Olympic Celebr(action)

Have you ever heard the theory that good things happen in threes? Superstitious or not, three overlapping biggies are front and centre this weekend: Family Day, Valentine’s Day and the kick-off to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. (Oh yeah, Teachers’ Convention is also in full swing to buy you more play time.)

So, since the Olympics come to Canada only a few times each century, we recommend celebrating like a champion (with a romantic or familial slant) by skating, skiing and sliding at one of Calgary’s local snow and ice haunts.

Cheer
Since Calgary has been selected as one of five lucky Canadian municipalities to host an Olympic Celebration, there’s a free family event on Saturday afternoon at Olympic Plaza. With features such as a gaming zone, live music (with headliners Simple Plan) and a big screen view of the Games themselves, there is something for every age. As a matter of fact, you could take in the entire 17-day event at the theatre (including the Opening Ceremonies broadcast at 6 pm on Friday night). Cineplex Odeon (at Chinook, Sunridge and Crowfoot) is showing CTV coverage of Canadian events throughout the Games. A Passport costs $29.95 for unlimited admission (single day tickets cost $9.95).

Skate
While the ice at Olympic Plaza will be covered this weekend, the Oval is blade-ready and free to families with a donation to the Calgary Food Bank Monday afternoon at the Papa John’s Family Fun Day. For some romantic ice-time, take a drive to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The ice sculptures carved at the recent Ice Magic festival still grace the surface of this picturesque lake.

Ski
Cross-country and downhill options abound and destination Kananaskis is our pick this weekend. The Delta Lodge has organized the Ultimate Family Winter Carnival, including mini-Olympics, GPS adventures and skating parties for guests. Nearby Nakiska also celebrates the weekend with an outdoor barbeque. Keep in mind all Alberta ski resorts offer childcare and lessons.

Slide
If tobogganing is your family’s medal sport, consider taking a run down the luge or bobsleigh (guided, with reservation) track at Canada Olympic Park. The tracks are open to the public on Feb 13 and 14 (luge from 11 am – 2 pm and bobsleigh from 2–4 pm). Mount Norquay is perched above the town of Banff and has launched Snow Tubing for the family this year. A two-hour pass is only $20 for an adult or $15 for a child, making it a fun and economical ski resort adventure.

And at the end of the day, a roaring fire, a glass of red or a lucky soak in a hot tub can turn your family Olympic adventure into a romantic escape in no time.

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