2015 World’s Four Major Ice and Snow Carnivals Kick Off: Get Thrilled by Chasing Reindeer in Alaska

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

As cold fronts sweep across regions, bringing chilly weather, winter is not only a time to look forward to New Year’s Eve and Christmas but also to wait atop mountains, anticipating the magical sight of snowflakes falling. In Taiwan, where the latitude is low and snowfall is rare, the thrill of seeing snow for the first time remains unforgettable. 2015 has begun, and ice and snow carnivals around the world are getting ready to kick off too. Immerse yourself in a fairytale world of white snow and glistening ice sculptures.

● Alaska  Ice & Snow Festival
Besides the usual ice artworks, Alaska’s Ice & Snow Festival takes inspiration from Spain’s Running of the Bulls. Every winter, it features the unique Reindeer Run, drawing many participants to race through snowy streets, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. The festival also includes hockey and snow softball games, and most excitingly, a Japanese-inspired snowball battle called Yukigassen.

【Info】

Event Period: February 27, 2015 – March 8, 2015

● Canada   Winter Carnival
Held in Quebec over about two weeks, the Quebec Winter Carnival is known as the world’s largest winter carnival. With a rich variety of colorful events and strong French cultural flair, activities include night tours, river canoeing, and trying out “Caribou”—a unique Quebec maple-flavored spiced wine. In the lead-up to the festival, artisans often spend a month building a five-story-tall “ice and snow castle” out of blocks of ice. The castle is adorned with colorful flags, standing majestically in the wind. When the festival begins, citizens elect a “King of the Quebec Winter Carnival,” who serves as the city’s temporary “ruler” for the duration. Dressed in white clothing, a red hat, and white gloves, the king is decked out like a living “snowman,” smiling and waving to welcome all festival-goers.