The Canadian Rockies Snow Battle

Jasper, Alberta is about to discover the joys (and art) of Yukigassen

RICK MACDONNELL

Get ready to discover your new favorite winter sport. Photo courtesy of Yukigassen Canada Inc.

EDMONTON, AB — I’m quite certain that only a handful of people in the history of Earth have been able to answer the question, “What are you up to next weekend?” with “Refereeing a snowball fight.” Luckily, I’m about to be one of them.

On January 27th and 28th, the town of Jasper will host the Canadian Rockies Snow Battle, a fun tournament that will see teams compete for glory and bragging rights at the conclusion of the Jasper in January festivities.

The game—a unique combination of dodgeball and capture the flag, with snowballs—is officially known as Yukigassen (translating to “snow battle”) and originated in Japan over 20 years ago. After finding success in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Australia, the sport came to Canada last year with events held in Edmonton and Saskatoon. Now, Jasper will have its turn, and I’ve been tasked with refereeing this bizarre, but incredibly fun, experience.

The most fun you can have with your snow pants on

“I always tell people that if you have seen any footage of the game, and think it might be fun to play, actually playing it is so much more fun than you even think,” said Carrie Ferguson, Executive Director of Yukigassen Canada.

After undergoing my referee training last weekend (you can actually register to be a referee of the Jasper event by clicking here), I can say with 100% certainty that Ferguson is on the money. Having gone through some simulated games, I couldn’t believe how much fun it was to be able to play in the snow again like a little kid—diving, barricading behind bunkers, doing barrel rolls—and being able to smash someone with a snowball again.

A combo of dodgeball, paintball, and capture the flag, Yukigassen is something anyone can play, and enjoy. Photo courtesy of Yukigassen Canada Inc.

Honestly, when was the last time you balled up some snow and nailed someone with it? You probably got in trouble for it, too.

“The game definitely lets you tap into that primal, childlike feeling we all kind of lose as we get older. It’s just fun. Being able to run around with a bunch of your friends and throw snowballs, it’s just a fun, hilarious time. You feel great.”

What you need to know

The game consists of two teams of seven, who compete on a field that’s 40 metres long by 10 metres wide. Each game lasts three rounds (best of three), and each round is three minutes long. To win, teams have to knock opposing players out with snowballs (like dodgeball) or capture the other team’s flag. Chaos ensues.

For more on the official rules of Yukigassen, read the Official Yukigassen Canada Rule Book.

Teams have until January 20th to register, and teams can consist of up to nine players (only 7 play at a time, though). Friday, January 27th is an exhibition tournament that lets teams enter for just $12 per player, but then things really get going on Saturday, the 28th, when the Snowbattle Main Event happens for real, where teams duke it out in a double-elimination tournament in hopes of capturing the trophy. Registration is $280 per team.

To learn more about the Canadian Rockies Snow Battle and register your team, click here.

Trust me, if you don’t have plans that weekend, or are already looking to take in Jasper in January (learn more about J in J here), do yourself a favor and enter the tournament. I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. And I guarantee you will, too. Just check out this video from Yukigassen Norway.

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