Mountain Magic WinterQuest is an annual event held after the Family Day long weekend. The event features a variety of winter-themed activities including a light up story walk, snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing, food, and professional ice carvings! Each year the event takes on a new theme which is reflected in the different ice sculptures throughout the trail.
Questions about the event?
Please contact:
Emily Walker
Sport Tourism & Program Clerk
Schedule of Activities:
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Accessible Sculpture Viewing
This year participants will have the opportunity to view the ice carvings from two different locations:
John Dahl Trails
Sculptures will be placed along the section of the John Dahl Trail that connect the Recreation Centre to Little Mac Ski Hill.
The trail can be accessed through two different entrances – the entrance from Little Mac Ski Hill behind the chalet or from behind the Mackenzie Recreation Centre beside the outdoor rink.
Mackenzie Community Bike Park Trail
To continue with our usual forest walk – we have added sculptures to the trail at the Mackenzie Community Bike Park, behind the Mackenzie Mall.
The trail can be accessed through two different entrances – the entrance from the Mackenzie Secondary School side or from the Purple Bicycle Parking lot side. This trail is more accessible than the original trail we use, John Dahl, as it is made from engineered wood fiber which is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as the fiber compacts down, making it accessible to wheelchairs.
Ice Carving Workshop:
Meet the Carvers:
David Ducharme
David attended the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC from 1992-1995, studying stone, ceramics, metal and jewelry and later his artistic interest was sparked by sculpting sand, ice, and snow.
David has traveled the world participating in sand, ice, and snow sculpting events in Canada, Hong-Kong, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan, and more!
We are excited to welcome David back to Mackenzie for our fourth annual WinterQuest event.
Susanne Ruseler
Susanne was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and first started sculpting in 2003 with sand. After receiving her master's degree in animal behaviour and ecology, she started her own company and began working with other materials such as snow, ice, foam and concrete.
Susanne has been sculpting full time since 2008 and now travels all over the world to work on projects, participate in events and compete in competitions. You can learn more about Susanne and her work on her website.
We are excited to welcome Susanne back to Mackenzie for our fourth annual WinterQuest Event!
David and Susanne have been with us since the start of WinterQuest and continue to return each year. We are very thankful to have them continue to come to our little neck in the woods to participate in this event and showcase their amazing work.
Event Info:
Tickets: This is a free event!
Where can I stay during the event?
- Alexander Mackenzie Hotel - 250-997-6464
- Royal Oak Inn and Suites - 250-997-2000
- Williston Lake Lodge - 250-997-3131
- Paul's Bed and Breakfast - 250-997-5693
- The Garden House Bed and Breakfast - 250-997-3190
- Victory Bed and Breakfast - 250-997-7773
Event Sponsorship:
WinterQuest requires many resources to be successful. Your company's support will be used to enhance the event and showcase Mackenzie. This event is a great opportunity to showcase your community involvement! For more information, email Emily Walker Sports Tourism & Program Clerk.