Stories

When the mountains turn white and the air crisps, Crowsnest Pass becomes a winter playground unlike any other. Just a few hours from Calgary, the Pass invites you to discover the quieter side of the Rockies: explore snow-covered trails, glide along forested paths, experience cozy indoor escapes, and enjoy the charm of the five communities that make up the Pass. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Pass is the perfect place to make the most of the season.

Photo: GoCrowsnest

Outdoor Adventures For Everyone

Winter in the Crowsnest Pass is made for getting outside. Whether you love high-energy activity, relaxed time in nature, or something in between, the region offers snowy experiences for every skill level and every style of explorer.

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Pass Powderkeg (PPK) is your easygoing, family-friendly ski hill with approachable terrain, lessons, rentals, and stunning Rocky Mountain views. With over 27 trails, it’s designed for every type of skier and rider. When the sun sets behind Crowsnest Mountain full top-to-bottom lighting illuminates some of Canada’s longest night-skiing runs, plus a terrain park to enjoy under the stars. As a not-for-profit skill hill, PPK offers some of the most affordable lift tickets in the region, starting at just $35 for an adult full day pass in early season, and $47 during regular season.

Snowmobiling Across Wide-Open Terrain

For those who prefer cruising through deep powder and rolling landscapes, the Pass is a prime destination for snowmobiling. Riders can travel through wide-open meadows, forested trails, and mountain viewpoints with plenty of room to roam. Bring your own sled or join local groups like Crow Snow Riders who explore the area all winter long.

Cross-Country Skiing Through Winter Silence

Prefer a quiet glide? The groomed trails through snow-draped forests and quiet meadows around Allison Creek and Chinook Lake offer a peaceful alternative to downhill runs. Maintained by the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club, these routes provide accessible and scenic Nordic skiing for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Snowshoeing For All Ages & Abilities

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore the winter landscape. Uplift Adventures offers guided snowshoe experiences – such as Legends of the Sky, a night snowshoe and fireside chat with indigenous storytelling, and the Science Ice Walk through a winter canyon to a frozen waterfall – that highlight local history, geology, wildlife, and unforgettable viewpoints. Prefer to go at your own pace? Pass Powderkeg offers snowshoe rentals so you can step directly onto the trails and explore solo.

Photo: Uplift Adventures

Cozy & Indoor-Friendly Winter Experiences

Winter adventures in the Pass aren’t just about snow, they’re also about warmth, connection, and discovery.

Warm, Welcoming, Winter Stays

For a one-of-a-kind winter retreat, Charmed Resorts in Blairmore offers whimsical, storybook-inspired cabins that feel like stepping into your own winter fairytale. Each cottage features charming design details, wood-fired tubs, and cozy interiors perfect for couples, families, and anyone craving something a little magical.

If you’re looking for warm hospitality paired with home-cooked comfort, Country Encounters B&B in Coleman offers a delightful stay in the heart of the Pass. With beautifully restored rooms, friendly hosts, and hearty breakfasts that fuel your winter adventures, it’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at home.

Explore History Indoors

Take a break from the cold and dive into the history that shaped the region. Frank Slide Interpretive Centre brings the story of Canada’s deadliest rockslide to life with dramatic exhibits and breathtaking views of Turtle Mountain. Local heritage sites and museums, like the Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site and Crowsnest Museum & Archives, offer glimpses into the mining towns and communities that once defined life in the Pass.

These indoor stops pair perfectly with a morning adventure or become a warm and meaningful way to spend a snowy afternoon.

Winter Events

The Pass offers winter fun throughout the season — from the Christmas in the Mountains Market in Bellevue (December 5-7), where local makers showcase handmade gifts and treats, to community celebrations across Blairmore, Coleman, and Bellevue. Families can also enjoy Ski with Santa at Pass Powderkeg (December 20), a beloved annual highlight.

The local events calendar on Crowsnest Connect updates regularly, making it easy to plan your visit around something special.

Photo: Charmed Resorts

Plan Your Winter Escape

Whether you’re carving down uncrowded ski runs, soaking in a wood-fired tub beneath falling snow, exploring the history of a storied mountainside, or wandering peacefully through winter forests, the Pass is home to your winter adventure.

This season, skip the crowds and embrace a more relaxed kind of mountain getaway.

Your winter escape to the quieter side of the Rockies is waiting in the Pass.

Plan your visit at GoCrowsnest.ca