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KANANASKIS – Kananaskis Country has about five million visitors a year, making it the busiest provincial parks region in Alberta and a key location for how the province’s new Plan for Parks will take shape on the ground.

Released on Jan. 28x, the plan sets out Alberta’s long-term direction for managing provincial parks as visitation continues to rise.

“The plan is very focused on people and human use, and that’s great because people use parks,” said Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi.

“But parks are also created – the majority of parks in our system are created – to protect ecological attributes of some kind.”

The plan identifies four goals for the provincial parks system, including managing visitation with a dual mandate of conservation and recreation, conserving natural and cultural values, expanding nature-based experiences, and strengthening long-term management.

While the plan applies province-wide, many of its challenges are already visible

As snow dumped down this week on the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, it’s safe to say winter gear that was tucked away in summer storage areas has been taken out of hiding places by outdoor recreationalists eagerly waiting for this time of year.

Skiing, ice climbing, and skating on wild ice, among others, are all part of a lifestyle that connects so many people to the Canadian Rockies. No doubt plans are being made to travel to isolated pockets and then out into the backcountry for experienced and new adventurers alike.

And while it can be difficult to ignore the call of the great outdoors at this time of year, avalanche season shouldn’t be ignored either.

Many who frequent the outdoors have surely heard it: the mighty roar and rumble of an avalanche crashing down, echoing in the distance. But what about when crossing into the territory where the risk of a wave of snow, ice and debris barrelling down is unavoidable?

It's that time of year when we get to take stock of some of the wild residents of our beloved K-Country and get a sneak-peak into what goes on with all the wildlife cameras around! We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for providing access to these fun photos.

So get ready to look around at some of the critters who call K-Country home! The trails in K-Country aren't just for humans!

If you’re looking for one of the best ski resorts in the world, you won’t have to travel far. An Alberta ski resort was just named the world’s best small ski resort.

The UK-based publication The Telegraph released its list of the best small ski resorts in the world, and Castle Mountain found itself in the top spot. The publication defines small ski resorts as resorts that have minimal ski lifts; each resort that made the ranking has no more than 10 lifts.

Castle Mountain came in first place and was touted as the best for empty slopes. The ranking also mentioned the large amounts of snow the resort sees.

“Jammed up against the vast eastern shoulders of the Rocky Mountains, this tiny ski hill gets the most snow of any in Alberta and while it offers basic accommodation and dining options, it has the friendliest locals, plus a good value cat-skiing operation if you’re worried about the slopes getting too busy – which is highly unlikely unless it’s a holiday weekend,”

Included in the Magazine, there are interesting articles on Castle Mountain on Page 12 and Golden on Page 24, along with Mountaineering Women and more. Please select the following link - Mountain Life Rocky Mountains Magazine.

Discover the best times to go, essential preparations, and safety measures, all while uncovering the most picturesque skating destinations amidst this winter wonderland.

Alberta's Rocky Mountains, renowned for their towering peaks and pristine landscapes, offer an unexpected winter delight: wild ice skating. Embracing the great outdoors on frozen lakes is a memorable experience, but there are essential tips to ensure you make the most of this icy adventure.

When To Go Wild Ice Skating
To experience the magic of wild ice skating in the Rockies, plan your trip between November and March. These months typically offer the most favorable conditions, with lakes frozen to perfection. Ideally, you’ll go at the very beginning of winter while it’s still possible to clear the ice and experience the beautiful, crystal-clear frozen waters. The later into winter it gets, the colder it gets and the trickier to clear away the snow.

Refunds will be paid in Calgary Ski Club (CSC) points only. No cash, eTransfer, or credit card refunds.

Procedure to cancel your registration for an event:

a) Before the cancellation cutoff date, log in to the website and use the "Cancel Registration" button on the event. If it is a paid event, you will be refunded in CSC points. An automated email will be sent to the Event Host informing them of your decision to cancel.

b) After the cancellation cutoff date, notify the Event Host. A refund may be provided using CSC points but only if the event is full and someone fills your spot. If your spot has not been filled, no refund will be provided, and your spot will be held for you. If your spot is filled, the Event Host will cancel your registration, and you will receive a refund in CSC points.

We left Friday night and had spolumbos. Arrived at the the Grizz Inn around 8:00 p.m.. Checked in and had a little social in the hotel. Beer, wine and cheese plates with meats was provided. Continental breakfast at the Grizz and rode the bus up Saturday morning. Mountain rode hard in the morning with off piste challenging. Started to snow a couple hours before the lifts closed and the mountain started to ride a little softer.

We had a great fresh Chinese buffet Saturday night and some did a fun pub crawl In the rain. Woke up Sunday to 30 cm fresh (pics enclosed) and the whole village of Revy and surrounding area was there for first tracks. While the lifelines were impressive the mountain rode great all day!

Everyone happily made the bus and the local pizza was great! The drive home was only delayed an hour due to an accident. The many riders wishing for the highway to close were disappointed when we resumed our journey.

The Cascade Fire Road remains one of Banff National Park’s most beloved ski trails. Consistently groomed and following the gentle grade of an old fire road, it doesn’t take much snow to become beautifully skiable.

Seventeen cross‑country skiers took part in the outing, splitting naturally into two groups. The faster skiers were led by Poul and almost made their way all the way to Stoney Creek at the end of the trail, while the rest, led by Lori, enjoyed a relaxed lunch at the riverside picnic area just beyond the bridge.

We left Calgary in a brisk –15 °C, but by the time we reached the trailhead the temperature had risen to –5 °C and eventually warmed to a spring‑like +5 °C. Under a brilliant sun and a deep blue sky, the conditions were ideal for a mid‑winter ski.

After wrapping up the day on the snow, a few of us continued on to the Georgetown Pub in Canmore to warm up with some well‑earned hot drinks and good company.

Thank you to all that attended!

As for most of December, Banff and Lake Louise was warmer than Calgary when seven cross country skiers decided to head out. We changed our destination from Moraine Lake Road to Spray River to Goat Creek in Banff as the trail report indicated newly set tracks. And did we get lucky. Not only were the conditions great, we were the first ones to ski on the newly set tracks that morning.

The temperature was fantastic. It was -20 in Calgary, but only -13 in Banff when we started, and it had warmed up to -3 when we finished. It made waxing really easy! After the ski we stopped for a coffee and some social interaction. Thanks to Ricardo for bringing chocolates for everyone 😊 Thanks to all participants for coming out enjoying the wonderful day in the snow!

10 skiers headed out to Moraine Lake Road for a great ski day. It was on the cool side when we started with the thermometer reading - 16 but the sun was shining from clear blue skies. As soon as we got moving the temperature was not too bad.

For many of us it was the first day skiing this year and we all did well. Four skiers made it to the end and completed the full 22 km. The others turned around after two hours and we all made it back to the car within 20 minutes of each other.

After the skiing we stopped at Laggans for a drink and a treat. Thanks to everyone for coming out.

Submitted by Poul