WINTER MAGIC FESTIVAL 2026
Where Winter Traditions Come Together
Winter Magic Festival returns to Hinton from February 6 to 23, 2026, bringing two weeks of seasonal events that celebrate winter sports, arts, culture, and community across the Northern Rockies. Now in its 39th year, the festival continues a long-standing tradition of bringing residents and visitors together each February to embrace winter in all its forms.
Adding to the celebration in 2026, the Hinton Nordic Centre marks its 50th anniversary, recognizing five decades as a cornerstone of winter recreation in the community. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to outdoor activity for all ages, the Nordic Centre has played a lasting role in shaping Hinton’s connection to winter sport and the outdoors, making it a natural fit within the Winter Magic Festival experience.
A Festival Rooted in Community and History
The Winter Magic Festival began in 1987, when Alberta was swept up in Olympic excitement ahead of the Calgary Winter Games. With encouragement from the Alberta Sport Council, communities across the province were invited to explore winter sports and unique seasonal activities.
In Hinton, that momentum inspired the idea of bringing winter events together under one festival banner. Supported by the town’s natural Rocky Mountain gateway and strong community spirit, Winter Magic quickly became a collaborative effort involving town departments, nonprofits, teams, organizations, and local businesses.
Since then, we have continued to build the festival each year, creating a welcoming winter celebration that brings people together!
The Hinton Growler Fat Bike Endurance Race
One of the signature events of Winter Magic 2026 is the 9th Annual Hinton Growler Fat Bike Endurance Race, hosted by the Hinton Mountain Bike Association (HMBA).
Taking place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Maxwell Lake in Hinton, the Hinton Growler is a family-friendly winter endurance event that welcomes experienced riders, teams, and spectators alike.
Race Categories
Participants aim to complete as many laps as possible within their category’s time limit:
Growler – 3-hour endurance race
Howler – 1.5-hour endurance race
Growler Team Relay (New for 2026) – 3-hour relay for teams of 2 to 4 riders
A Best Costume Theme adds a fun and festive element, encouraging creativity both on and off the course.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Maxwell Lake, Hinton, Alberta
Course: Groomed winter trail
Bike Requirements: Fat bikes only, minimum 3.8-inch tires
Studded tires: Permitted
The race takes place on a well-maintained winter trail, making it an excellent way to experience fat biking in Hinton’s scenic surroundings.
Registration Information
Registration is now open for the 2026 Hinton Growler.
Entry Fees
$30 per rider for the Growler Team Relay
$45 for HMBA members
$65 for non-members
Participants must register online before February 5, 2026.
👉 Register here:
https://www.bikehinton.com/shop/p/hinton-growler
Experience Winter Magic in Hinton
The Winter Magic Festival offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventure and sporting events to cultural and community gatherings. Whether you’re participating, spectating, or simply enjoying the winter atmosphere, the festival is a great time to experience Hinton in its element.
With deep community roots and a wide range of activities, Winter Magic continues to showcase why winter is such a vibrant season in the Hinton Northern Rockies.
