Winter Magic Festival Returns for 36th Year

Winter Magic Festival kicks off today for its 36th year with an exciting line-up of activities, including old favourites and new experiences.

Every February, Hintonites join together to create something amazing. Two weeks of winter activities, ranging from winter sports through cultural pursuits, break up the monotony of the cold weather and bring together residents and visitors to revel in the winter wonderland. The Town of Hinton, local non-profits, teams, organizations, and businesses all contribute and host events for the festival.

Iconic events returning to this year’s Winter Magic Festival include the Hinton Growler Fat Bike Race, a fat bike endurance race at Maxwell Lake on February 11, and the Chili Loppet, a family-friendly fun ski race event at Hinton Nordic Centre, on February 18.

Get active outdoors with winter activities at William A. Switzer Provincial Park every Saturday February from 11am – 4pm, including snowshoe trails (snowshoe rentals available), tobogganing, skating, fat bike trails, ice fishing, and winter camping.  Plus, new this year, the Hinton Nordic Centre is offering free day passes for skiing for the duration of the festival. Guests must still register at the Main Lodge.

Also new this year is the Hawaiian Luau Family Dance. Organized by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), the community is invited to this special family friendly event with the sounds and flavours of the islands, plus hula hoop competitions, the limbo, prizes and more. The Family Dance takes place at the Hinton Centre on February 10 from 6pm – 9pm.

Other exciting events lined up include daily Winter Story Walks in the Library, a free Archery Fun Day from Yellowhead Arrow Launchers, Seniors Sweetheart Tea at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre, Winter Disc Golf at the Disc Golf Course, Winter Magic Polar Dip at the pool, and Break-A-Leg Theatre Society’s Murder on the Menu (dinner theatre) at the PATH, West Fraser Guild.

For further information about Winter Magic Festival 2023 and to view the full calendar of events, head online to www.hinton.ca/wintermagic.