Outaouais region embraces winter with the Snow Castle Challenge

Tashi Farmilo

In the Outaouais region, a flurry of excitement surrounds the ongoing Snow Castle Challenge, an event that marks the apex of the area's winter festivities. The challenge, which began on January 8 and will continue until March 12, 2024, is presented by Loisir sport Outaouais in partnership with CarpeDiem Aventures. This year's event aims to surpass the success of last year, where nearly 90 snow castles were registered.

Julie Decourval, the Executive Director of Loisir sport Outaouais, encourages participation across the board. The challenge, she notes, is less about architectural prowess and more about embracing the outdoors and the joy of winter. Last year's event saw a diverse array of participants, including families, schools, and various organizations, each bringing their unique touch to the art of snow castle building.

Participation in the challenge is straightforward and inclusive. Entrants are required to build a snow castle, capture it in a photograph, and register it on the official website, www.defichateaudeneige.ca. This process ensures that the challenge remains accessible to all, irrespective of their location within the region.

The event also serves a broader purpose, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits, especially among children and families. Several municipalities, community organizations, schools, and early childhood centres in Outaouais are integrating the Snow Castle Challenge into their winter programming. This integration not only amplifies the excitement but also ensures that the event reaches a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of outdoor activities during the colder months.

As the challenge progresses, the landscapes of Outaouais are gradually transforming into a wonderland of snow castles, each telling its own story of winter fun and creativity. With prizes to be awarded at both the provincial and regional levels, the challenge adds a competitive edge to the proceedings. However, the true essence of the event remains rooted in the simple pleasures of playing in the snow and enjoying the beauty of winter in Quebec.

Photo caption: Snowy structures like this serve as whimsical inspiration for participants in the Outaouais Snow Castle Challenge. 

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo