The Yukon is a land that provides 'Larger than Life' experiences distinguished by its wide-open spaces and the freedom inspired by the unending, 80% pristine wilderness. It is also home to hair-raising festivals such as the annual Hair Freezing Contest.

The festival is held at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs in Whitehorse and entries are now open until 25 March 2023. There are five categories to enter including Best Male, Best Female, Best Group (two plus people), People's Choice Award, Most Creative and Best Facial Hair. The winners will be announced on 5 April 2023.

Visitors to the hot springs must express their interest to enter the contest at the registration desk on arrival. Once relaxing in the toasty springs, they must then dip their head in the water, as long as the outside temperature is -20 degrees celsius or under. Visitors must then allow the water on their hair, eyelashes and eyebrows to freeze perhaps under the majestic Northern Lights. Once the build up of frost and ice is complete, a member of staff will take a picture completing the contestant's entry into the competition.

Geological evidence suggests that these hot springs have been running for hundreds – if not thousands – of years. It is an ancient, powerful source of artesian water full of restorative minerals. Other experiences available at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs include relaxation rooms, yoga classes, and sauna and steam rooms. Two luxury rental suites are available to book as well as a campground on site for the summer months. Entry to the hot springs costs from £18 per person.

Other illustrious Yukon winter festivals include:

Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race February (Whitehorse, Dawson City, Fairbanks Alaska)

The legendary Yukon Quest challenges mushers and their dog teams to traverse the frozen wilderness between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska each February. Spectators from around the world travel to the Yukon to witness the event live, while thousands follow the race progress online.

Available Light Film Festival February - Whitehorse

Canada's largest feature film festival north of the 60th parallel is a celebration of Northern, Canadian and international cinema and takes place in the heart of winter in Whitehorse. The festival features fiction and documentary films, multi-disciplinary performances, workshops and a Media Industry Forum with filmmakers and industry delegates.

Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival

February - Whitehorse  

For a week every February, Whitehorse celebrates its frontier spirit and heritage with the Sourdough Rendezvous Festival. With quirky “only in the Yukon” events such as chainsaw chucking, axe throwing, flour packing and dog sledding, this is a truly unique event.

Yukon Arctic Ultra

February - Whitehorse  

This is the world's coldest and most challenging ultra. The series of multi-day races takes place over 100, 300 and 430 mile distances in three disciplines - mountain bikes, cross country skis or by foot – and follows the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race route. For more information visit Yukon Arctic Ultra

Trek Over the Top March - Dawson City

The Yukon's premier snowmobile event, this international snowmobile run covers 320 km (200 mi.) from Tok, Alaska to Dawson City along the Top of the World Highway which is inaccessible to traffic during winter.

Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race March - Dawson City This dog sled race started back in 1977 as a way to honour the legendary Percy DeWolfe. Percy carried mail by dog team, horse and boat between Dawson and Eagle, Alaska, from 1910 to 1949. The first official race start time of 10am is always symbolically reserved for Percy's spirit. The first musher to actually depart leaves at 10.02 and carries a bag of mail from Dawson to Eagle. For more information visit the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race

Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival

March - Dawson City Dawson City's signature winter event celebrates the return of spring with a Carnival unlike any other. A true community event, Dawson City comes alive with a variety of games - from the serious, to the ridiculous, to the simply outrageous - whether it's tossing an axe, racing a dog team, or finding a loonie in a haystack. Best of all, almost every event is free. For more information visit Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival. Dawson City International Short Film Festival March - Dawson City The Dawson City International Short Film Festival is among the most northern competitive film festivals in the world. This four day celebration of short film presents films of all genres from around the world as well as those made in the Yukon. There are also special events such as panel discussions, meet and greets, workshops, and awards.

For further information on the Hair Freezing Contest, visit www.hairfreezingcontest.com

For further information on Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, visit www.eclipsenordichotsprings.ca

For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com

About Yukon:

Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet's largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 41,000.