SUNDRE – Contestants who came out for the fifth annual Mountain Survivalist Competition in Sundre found themselves battling against the cold.
Five teams of two put their skills to the test on Monday, Feb. 17 at the Greenwood Campground during the final day of Sundre Winterfest 2025 activities.
The blue sky was clear and the sun was blindly bright but temperatures hovered in the range of -20 C.
Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued an extreme cold warning for the area that day.
“This event was a true test of endurance against the cold,” said Jon Allan, the municipality’s economic development officer.
Contestants weren’t just battling against the cold but the clock as well, faced with a timed challenge to build a fire, make a shelter, as well as set up what is known as a figure-4 deadfall trap, said Allan.
The judges included Dave Holder, lead survival consultant for Alone, and Brenda Holder, owner of Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experiences.
Coming out on top to win a locally-crafted knife set and some Calgary Flames tickets was team Fire and Ice -- Robert Edwards from Ponoka and Red Deer's Brad Keith.
The event was but one of many activities held at the riverside campground as well as the Sundre and District Museum during the Family Day long weekend on Sunday and Monday, Feb. 16-17.
“Overall, Winterfest went well, though attendance was unfortunately lower than in previous years due to the extreme cold,” said Allan.
While the community gazebo at the campground was tarped up with heating tubes funnelling in warm air for some live music, plans to have some outdoor performances at the museum were modified with musicians instead playing in the Mayton Building.
That “turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” said Allan.
“The venue’s incredible acoustics complemented the Wild Winter photo exhibit beautifully, creating a truly artistic experience.”
Helping to fill up hungry bellies with warm food were some volunteers with the Sundre 4-H Multi-Club and the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, who served up homemade soups and hot dogs at the museum’s round building.
Over at the gazebo, the Crouch family offered hot chocolate and snacks.
On Feb. 17, the inaugural Kids Carnival that featured a Disney-inspired Frozen theme offered families a chance to play some games then wrap up the day with a screening of the film.
People who came out also had the opportunity to peruse at their leisure a variety of ice sculptures that were displayed throughout the campground.
“The cold weather worked in our favour for the ice sculptures, which were as stunning as ever,” said Allan.
“This year, sculptor Barry Collier from the Edmonton area created eight sculptures—the most we’ve ever featured on the Ice Sculpture Discovery Walk along the riverside,” he said.
The sculptures, which light up at night to look even more impressive, will remain on display until they melt.
And wrapping things up on Feb. 17 was a free public skate session over at the Sundre Arena that was attended by more than 60 people.
