You will likely have gathered from some of my recent candid writings that I lack proficiency skills in the winter outdoor activity arena. I’ve recounted stories of my misfortunes while downhill skiing and tobogganing, while my cross country skiing capabilities leave room for significant improvement. But that hasn’t deterred me from persevering and also looking for new locations to hone my skills.

Here is my list of recommended groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski and snowshoe destinations within and beyond Calgary.

Free, groomed cross-country ski areas within Calgary and maintained by the City of Calgary or 3^rd Parties:

• Shaganappi Point Golf Course (SW)
• Confederation Park Golf Course (NW)
• Maple Ridge Golf Course (SE)
• South Glenmore Park (SW)
• Bowness Park (NW)

Free, ungroomed cross-country ski areas within Calgary are at:

• Lakeview Golf Course (SW)
• Weaselhead Natural Environment Park (SW)
• Edworthy Park (SW)
• Fish Creek Provincial Park (SE)
• North Glenmore Park (SW)

Recommendations cross-country and / or snowshoe destinations within 150km from Calgary:

• West Bragg Creek, Bragg Creek (~70km)
• Troll Falls, Kananaskis (~100km)
• Ribbon Creek, Kananaskis (~100km)
• Canmore Nordic Centre, Canmore * (~110km)
• Peter Lougheed Park, Kananaskis (~140km)
• Mt Shark in Spray Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis (~150km)
• Sandy McNabb Recreational Area, near Turner Valley / Black Diamond (~100km)

(*) Day use fees apply

Information has been supplemented with updates from the City of Calgary.

Here is my equipment checklist that you may want to draw on before you head out:

• Skiing and snowshoe equipment, as required;
• Cell phone and car charger;
• Drinking water;
• Snacks;
• Snow pants;
• A change of clothing (in case your sweaty clothes cause you to catch a chill afterwards);
• Extra socks;
• Good, insulated and preferably water-resistant foot wear;
• Gloves;
• Toque;
• Backpack (to carry the clothing you may need to shed as your body temperature rises from exerting so much energy);
• Camera with charged batteries;
• Toilet paper!!;
• Whistle or ankle bells to frighten off bears or other critters;
• Safe storage for your car keys, especially if you’re out in the woods;
• Let someone know where you’re going, particularly if you’re going alone!

For our recommended list of family-friendly toboggan and sledding slopes in Calgary click here.

Please leave comments of your feedback or recommended winter outdoor activity destinations below so we, too, can explore more!