Winter Park at the Forks is one of Winnipeg's 2 largest winter events, with activities for families, schools and community groups. Through its national corporate citizenship program, Great-West Life is the major sponsor of the Giant Ice Castle, and co-sponsor, along with Investors Group, of the children's Winter Adventure Programming.

Arctic Glacier Winter Park Opens at The Forks - Arctic Glacier Signs On For Another 5 Years as Title Sponsor

Winter is becoming the hottest season in Winnipeg, at least at The Forks.

“Arctic Glacier Winter Park is our official celebration of winter and our attendance numbers last year were like those we see in July and August,” says Jim August, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks North Portage Partnership. “It’s really a testament to Winnipeggers and our partners for embracing the season and finding ways to enjoy it.”

Arctic Glacier loves how the park has grown and expanded over the last 5 years and wants to increase its presence over the next 5 as title sponsors. They are always pleased to give back to the community, but have a special affinity for Arctic Glacier Winter Park as it’s so closely tied to their business.

“Ice is our business and it was only natural that we become the title sponsor of a park honouring winter,” says Keith McMahon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Arctic Glacier. “We are proud to be a part of this celebration of winter as it provides us with a way to give back to the families of Winnipeg in a meaningful way while honouring the city we come from.”

Ice will play big role in the amenities offered in Arctic Glacier Winter Park this year: an ice obstacle course, ice picture frame and the just-built Great-West Life Ice Castle.

“We are in the process of completing many of the features over the coming weeks, just in time for families to enjoy during the Christmas break,” says Paul Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, The Forks. “The trails and rinks are in place and people are using them as soon as we finish them. It’s likely going to take a bit more snow before we put in the toboggan chute and snowboard park.”

Returning to Arctic Glacier Winter Park are all of the family-friendly features: 1.2 kilometres of skating trails directly on The Forks site, an artificially cooled ice surface under the Canopy, an Olympic-sized skating rink near Scotiabank Stage, a toboggan chute and an ever-expanding snowboard facility professionally designed to thrill.

Programming continues to be a big part of the success of Arctic Glacier Winter Park.

“We try to create a balance of features that you can enjoy and superior programming that teaches, enlightens and makes winter fun,” says August.

Winter Adventure Programming runs every Sunday beginning January 17, 2010 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm and is free to the public. This year’s lineup includes horse-drawn wagon rides, Investors Group teepee storytelling and art program, and snowboard clinics.

Arctic Glacier Winter Park is open from now until March, weather permitting. All attractions within Arctic Glacier Winter Park are free.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such amazing partners who enable us to provide all of our programming free of charge,” adds August. “Without their continued and long-term support we really wouldn’t be able to offer this amazing park to so many.”

Arctic Glacier Winter Park is made possible through the support of Arctic Glacier, Great-West Life, Investors Group, Scotiabank, Audioworks and media partners the Winnipeg Free Press, Curve 94.3, 99.9 BOB FM and 1290 CFRW.

In January, Arctic Glacier Winter Park will once again link up with Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail, now officially the longest skating trail in the world, according to Guinness World Records.