This year�s WinterStart Festival, in Banff National Park, will be unlike any other as alpine ski racers compete in their last race on Canadian slopes before the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The world's top downhill and super G racers will be vying for a coveted spot on the 2010 Winter Olympic alpine team over the course two adrenaline filled weekends.

With a World Cup legacy dating back to 1980, the Lake Louise Ski Area will again be home to the Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup Races. The men�s races take place November 28 and 29 and the women race December 4 through 6. The WinterStart Festival takes place over two weekends and includes the World Cup Alpine Ski Racing followed by a festival within a festival; Christmas in the Rockies, which runs December 5 and 6. On December 5 there will be choirs, Christmas tree decorating, photos with Santa, the Santa Claus Parade of Lights, and many other free activities to get families into the holiday spirit. New for Christmas in the Rockies, A Mountaintop Christmas Sing-Along will be taking place high atop Sulphur Mountain on December 6. Families can ride the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain for an interactive morning with award-winning children's performers and music educators. For every adult gondola ticket purchased, one child rides for free. This week�s Real Banff Report on WinterStart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5WX3igW9Jw � ends �

For media enquiries or to discuss a media visit this winter contact Tanya Hillman or Kylie Whitfield at the Travel Alberta Press Office: 01825 76 3636 tanya.hillman@kbc-pr.com / kylie.whitfield@kbc-pr.com For more information on winter sports in Alberta visit www.TravelAlberta.com

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Notes to Editors: About Banff Lake Louise Tourism Banff Lake Louise is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership. For media inquiries, please contact Tulene Steiestol, Senior Manager, Media Relations at 403.762.0290 or tulene@banfflakelouise.com.