Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club

The Crowsnest Cross-Country Ski Association first met on April 4, 1990, at Passpowder Ski Lodge to select a name, develop a mandate and elect officers. Selection of a name for the organization’s 126 contributing members followed a lengthy discussion and a close vote.

The association was dedicated to the preservation and expansion of cross-country skiing opportunities within the Crowsnest Pass. President Bill Gill was pleased with the turn-out, the organization’s support and active membership, but noted his dismay that the establishment of the Association was required only because of the Government of Alberta’s refusal to maintain an existing multi-million dollar investment.

In addition to Bill Gill, President, Monica Field served as secretary while Gabriela Dabrowski was Treasurer. In 1991 a membership fee of $5 or $8 per family was used to help cover the fee for trail maintenance.

Many of the original trails followed old logging roads, hence the names: Haul, Skidder, Cutline, Mill, and the upper shelter at Millsite.

Cross-country skiing was created more than 5000 years ago by the Vikings for winter transportation. The sport came to Canada in the late 1800s and has become a favourite winter activity for more than two million Canadians.

Nowadays we are called the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club. There is about 26 km of skier-only trails, groomed and track-set from approximately December 1 to March 31. There are about 31 km of multi-use trails primarily for snowshoeing and fat biking, some are groomed others are user packed. There is a dog-friendly area with access from the Tecumseh Parking area. Dogs are not allowed on any other trails.

We offer “Learn to ski” lessons following Nordiq Canada’s NCCP x-country ski coaching program for ages 2-12 as well as host Moonlight Ski or Snowshoe where you can come out to enjoy an evening in the moonlight with friends and be sure to bring a snack and a warm drink for after! We also have our annual Loppet coming up on February 3, 2024. This is a family fun event. For dates and more information about the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club, check out our website at SkiCrowsnest.ca.

Written by Julie Engelhardt
Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club

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