Why You Should Ski Castle this Winter

Known for epic powder and some of the longest continuous fall lines in North America, Castle Mountain Resort is an awesome ski destination in southwest Alberta. While daredevils ride The Chutes, kids can learn to ski on mellow terrain off the Huckleberry Chair. There’s fun for everyone at Castle!

Here are six reasons to ski at Castle Mountain Resort this winter:

1. So much snow! When the Storm Cam measures snow depth from “Boot Top” to “Snorkel,” you know the mountain gets a lot of snow. In fact, Castle Mountain gets 900 centimetres (30 feet) of the white stuff each season, and big dumps of 30-50 centimetres overnight aren’t uncommon. For rare dry spells, extensive snowmaking ensures excellent conditions all winter long.

2. Big mountain with a community feel: Did you know Castle Mountain is Alberta’s second largest ski resort? Located on two mountains – Mount Haig and Gravenstafel Mountain – Castle boasts eight alpine bowls, over 3,500 acres of varied terrain, and North America’s only resort-based cat skiing operation (The Powder Stagecoach). While these creds are legit, with friendly staff and chill locals telling us to go ahead of them in line so they can chat with the liftie (happens all the time), it feels like a small community ski hill. The diverse terrain and laid-back atmosphere keep us coming back year after year.

3. All levels of adrenaline: From the Magic Carpet and Green Chair to The Chutes, there are fun runs for all skiers and riders at Castle Mountain Resort. A new terrain park opened in January 2019 too! While Castle is best known for its steeps and deeps, novice skiers will feel quite comfortable on green and blue runs off the Huckleberry Chair once they’ve graduated from the Green Chair. More experienced skiers and riders will find there is no shortage of expert level terrain on the big mountain. Some of Castle’s advanced terrain is featured in Warren Miller’s 2006 film, Off the Grid.

4. Super Snow School: Whether you opt for a private or group lesson, Castle Mountain’s Snow School will help you up your skills for the best season ever. After my daughter’s two-hour private lesson, she shredded moguls with more confidence, and learned where the powder stashes were (in the glades).

5. Easy Tail-Gating: With parking next to the resort, it’s a short walk to the car for lunch. Please be mindful of through-traffic and fellow tailgaters, and keep personal belongings in/close to your vehicle. As of December 13, 2020, brown bag lunches are not permitted in the Day Lodge due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Take out is still available from the Day Lodge Cafeteria, Joe’s Cafe, and T Bar Pub & Grub. For more information, visit Castle Mountain Resort | COVID-19.

6. Proximity to West Castle Valley and Castle Provincial Park: Take advantage of Castle Mountain Resort’s location and go snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. Located beside Castle Mountain Resort, West Castle Valley is a beautiful place to snowshoe. Last month, I went on a guided night snowshoe trip there with Uplift Adventures. Our guide, Heather, was enthusiastic and informative, and we learned a lot. Check the ski hill’s Events page for upcoming snowshoe tours.

Where to Stay

Lodging options include:

• Castle Mountain Lodge: your cozy home away from home with hotel rooms upstairs, and hostel dorm rooms downstairs.
• Ski-in/ski-out homes and condos
• B&Bs in Beaver Mines (20 minutes away)
• Hotels in Pincher Creek (34 minutes away).
• Unserviced RV camping is available for $29.95/night. Reservations recommended.

For details, visit Castle Mountain Resort | Lodging.

For More Information

Visit Castle Mountain Resort to learn more, and purchase lift tickets or season’s passes! Read more about our cat skiing adventure at Castle in this story: Powder Stagecoach Cat Skiing at Castle Mountain Resort.

Disclosure

Castle Mountain Resort generously hosted our stay, but all words and opinions are my own.