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WINTER RECREATION
Last modified January 15, 2005

Cross-Country Skiing

The ski season in the Cypress Hills extends from about Christmas to early March in most years. Call the parks for up-to-date conditions. The Alberta side of the interprovincial park grooms trails in three areas:
  • Spring Creek - beginner trails in stacked loops allow for excursions of various lengths up to 9 km. The trailhead is just west of Highway 41, south of Elkwater at the top of the hill.
  • Spruce Coulee - An intermediate trail with two Advanced branches. The first kilometre is often icy or melted off, but the more distant portion is generally pleasant.
  • Elkwater area - The Beaver Creek and Horsehoe Canyon Trails are maintained for Advanced cross-country skiing. These trails are steep and narrow, so it is recommended that first-time users go up the trail and return on the Ferguson Hill road, which is closed to vehicles in the winter.

    • The Saskatchewan side of the park also maintains cross-country ski trails.

    Cross-country ski equipment may be rented at reasonable rates from the Police Point Interpretive Centre in Medicine Hat (403 529-6225).

    Downhill Skiing

    Hidden Valley Ski Hill provides excellent downhill skiing on artificial and natural snow. Several lifts access a range of trails. A day-lodge is an excellent place to warm up or have lunch. Equipment can be rented.

    Curling

    Snowshoeing

    Equipment rentals

    Snowmobile Trails

    tobaganning and other social activities


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