In Pictures: Spirit Fest dog sledding and snowshoeing

Here are some Spirit  Festival 2014 photos of the dog sled and starlight snowshoeing events that somehow slipped between the cracks last week.

Eric Marsden of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures offered free dog sled rides at the Kelly’s Bob Cat yard on Nichol Road on Tuesday, February 4.

“It was a very brisk day, but that didn’t stop the event from drawing a healthy group of participants,” said photographer Jason Portras

And then, last weekend, Parks Canada offered its first-ever Starlight Snowshoe at the historic Nels Nelsen site in Mount Revelstoke National Park on Sunday, February 9.

About 90 people came out to enjoy an evening of snowshoeing, tobogganing, sitting around a bonfire roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate, and sharing a few laughs with family and friends,” wrote Verena Blaisy. “Kids and adults had fun blasting down our speedy toboggan hill. “Many people tried snowshoeing for the first time on a lantern and candle-lit trail, while others simply walked on the hard-packed snow and enjoyed a sky full of stars.”

The Nels Nelsen Chalet was open for visitors to get warm, enjoy some snacks and view old film footage of ski jumping on Mount Revelstoke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF2scvAtzj0).

“It was a great way to celebrate the park’s centennial and the 99th anniversary of Revelstoke’s first ski jumping competition which occurred on February 8 and 9, 1915.

“Parks Canada looks forward to hosting the Starlight Snowshoe again,” Verena wrote. “More centennial events are to come, look for the invitations on Facebook!”

You can visit the Mount Revelstoke Glacier National Parks’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MRGnationalparks.

Here are some great photos from these two events:

Owner/Operator of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, Eric Marsden, explains the route his dogs will be taking the participants on, as one of his faithful business partners vies for his affection. Jason Portras photo
Owner/Operator of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, Eric Marsden, explains the route his dogs will be taking the participants on, as one of his faithful business partners vies for his affection. Jason Portras photo
When Eric interacts with his dogs, you can tell there is a mutual feeling of trust, love, and patience. Jason Portras photo
When Eric interacts with his dogs, you can tell there is a mutual feeling of trust, love, and patience. Jason Portras photo
Eric is quoted as saying on his company website, “Dogs are the best business partners out there.” Looking at this face and those eyes, how can anyone deny that? Jason Portras photo
Eric is quoted as saying on his company website, “Dogs are the best business partners out there.” Looking at this face and those eyes, how can anyone deny that? Jason Portras photo
One of Eric’s team members, Katie, mushes the dogs out onto the trail with the help of Eric’s booming voice. Jason Portras photo
One of Eric’s team members, Katie, mushes the dogs out onto the trail with the help of Eric’s booming voice. Jason Portras photo
The dogs head out in a Double Lead formation, in which two dogs lead the team side-by-side. Jason Portras photo
The dogs head out in a Double Lead formation, in which two dogs lead the team side-by-side. Jason Portras photo
Katie arrives back with the team and another happy pair of customers. Jason Portras photo
Katie arrives back with the team and another happy pair of customers. Jason Portras photo
More than ready for another customer, the dog team's enthusiasm to run and power the sled along is palpable. Jason Portras photo
More than ready for another customer, the dog team’s enthusiasm to run and power the sled along is palpable. Jason Portras photo
Another of Eric’s team, Ross Goddard, mushes a new team along as they pull a new basket of participants. Jason Portras photo
Another of Eric’s team, Ross Goddard, mushes a new team along as they pull a new basket of participants. Jason Portras photo
I think everyone at this event came away with a newfound respect and admiration for these dogs and the team of professional mushers that leads them. If you would like to partake in a full dogsled tour or would like more info, check out Eric’s website www.revelstokedogsledadventures.ca or give him a call at (250) 814-3720. Jason Portras photo
I think everyone at this event came away with a newfound respect and admiration for these dogs and the team of professional mushers that leads them. If you would like to partake in a full dogsled tour or would like more info, check out Eric’s website www.revelstokedogsledadventures.ca or give him a call at (250) 814-3720. Jason Portras photo
About 90 people went snowshoeing on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke during the Starlight Snowshoeing event sponsored by Parks Canada on Sunday, February 9. Here's a magical shot of the chalet. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada
About 90 people went snowshoeing on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke during the Starlight Snowshoeing event sponsored by Parks Canada on Sunday, February 9. Here’s a magical shot of the chalet. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada
Besides snowshoeing during the even ing people enjoyed roasting marshmallows. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada
Besides snowshoeing during the even ing people enjoyed roasting marshmallows. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada
There was a surprise guest at the event — this giant beaver mascot. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada
There was a surprise guest at the event — this giant beaver mascot. Rob Buchanan photo courtesy of Parks Canada

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