Rossland Winter Carnival

Celebrating 120 Years of Winter Fun...the Rossland Winter Carnival

Back in 1898 a Norwegian miner named Olaus Jeldness initiated Canada’s Oldest Winter Carnival.

Born in Stangvik, Norway, in 1857, Olaus at the age of 15 ski jumped a distance of 92 feet which was heralded as a world record at the time.  In 1896 he left to come to Canada and the mining community of Rossland, British Columbia.

Shortly after arriving, he began to foster skiing. Jeldness brought his skis, his love of the sport, and a single long steering pole. It was reported that he would frequently delight spectators that flocked to witness his daring exploits on skis.

The first recorded Canadian ski competition took place in Rossland in 1897, an event which Jeldness himself organized and promoted. For his considerable contribution to competitive skiing he was known as the "Father of Competitive Skiing in Canada".

The Carnival kicks off on Thursday night with the Bobsled Calcutta and the Winter Carnival Variety Show, great fun for the whole family. Friday night the fun continues with the carnival parade and then the party begins at Olaus Ice Palace Beer Gardens. See the snow statues created by world famous artist of Slocan Snow Sculptures and the carved ice bar while listening to live music.

Saturday starts with the Fireman's Pancake breakfast in the morning and then the amazing Sonny Samuelson Bobsled Race that comes screaming down Spokane Street. If these crazy participants ignite your need for speed head up to Red Mt. and Learn to Luge!

Olaus would be very proud to see boarders and skiers flying through the air during Saturday’s fantastic "The Game" Rail Jam competition that takes place downtown beside the same post office that he knew.  Saturday night have fun skiing and boarding free under the lights at RED Mountain Resort’s Family Fun Night or dance the night away at Olaus Ice Palace as part of the Blizzard Music Festival.