The road up to the Pass Powderkeg Ski Lodge (PPK for those in the know… and now you too) and a few runs were etched into the mountain in Blairmore in 1938, and it’s been an awesome home-hill for many kids and now multiple generations. Untouched, uncrowded, and unspoiled is their motto, but it’s also unknown or underestimated by so many skiers. But now, it’s time to invite those skiers off the highway and find out why Pass Powderkeg should be on everyone’s #BucketlistAB.
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| It’s “snow nice” to park at the welcome sign and toss your skis on the slope. It’s that easy at Pass Powderkeg in the Crowsnest Pass. Image Credit: Joanne Elves |
This season at PPK, the calendar is chock-full of lessons, activities and events that will tempt families or adults to stay, “just one more day!”
“Winter is real here,” says Joey O’Brien, Manager of Community Services of the MD of Crowsnest Pass. “The community embraces the season, so we have created a calendar of events at PPK to get everyone involved. Ski and snowboard lessons for every age, fat tire biking, teen nights, ladies’ nights, snowshoeing, GT racing on PPK Youth Nights; it doesn’t stop.”
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| Don’t assume this pint-sized resort is all easy. Some of the black diamond runs will surprise and delight the thrill seekers. Image Credit: Joanne Elves |
Find out more about the full line-up of activities for PPK on the SnowSeekers website where everything is about skiing, snowboarding and winter activities.
Here are some events to check out now:
Ladies Guided Snowshoeing: Drop in Saturday mornings for one or the entire season to get some exercise, meet some new people, and learn about the winter landscape. Watch the calendar for the evening snowshoe events. Bring your headlamps and your camera and learn how to photograph the stars. Refreshments in the lodge with your new pals always follow the treks.
Masters Program: This program for skiers and riders over the age of 16 is all about pushing your intermediate level into advanced. The Level 4 instructors at PPK will see where you are and move you forward through the gates, bumps, and through the terrain park.
Group lessons or private lessons: Are you back on skis or finally deciding to try a new sport? Either way, there are lessons suited to every ability and excellent rentals to make it easy. Ladies only events are full of laughter and support. Private lessons are great for fine tuning that turn or overcoming trepidation without an audience.
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| Short but sweet. The trails go right down to the community of Blairmore where many local kids just walk home after a night of skiing. Image Credit: Joanne Elves |
You won’t go hungry in The Pass
For breakfast or coffee break – Cinnamon Bear in Coleman for cinnamon buns. (Trust me, they are show stoppers!)
For lunch – Stone’s Throw Café in Blairmore. This quaint shop is all about comfort food. Check out the vintage salt and pepper shakers. Each table is adorned with the most unusual pair.
Dinner – Bamboo Bistro, or next door at Black Rock Pizza in Blairmore. Asian dishes made on site or handmade hand-shaped pizza. You decide.
Beer to go – Pull in at Lundbreck to the Oldman Brewing Company for a growler or two. They offer a flight of four samples to see which ones you’ll want to leave with. Don’t worry, you can stop in for refills later.
PPK shouldn’t be a secret anymore. Or, maybe you’ll want to be in on the secret. Check it out.
Pass Powderkeg is open Wednesday to Sunday in Blairmore, Alberta.
#ExploreAlberta with SnowSeekers’ #BucketlistAB Expedition. Uncover what’s in store now by visiting SnowSeekers.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Pass Powderkeg Ski Area, Travel Alberta and SnowSeekers for making this trip happen! All words and opinions belong to the author.