The International Ice Sculpture Competition at Lake Louise has become a qualifying event for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, renowned international accredited teams are given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours of carving time over a 2½ day event to create masterpieces. Beginning in 2009, the bar has been set higher as carvers will accumulate points needed to qualify for the International Ice Competition in Whistler, BC, in 2010. The Lake Louise competition is the only qualifying event in Western Canada.

“This recognition is a great step forward for the festival. Ice Magic has been growing exponentially and several new events have been added this year. We look forward to showcasing Lake Louise to the world through this special acknowledgement” says Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects for Banff Lake Louise Tourism.

This year’s theme “Celebrating Snow Queen, Ice Fairies and The Enchanted Forest” will bring ice carving teams from as far away as Nigeria, as well as the Banff Centre’s Canadian composer Patrick Cardy’s adapted score of The Snow Queen for string quartet. The competition starts January 25.

Also new this year is Baker Creek Chalet’s Ice Playground, Samson Mall’s Little Chippers Children’s Carving and Lake Louise Inn’s One Hour, One Carver, One Block. Watch in on the Canmore Eagles Hockey Game at the Recreation Centre or a dog-sledding demonstration, as the entire community of Lake Louise celebrates the Ice Magic Festival weekend.

For a full schedule, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic.