AMA Insider Winter 2018/ Under 55 | Page 57

BrighTen uP Winter nights may be long, but they don’t have to be dark Winter Lights Festival: More than 100,000 lights brighten the beautiful Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge. (Select dates from Dec. 1–Feb. 2) Airdrie Festival of Lights: Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk of Christmas lights celebrates 23 seasons. (Dec. 1–31) The Magic of Lights: The Castrol Raceway in Nisku presents a drive- through experience with two kilometres of illuminated displays. (Nov. 16–Jan. 5) SAy hAllo To Skijoring how To TrAnSPorT A chriSTmAS Tree Trees that aren’t tied securely can damage your vehicle The Vehicle Use a car with a roof rack, a truck with a flatbed or the inside of an SUV or van. ToolS Bring strong rope or ratchet straps, an old blanket to protect the top of your car, and a pair of gloves. A SnowShoe Primer Snowshoeing offers fun, exercise and scenery, from the shores of Lake Louise to guided tours on Elk Island to trails near Lake Minnewanka. And Urban explorers can book a Pursuit Adventures “snowshoe in Looking for a new snow sport? Consider skijoring, a sport in which one is pulled around on cross- country skis—usually by a sled dog, but a tractor, snowmobile or horse will work just as well. Though it was invented in Norway, skijoring was made for Alberta winters. Klondike Ventures—west of Rocky Mountain House—and Mad Dogs and Englishmen in Kananaskis Country both offer guided outings. Or check out Skijordue, a multi-day competitive event held each year just outside of Calgary. (Feb. 9) the city” tour of Red Deer for a two-hour trek followed by a cozy dinner. Make sure you strap on the right shoes for your trek, whether you want to travel in modern or traditional style. AMATravel.ca/Activities Tying Wrap the tree in netting to keep it manageable. Prevent move- ment by tying it at its bottom, centre and top. Place the bottom of the trunk at the front of your vehicle. DriVe Slow Take back roads if you can, and be cautious. chriSTmAS PAnTomime BeArPAw huron moDern Oval shape, rounded-toe, no tail. Good in forested areas, and for hunting, trapping and gathering Classic teardrop shape, rounded turned-up toe, long tail. Best for open areas, such as lakes and fields Constructed with metal, plastic and high-tech textiles. Bigger decks are good for loose powder In December, Fort Edmonton Park hosts its second annual Christmas pantomime—a British theatrical tradition that combines music and comedy with audience participation. Performances are loosely wrapped around a well- known fairy tale or fable. This year, it’s Little Red Riding Hood. (Dec. 13–28) AMA InsIder WInter 2018 57