Snow Activities in Alberta
Image Source: The Banff Blog
Skiing & Boarding
Image source: Primary
Listen, we snow the weather gets real bad, but skiing and boarding are great ways to make the best of it.
Experience the beautiful world above the tree tops, where the snowy slopes are your playground. We think it’s worth to bundle up, and that when you’re gliding through powder, you’ll think so too.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Skill
Beginner-Advanced
Anyone with a good base fitness level can pick it up, but skiing and snowboarding definitely have a learning curve.
Beginner: If you are just starting out, basic instruction (formal lessons or help from a friend) will take you miles further with far less wipe outs. Start on the bunny hill and GREEN routes at the resorts.
Intermediate-Advanced: Work your way from BLUE to BLACK DIAMOND and DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND routes on the slopes as you’re ready.
Be aware, there are more risks associated with skiing and snowboarding, so having a ski buddy, following resort guidelines, and being prepared with the right equipment are essential to having a good time.
Equipment/Costs
$100-200+
Factors affecting the prices:
- Whether you rent or buy your equipment
- Duration of your equipment rental
- When you buy your lift ticket
- Whether you buy a lift ticket for the day or a season’s pass
For skiing, you will need:
- Appropriate outdoor apparel (toque, gloves, jacket, and snow pants)
- Skis
- Ski boots
- Ski bindings
- Ski poles
- Ski/Snowboard goggles
- Ski/Snowboard helmet
BONUS: Ski socks to keep your feet warm and reduce uncomfortable friction in your ski boots!
For snowboarding, you will need:
- Appropriate outdoor apparel (toque, gloves, jacket, and snow pants)
- Snowboard
- Snowboard boots (not the same a ski boots)
- Snowboard bindings (not the same a ski bindings)
- Ski/Snowboard goggles
- Ski/Snowboard helmet
BONUS: Snowboard socks to keep your feet warm and reduce uncomfortable friction in your boots!
Snowshoeing
Image source: Kananaskis Outfitters
Snowshoeing is like hiking but with extra fluff. With specialized, net-like shoes that are snow tires for your feet, you’ll get to trek through beautiful snowy scenery without sinking into the powder and make the most of snowy months.
Build a snowman on your route, or simply take in the experience of your new mode of transportation.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Skill
Beginner-Advanced
Snowshoeing is beginner-friendly and requires minimal prior experience. If you can hike, you can snowshoe!
Beginners: Start on flat, well-packed trails to get used to the feel of snowshoes.
Intermediate: Explore rolling hills and moderate inclines for a bit more challenge.
Advanced: Backcountry snowshoeing requires navigation skills, physical endurance, and familiarity with winter safety practices like avalanche awareness.
Equipment/Costs
$16+
Snowshoe rentals start as low as $16. You can upgrade your experience by booking guided tours, which range from $200-$2000 with snowshoe rentals included.
For snowshoeing, you’ll need:
- Appropriate outdoor apparel (toque, gloves, jacket, and snow pants)
- Snowshoes
- Choose based on your weight and the terrain you’ll be exploring. The two major types are:
- Recreational snowshoes: Best for flat trails.
- Backcountry snowshoes: Designed for steeper or off-trail adventures, with features like crampons for extra grip.
- Choose based on your weight and the terrain you’ll be exploring. The two major types are:
- Footwear
- Insulated, waterproof hiking or winter boots are essential to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Day pack
- Bring a small backpack for water, snacks, an extra layer, and other essentials like sunscreen and first aid kit.
- The Ten Safety Gear Essentials
- Know the drill and have the supplies to complete it.
- Poles (Optional)
- Help with balance in precarious terrain.
- Gaiters (Optional)
- Prevent snow from sneaking into your boots.
Skating
Image Source: The Mandagies
Ok hear us out: It might be freezing, but that’s what makes skating possible, so might as well enjoy it! Let’s lace up for some ice time!
Skating makes a hot drink so much better and makes the chilly weather feel a little more magical. And as the “hockey nation,” we’d bet a loonie that there’s a perfect place to skate somewhere near you!
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Skill
Beginner-Intermediate
Beginners: A couple lessons and assistive equipment (or a friend’s helping hand) will help any beginner enjoy this sport. Ice skating feels similar to roller skating, so you have an advantage if you have experience off the ice. If you’re completely new to this type of activity, we recommend indoor rinks that supply assistive equipment and supervised, circular skating routes.
Intermediate: Just like skiing, it can take some time to find your skate legs after an off-season, so we recommend wearing a helmet while you get reacquainted. If you’re confident or ready to level up, we think you’d enjoy wild ice skating. It requires more skill as the ice is often uneven and skating is unsupervised.
Equipment/Costs
$14+
Rental costs vary depending on the duration of your rental, but are available for as low at $14 for skates, $5 for a helmet, and $8 for skating aids.
Look at second hand skates for a good deal or check out your local sport equipment store for newer, pricier options.
We highly recommend trying your skates on prior to buying them, so avoid non-returnable online purchases.
Skiing & Boarding
Alberta is home to some of Canada’s top ski and snowboarding destinations, including Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay, collectively known as the “Big Three” in Banff National Park.
Alberta’s own Nakiska Ski Resort in Kananaskis was the venue for the ‘88 Winter Olympics, which draws an international crowd to the province to experience the history for themselves.
Tips from the Founders:
- Bring your student ID & ask about students discounts for rentals, and passes. As well, many universities have Ski/Snowboard clubs which offer discounts on seasons and day passes.
- Don’t let mediocre weather stop you! Conditions can change in your favour, so we recommend making the most of the weather conditions, providing that it’s safe.
- Pack your own snacks! Skip the lines and the pricey menus by bringing your own grub.
Image Source: Primary
LINKS
Snowshoeing
Elk Island National Park offers over 50 miles of snowshoe trails through diverse landscapes, including meadows and frozen lakes. If you wanna spot bison or other wildlife, be sure to check this spot out!
Tips from the Founders:
- The more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have. Start with Adventure Smart and don’t sleep on our links below!
Image Source: Hike Bike Travel
LINKS
Skating
Lake Louise has a global reputation for being one of the best outdoor (or “wild”) skating venues globally. The ice is well maintained, and the views are breathtaking. We think it’s the perfect place for Untamed Albertans like you to go wild and touch grass (or ice, in this case).
Tips from the Founders:
- Bring your student ID and ask about students discounts for all rental and other fees.
- Look out for free drop-in skate days at Calgary rinks, especially on statutory holidays.
- Use Facebook Marketplace or other consignment services to find discounted skates and other equipment.
Image Source: The Banff Blog
LINKS
Events Calendar
Image Source: Primary
December 14th | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Ski Day at Lake Louise
Image Source: Primary
December 7th | 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Skating at Bowness
Image Source: Primary
December 22th | 11:00pm – 3:00pm