2026 FESTIVAL FEATURE
This season? Unforgettable!
We did it again, and it was something special.
Across 10 festivals this winter, staff, volunteers, and community partners came together to bring these days to life, filled with energy, connection, and moments we won’t forget.
At the Canmore Festival, youth, staff, and community members gather around a tipi, coming together in a shared moment of connection. Photo by Erika Jensen-Mann.
Much care, coordination, and behind -the-scenes effort goes into these events: from early planning to the final moments of the day, teamwork reigns, and this season is something we can all feel proud of.
A special thank you to Alberta Blue Cross for supporting festivals across Alberta, and to Hy-Tech Drilling for supporting the festival in Northern BC.
We are also deeply thankful to the many volunteers and partners who rolled up their sleeves to help make these days so special. From set-up and take-down, to handing out snacks, supporting activities, and tying laces, your time and care helped create meaningful experiences for our participants.
Thank you as well to the following partners who joined us: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Sun Life, Inter Pipeline Ltd, ATB Financial, TC Energy, Diplomat Consulting, and BGO.
Burns lake FESTIVAL
Photos by Thomas Camus
Canmore Festival
Photos by Erika Jensen-Mann
Sovereign Lake and Nickel Plate Festival
Photos by Laura Filipow
As you can see, these festival days come alive through movement and the laughter that connects our communities.
This year, seven festivals unfolded across regions, each one with its own unique energy. Some moments were loud and full of excitement, others were quiet and steady, but all of them created space for youth to try, connect, and grow in confidence.
While cross country skiing remains at the core, these festivals have grown into something more layered and meaningful. They are spaces where youth step in, find their rhythm, and feel part of something that welcomes them fully.
You could see it in the small moments. Laughter echoing across the snow, encouragement passed between friends, and groups coming together in ways that felt natural and easy. These are the kinds of moments that stay with us, long after the day ends.
At the Canmore festival, the day began under grey skies with the feeling that rain might arrive at any moment. But just before the festival began, the clouds lifted and the sun came through to stay with us. It held until the very end, as if making space for the day to unfold, and only after everything wrapped up did the rain begin to fall. It was a small moment that felt quietly special and perfectly timed for the community.
Thanks to everyone who joined us this season, and see you next year!