The Blairmore Ski Hill
The Blairmore Ski Hill, now known as Pass Powderkeg, began its existence in the late 1930s when a group of local ski enthusiasts started cutting trails on the hill south of Blairmore.
At first, there was a little controversy, as the land was owned by the local coal company, West Canadian Collieries, and the trail cutting had not received their approval. But soon the coal company was on board and the trails continued to be developed.
The Crowsnest Pass Ski Club was formed in 1938 with the aim of “providing safe ski trails and the securing of an instructor so that members generally, juniors especially, can be trained for skiing.” It was reported that a trail twelve feet wide and three miles long had been cut during the summer months by individual skiers.
Skiing became a major winter sport in Crowsnest Pass. Growth of the hill included:
Ski tournaments (first tournament held in 1941)
A ski tow and ski hut at the bottom of the hill were installed (1948)
A hand tow, ski patrol and lighting of the hill (1950)
Today Pass Powderkeg is home to over 27 ski trails, three T-bars, a handlebar tow, Little Cubs learning Yurt and a mid-mountain lodge. A range of lessons are offered to ages 18 months and over and to all ski levels.
For current information about our Pass Powderkeg please visit passpowderkeg.com. To read more on the history of Pass Powderkeg please visit crowsnestheritage.ca and click on our March 2016 Newsletter or visit the Crowsnest Museum.
Written by Fred Bradley
Published with permission in December 2022 Crowsnest Connect.
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