Snow pavilion aims to boost winter tourism in Riding Mountain National Park.

A nearly six-metre-high snow pavilion made from Clear Lake ice blocks will open this weekend at Riding Mountain National Park and is intended to support winter activities and year-round tourism.

A large snow pavilion has been constructed on the edge of Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park to encourage winter activity and support local tourism. The nearly six-metre-high and more than 15-metre-wide structure is built from ice blocks harvested from Clear Lake and includes carved decorations. The $30,000 installation was created with Sputnik Architecture and builder Anvil Tree, and Klar So Nordic Spa is the title sponsor. Organizers say the pavilion is part of a longer-term effort to grow winter and shoulder-season visitation and help businesses remain open year-round. Key details: - Location: Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park. - Size and materials: nearly six metres high, more than 15 metres wide, built from ice blocks harvested from the lake and decorated with intricate carvings. - Cost and partners: reported cost of $30,000, built in collaboration with Sputnik Architecture and Anvil Tree; Klar So Nordic Spa is the title sponsor. - Purpose: intended to spark imagination, host events, and encourage more winter boots, skis, snowshoes and skates on the ground to support year-round amenities. - Context: the Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization has focused on building winter and shoulder-season tourism for more than a decade; visitation to the area has nearly doubled since the organization formed about 15 years ago, driven mainly by summer visits. - Opening and events: the Klar So Snow Pavilion is expected to open this weekend and will be featured during the Frost and Fire Festival from March 13 to 15, where winter activities, performances and culinary events will be held inside the structure. Summary: The pavilion is intended to position Clear Lake and Riding Mountain National Park as a destination beyond the summer season and to help local businesses remain active through winter. Organizers say they hope it will draw more winter visitors, including attention from international tour operators, while reinforcing that the park can be experienced year-round. The structure is set to open this weekend and will be a focal point of the Frost and Fire Festival from March 13 to 15.