8 Alternatives to Downhill Skiing

The Northern Lights at Vermilion Lakes (Credit Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka)

Winter in Alberta: you either hate it or embrace it. I do my best to love it, but admittedly, it can be hard when the windchill factor makes going outside unbearable. Fortunately, we’ve been blessed with fairly mild temps this season, so I’ve gotten a good number of alfresco adventures under my belt. The great thing about Alberta is that you don’t have to be a skier or boarder to get that adrenaline rush when you’re in the great outdoors. Check out these 8 great alternatives to downhill skiing in Alberta.

Snowshoeing in Banff National Park

That’s me, barrelling off a cliff at Sunshine (Photo credit: Leigh McAdam of HikeBikeTravel.com)

Take a historic snowshoe tour following the footsteps of the First Nations at Sunshine Village. Though snowshoeing is easy, it’s not a lame walk in the park. You’ll get to dive into ultra deep puffs of powder, before whizzing down natural snow slides so fast you’ll think you’re bobsledding. Here’s a look at my experience romping through Sunshine Meadows last month. Lake Louise Ski Resort also offer snowshoeing excursions as does White Mountain Adventures at Fortress.

Tubing at Mount Norquay, Banff

It’s a race to the finish! (Photo Credit: Mount Norquay)

Got a need for speed? Want to feel the wind rushing through your hair as you barrel down a mountain? You’re in luck! Both Mount Norquay and Lake Louise offer tube parks at their resorts. Tubing is a cheaper alternative to skiing and is a great option if some of your brood want to tackle the slopes, while the others just wanna have fun.

Where to sled (or toboggan if you’re Canadian) in Canmore

Behind the main lodge at the Nordic Centre is a rad toboggan hill (Credit Tourism Canmore/Kananaskis)

Calgarians know sledding is a serious issue, man! Since it’s come to light you’re only allowed to sled in designated parks, families need to select their hill accordingly or risk breaking the law. I love the purpose-built toboggan hill at the Canmore Nordic Centre. It’s got plenty of lanes, some bumps for speed demons and gentle slopes for the young ‘ens. There’s a cafe onsite and also a wee-skating rink. 

Ice Skating near Banff, Calgary and Canmore

There’s a lovely pond just off downtown Canmore, behind Communitea (Photo Credit: Tourism Canmore/Kananaskis

There are so many romantic outposts in the Rockies for a spot of ice skating, it’s a wonder I don’t see more couples out. The ice castle at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an obvious choice, as is the pond at Delta Lodge at Kananaskis and the big rink on Banff Avenue, on the grounds of their High School. My favourite skating spots in the Rockies are more secluded. I recommend hitting up Spray Lakes or Carrot Creek if you’re looking for some solitude.

Sleigh Rides in Banff

This is one of my favourite ways to explore Lake Louise (Photo credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka)

Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh….Turn Jingle Bells into reality with an invigorating journey through the Rockies. Sleigh rides can be had in both Banff and Lake Louise, either with friends or in a small cutter sleigh built for two. Snuggle down under a buffalo robe, as you clip clop your way through a crystalized alpine meadow, while fondling remembering Laura Ingalls and all those romantic rides she took with Manly. 

Winter Hiking in Banff National Park

Johnston Canyon is magical in winter (Photo credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Hiking in summer is fine and all, but let’s be honest, the bugs, the sweat, the crowds…. It can be a bit much, if you’re a slacker like me. Winter hiking is a much more pleasant, peaceful experience. There’s a great trail from the parking lot at Mount Norquay that takes under two hours to complete and any paved trails are fair game. If you’ve never seen a frozen waterfall, consider trekking along Johnston Canyon. You’ll be amazed at the ribbons of frozen water twisted into icy sculptures. 

Ice Sculptures at Lake Louise

When you live close to an ice castle it’s a real shame if you can’t visit (Photo credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Just because the Ice Magic Festival is over, doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip to Lake Louise. These whimsical works of frosty art are still on display on the grounds of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise until winter’s end. Take a tour, bring your camera and for heaven’s sake, don’t forget your skates. How many opportunities in life does one get to twirl around an ice castle, after all?

Dog Sledding in Banff and Canmore

Mush! (Photo credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka)

Can there be anything more exciting than surging though the deeply cleaved Bow Valley behind a team of wild dogs? OK, the dogs aren’t wild, but they are super fast and crazy keen, just raring to go. Some outfits let you drive, others nestle you inside the sled so you can let others do the work. Whatever way you roll, you’re sure to get a major adrenaline rush. Tip: don’t stuff your pockets with beef jerky.

So, what have I missed? What are your favourite outdoor winter activities?

P.S. You also might enjoy reading:

5 Reasons to get to Lake Louise this winter

Carrot Creek: Banff’s Secret Skating Spot