Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club

The Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating cross-country skiing and other non-motorized winter recreational activities in the Crowsnest Pass region of Alberta. Registered under the business number 135718815RR0001, the club focuses on maintaining and enhancing trails primarily at the Chinook Provincial Recreation Area, located on the east side of Tecumseh Mountain near the Continental Divide in the Southern Rockies.

Overview and Mission

The club offers a welcoming environment for winter outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, providing access to a variety of groomed and user-packed trails designed for classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Its mission centers on fostering enjoyment and accessibility of non-motorized winter sports while preserving the natural landscape and promoting community involvement through various programs and amenities.

Facilities and Trails

Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club maintains approximately 26 kilometers of skier-only trails that are groomed and track-set from early December through the end of March. These trails are primarily designed for classic cross-country skiing, with around 7 kilometers available for skate skiing on designated routes such as Mainline and Rainbow Run. In addition to ski-only paths, the club offers about 31 kilometers of multi-use trails mainly intended for snowshoeing and fat biking, some of which are groomed while others are packed by users.

The skiing terrain includes sheltered, forested, and gently rolling landscapes conducive to a variety of winter activities. The club supports the experience with basic amenities, including:

• A warm-up hut equipped with a wood stove
• Pit toilets
• Clearly marked trails and non-motorized access only policies
• Designated dog-friendly trails accessed from the Tecumseh parking area

Programs and Community Engagement

The club actively runs learn-to-ski programs aimed primarily at youth, providing equipment loans to participants to encourage the growth of cross-country skiing skills within the community. It also fosters volunteer participation for trail grooming and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of community stewardship for sustaining the high-quality skiing environment.

Significance

Recognized as one of the premier cross-country ski destinations in Southern Alberta, the Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club contributes significantly to local tourism and outdoor recreation. It offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and winter sports traditions of the Crowsnest Pass area.

The club operates with a commitment to environmental conservation and community involvement, enhancing winter recreational opportunities in the region while supporting healthy, active lifestyles.

Note: The official website is titled AllisonWonderlands.ca, and more detailed information about bylaws, membership, and trail conditions is available through their online platforms.

[1] http://www.skicrowsnest.ca [2] https://crowsnestconnect.ca/shop-local-crowsnest-connect/crowsnest-nordic-ski-club [3] https://gocrowsnest.ca/stories/affordable-ski-winter-holiday-alberta-mountains/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/crowsnestnordic/ [5] https://nordiqalberta.ca/find-a-club/