Workshops & Presentations
Immerse yourself in a weekend of engaging workshops, inspiring presentations, and holiday shopping from unique Calgary brands. This is the perfect occasion to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, vendors, and community leaders.
Avalanche Canada: One-Stop- Shop
Avalanche Canada: One-Stop- Shop- This presentation introduces Avalanche Canada’s key tools and resources—including the Avalanche and Mountain Weather Forecasts, Trip Planner, Mountain Information Network, Forecaster Blogs, and Mobile App—to help you plan safer and more informed mountain adventures.
"Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies - if you can walk, you can snowshoe"
If you are thinking about snowshoeing this winter, or are already an avid snowshoer, then you won't want to miss Andrew Nugara's presentation "Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies - if you can walk, you can snowshoe". Andrew has authored numerous local guide books including "Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies".
Earn your turns-discover the art of ski mountaineering
Ever wondered what the newish sport of Skimo is all about?
Come to this Presentation for a better understanding of one of the newest sports in the upcoming Olympics, Canada's prospects and how to get into it! Calling all Young People. Following the presentation Skimo Canada will have athletes on hand to demonstrate transitions ( ski to skin, skin to ski, ski to boot pack). We will do a show & tell of Skimo race gear.
Discover the Thrill of Biathlon!
Try your shooting skills using Eco-Aims rifles, which are camera-based and ammunition-free, ensuring safety at the festival site.
Biathlon blends the precision of rifle marksmanship with the endurance of cross-country skiing, creating a unique and fast-paced winter sport. Originally a Scandinavian hunting technique, biathlon has evolved into an exciting challenge that tests both physical and mental agility. Athletes need the stamina, speed, and strength for skiing, combined with the focus, concentration, and split-second timing required for accurate shooting.
Try your shooting skills using Eco-Aims rifles, which are camera-based and ammunition-free, ensuring safety at city locations.
The Power of Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is a powerful way to connect students with the natural world while fostering growth, resilience, and community. It transforms learning from something that
happens within four walls to something lived, felt, and experienced. Through exploration, teamwork, and hands-on discovery, outdoor education helps individuals build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a deep respect for the environment. It reminds us that the most meaningful lessons often come not from textbooks, but from the land itself. This presentation will showcase the transformative power of Outdoor Education as viewed through my atypical journey as an educator.
The Great Divide Trail
The "GDT" truly is Canada's "wildest thru hike" so...come to the Winter Launch Festival to see why!
Bio:
Stretching more than 1100km from the international border in Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Lakes Provincial Park in BC, lies the Great Divide Trail. As it winds its way up the spine of the continent, the trail spans everything from popular hikes taking in some of the most iconic backpacking trips in North America, to remote, rarely used routes, days from the nearest road. The GDT truly is Canada's “wildest thru hike" and one of the most spectacular and challenging long‐distance trails on the planet. Whether you'd like to take the 6-8 weeks it normally takes to hike the entire trail, or spend a day or two exploring its wonders, join the Great Divide Trail Association at Winter Launch to learn more about this epic outdoor adventure.
Orienteering, a sport for all seasons...learn how to start
Active, Hands on Workshop as well as a Presentation on how to Orienteer.
Discover how to create an inclusive and engaging youth outdoor
program through orienteering. Learn how this affordable sport can be integrated into your organization or community program to inspire confidence, outdoor competence, and a love of adventure.
Backcountry first aid - BARK
Celine Rytz is a certified pet first aid instructor through Walks N Wags Pet First Aid and owner of Backcountry Aid + Rescue Kit (BARK). She provides pet first aid training and pet firstaid kits designed to withstand the rigours of a season in the bush. Celine has worked seasonally in forestry for over a decade and spends many months a year living in remote bush camps with dogs.
Earn your turns-discover the art of ski mountaineering
Ever wondered what the newish sport of Skimo is all about?
Come to this Presentation for a better understanding of one of the newest sports in the upcoming Olympics, Canada's prospects and how to get into it! Calling all Young People. Following the presentation Skimo Canada will have athletes on hand to demonstrate transitions ( ski to skin, skin to ski, ski to boot pack). We will do a show & tell of Skimo race gear.
Discover the Thrill of Biathlon!
Try your shooting skills using Eco-Aims rifles, which are camera-based and ammunition-free, ensuring safety at the festival site.
Biathlon blends the precision of rifle marksmanship with the endurance of cross-country skiing, creating a unique and fast-paced winter sport. Originally a Scandinavian hunting technique, biathlon has evolved into an exciting challenge that tests both physical and mental agility. Athletes need the stamina, speed, and strength for skiing, combined with the focus, concentration, and split-second timing required for accurate shooting.
Try your shooting skills using Eco-Aims rifles, which are camera-based and ammunition-free, ensuring safety at city locations.
Everest Base Camp Trek...everything you need to know!
Byron Smith has been to the Khumbu region dozens of times...2 times to attempt to climb Mount Everest! Ultimately Byron was successful of summitting in May 2000. Byron has dedicated a substantial amount of time as a tireless fundraiser for the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation in support of The Sherpa People of Nepal. Byron also has the distinction of climbing to the top of the highest mountains on all seven continents. By completing his Seven Summits Quest, Byron is one of only a handful of Mountaineers to have accomplished this feat.
Aconcagua, Climbing high altitude...learn how with the best from Laurie Skreslet...1st Canadian to summit Mt Everest
Do you want to climb a high altitude mountain? Laurie Skreslet...the first Canadian to climb Mt. Everest has climbed Mount Aconcagua more than a dozen times. In this presentation Laurie will showcase what it is like to climb this South American peak...maybe you would like to join him on his guided trip this year. Laurie is an engaging speaker with wonderful stories of adventures, exploration, and successful summits...not to be missed!