Winter is here!

Several things have happened in the last few days to get us all feeling that winter is really here:

1) The first snowfall to actually stay on the ground for over 24 hours. There is only a light dusting but there is snow nevertheless.

2) I'm wearing my traditional winter garb: flannel-lined pants.

3) Last night was Warren Miller film night in Huntsville (see trailer in the previous post). What a great event! With over 300 people in attendance, lots of kids in the audience, everybody stoked for a great winter ahead, fantastic footage of amazing skiers and snowboarders in beautiful mountain environments, it all added up to the perfect evening to get people in the mood for snow.

4) Evening temperatures are dropping dramatically. Tonight's forecast is predicting a low of -11 C.

5) Ice is starting to form in the more sheltered bays. With low overnight temperatures ahead, lakes will be skimming over completely any time now.

All we need now is more snow!

Here's what is coming up in the AO calendar:

Algonquin Outfitters presents the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Tuesday, Jan. 22 & Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008

Join Algonquin Outfitters when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Huntsville, at the Algonquin Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 pm.

Hot on the heels of the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has hit the road, with stops planned in more than 275 communities and 30 countries across the globe.

After two packed shows last year, Algonquin Outfitters is once again bringing the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to the Algonquin Theatre for two nights. Each evening will feature a different selection of films. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students. Folks buying tickets for both shows can exchange their two ticket stubs for a coupon offering a 15% discount on their next purchase at Algonquin Outfitters.

This year's tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2007/2008 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is produced by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, and features award-winning films and audience favorites from approximately 300 films entered in the annual festival in Banff.

The screenings of The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Canada and the USA are presented by National Geographic and New Balance; sponsored by Patagonia, Deuter, OR (Outdoor Research), Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Polartec and Gore-Tex Fabrics; with support from MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Petzl, World Expeditions & Mountain Hardwear..

Tickets are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office at 37 Main St. E., on-line or by calling the theatre box office at (705) 789-4975, or 1-888-696-4255, ext. 2352.

Algonquin Outfitters presents the 14th Annual Winter Fun Day
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008

We've changed the name of the Winter Assembly to Winter Fun Day, because, well, that's what it is. Self-propelled fun in the great outdoors is the theme Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. This free, family-oriented, event takes place at the Oxtongue Lake location, just west of Algonquin Park, on Hwy. 60, about 30 km east of Huntsville. The Winter Assembly is designed to introduce people to self-propelled (or at least non-motorized) winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skate skiing, kick-sledding, winter camping, ice-climbing and dog sledding, as well as provide a host of opportunities to have fun in the snow.

Stay tuned for more info!