies realized they weren’t getting their truck unstuck for some time. Frustrated and tired of pushing and digging, Lund took out his guitar and wrote the country music radio hit, Truck Stuck in the Mud. Unlike the mainstream Nashville style of country, Truck Stuck in the Mud was written in the underground country-style known as the cowboy ballad. Simply put, these are stories that stem from real life experiences, people, and places. 

“I didn’t really know any better, right from the start I just wrote songs about my experiences. The style is very personal.” As such, Lund’s listeners are able to find a relatable quality in his songs that speak to their own experiences, especially here in Alberta. 

Lund has played all over the world singing about the experiences of his hometown, Taber Alberta. And now things have come full circle as he is playing two sets on this leg of the Olympic Torch Relay in the town where his music stems. As we walk through the crowd to a quieter space, Corb seems to be on a first name basis with practically everyone we pass. In fact, before we can even begin, he has to go quickly check on his Mom. Local Harley Phillips notes, “Nice part about Corb is he hasn’t forgot his grass roots.” 

“My Folks still farm south side of town. I grew up in that one and only house,” says Corb. Whether he’s singing about his brother the tool push, the wisdom of his grandfather, or the critters on his ranch, Corb is singing about home and the people he knows there.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada

Historical Arrival for the Olympic Torch

By Jim Barr, SnowSeekers Inc.

As the Olympic Torch makes its way across this province, it’s travelling by more ways than one. Snowmobile, Horse Drawn Carriage and in today's case, an Olympic first – via a vintage hand railcar across the world's longest and tallest railway bridge, Lethbridge’s High Level Bridge.

I caught up with one of the four who had the chance to pump their way into the history books. "When we got to the other side I could see my kids standing in the audience and tears started to well up in my eyes … it’s a pretty emotional experience," said Olympic torch bearer, Don Burla.

And a little hair-raising I'd gather as Burla and his mates where not just on any ordinary set of tracks; the bridge is a steel structure suspended 314 feet above the ground. Burla was joined by CP locomotive engineers, Brian Lagace and Gord Balderston along with rail car mechanic, Roger Brown on a vintage handrail car on loan from Calgary's Heritage Park.

The Lethbridge Viaduct as it’s known, is owned and operated by Canadian Pacific Railway and just celebrated its own 100th anniversary. It's a piece of history Burla's been working on since 1978.

The bridge spans over a one mile and took over two years to build – construction took two years, from 1907 to 1909. "I started with Canadian Pacific as a bridgeman and worked on keeping this very bridge in great shape," said Burla.
I asked him if there were any memorable moments from working on a bridge of this magnitude. "Well you certainly know when there is a wind about, it can get pretty interesting out there.”

Lucky for all of us the sun was shinning and the temperatures were mild. I am sure Burla and his team would have kept themselves warm pumping their way across the bridge for their 20-minute ride pulling the Olympic cauldron behind them.

It was a once in a lifetime sight.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube

Delivering the pages

By Will Colford, SnowSeekers Inc.

Jeannine Patrick is no stranger to the news industry. Over the summer she delivered papers for the local Taber Times. “Who are you with? Taber Times or the Herald?”  She asks. Her boldness only helps foreshadow her future in the industry. 

“I think the torch coming through town will most likely make the paper. I’d put it in if I ran it.” Jeannine is not only one of the local Taber people, lined along the street to see the torch run by their homes, she is also apart of the school choir selected to sing the national anthem during today’s cauldron ceremony. So, not only does she aspire to report the news, but she’s also – for today – apart of it. 

Her father, Malcolm is understandably proud of his daughter. “Her singing in the choir today makes her apart of the history and legacy of the torch as it comes through this town.” 

Though she still has the world in front of her, Jeannine knows success is made through dedication and hard work. “Delivering papers was hard, but I made one $125.00.  It was worth it.” As the torch connects her and others like her to a greater tradition, it’s an experience she will always carry.

Make sure to catch the Travel Alberta Olympic Torch Relay videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAlbertaCanada