Karsten SturmayYou see, I’m no stranger to the winter blues. But instead of succumbing to the hibernation urge, I’ve discovered a secret weapon against the cold: snowboarding.
Edmonton may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of snow sports but trust me, it’s a hidden gem. From the adrenaline rush of carving down a slope to the camaraderie of the local snowboarding community, there’s something truly magical about shredding the gnar in this city.
So, grab your warmest mittens, and a mug of hot cocoa, and join me as I spill the beans on the best snowboarding spots in and around Edmonton.
Snowboarding in Edmonton
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
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Location: 20715 57 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB T6Y 0J5, Canada
Contact: +1 780-955-2440
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
With 65 years on the slopes, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is practically a snowboarding grandpa (in the coolest way possible, of course). They’ve got 40 acres of terrain to carve up, including a terrain park that’ll make your inner shredder do a happy dance.
The resort boasts a variety of runs, with 60% of it designated as easiest, 30% more difficult, and 10% as most difficult, catering to all skill levels.
Looking to score some epic deals and support a good cause at the same time? Check out their weeknight specials! Not only are they a steal, but $2 from each ticket goes towards local charities.
And if you’re a snowboarding newbie, can check out their Snow School since it offers award-winning instruction for all ages and abilities.
Snow Valley Ski Club
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Location: 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 3Y9, Canada
Contact: +1 780-434-3991
With 20 acres of prime shredding real estate, Snow Valley might not be the biggest kid on the block, but it sure packs a punch. They’ve got two terrain parks filled with features and man-made jumps that’ll keep both newbies and seasoned shredders stoked.
And with full-day tickets ringing in at $49, you’ll still have some cash left over for après ski snacks. Feeling thrifty? Then, snag their “Last 2 Hours” ticket for just $20, or hit the slopes on “Servus Community Fridays” for a mere $25 (with $5 from each ticket going to local charities).
Forgot your board? No worries, they’ve got rentals for a steal – $31 for a half-day or $36 for a full day of shredding bliss.
Edmonton Ski Club
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Location: 9613 96 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 2B3, Canada
Contact: +1 780-465-0852
Their name might only have “skiing,” but Edmonton Ski Club also has the snowboarding scene on lock. With 11 diverse runs and a tricked-out terrain park, you’ll be hitting jumps, rails, and boxes like a seasoned pro in no time.
And the prices? Easy on the wallet. A full-day lift ticket will set you back a mere $40. There’s also a 4-hour pass for $35 and a “last 2 hours” deal for $20 for those short on time.
For those without gear, you can rent a snowboard for $15, boots for another $15, and a helmet for… well, you get the idea. But we recommend their “Snowbug” package since it includes all three for just $28.50 (that’s $1.50 in savings!).
Sunridge Ski Area
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Location: 10980 17 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6S 1E4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-449-6555
Sunridge Ski Area is a snowboarder’s paradise, with a dozen diverse runs and two terrain parks that cater to every skill level. Plus, with six lifts to whisk you back up the hill, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time riding.
Their terrain parks sound pretty sweet, with jumps, rails, and the whole shebang. We’re not expert snowboarders, but we’re kind of tempted to try all of it!
As for the lift tickets, it’s $45 for a full day and $36 for four hours of fun. If you’re more of a night owl, snag an evening session for $30.
And if you’re traveling light (or just don’t feel like lugging your own gear), their rental packages are pretty convenient. The all-day package is $36, or get four hours of shredding for $32.
Snowboarding around Edmonton
Marmot Basin
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Location: 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Contact: +1 780-852-3816
Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is the place to be for snowboarding. With a whopping 1,720 acres of terrain spread across five mountain faces, it’s like a choose-your-own adventure for snowboarders.
Sure, a day ticket might set you back $131.36, but we think those views alone are worth the price of admission. And hey, seniors and juniors get a bit of a break on the cost.
Need gear? Their shop has you covered. A snowboard, boots, and helmet will only cost $48 for the day. Aside from that, they also have modern equipment, overnight storage, and even instant replacements if anything goes wrong.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
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Location: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Contact: +1 403-522-3555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Lake Louise Ski Resort is a name that gets our hearts pumping. We’re talking about a whopping 4,200 acres of pure snowboarding bliss. That’s like a playground for shredders, with over 145 runs to explore.
Of course, all that awesomeness comes at a price. A day ticket will cost you $124 for adults and $95 for juniors. For the little ones (ages 6 to 12), it’s just $37.
If you need to rent gear, they offer full-day packages for $74 or half-day rentals after 12 PM for $63.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
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Location: Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort, Alberta, Canada
Contact: +1 403-705-4000
Imagine snowboarding across two provinces in a single run. Sounds pretty epic, right? Well, that’s exactly what Sunshine Village offers, nestled on the continental divide. This unique resort boasts 138 runs serviced by 12 lifts, so you’ll never run out of terrain to explore.
Many are drawn here because of its legendary snow conditions – up to 30 feet of fresh powder each season! The extended season, from November to May, also means more time for fun on the slopes and its terrain parks.
A full-day lift ticket for adults will cost $126. Juniors and seniors can snag a ticket for $90, and kids can join the fun for $49. They also have a full-day rental package for $76, but if you’re planning a longer stay, check out their 3+ day package for $69 per day.
Castle Mountain Resort
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Location: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB T0K 1W0, Canada
Contact: +1 403-627-5101
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Castle Mountain Resort is practically a siren song for snowboarders. Imagine nearly 3,000 vertical feet of pure, uninterrupted downhill bliss. With over 94 trails and seven lifts, it’s a playground for riders of all levels.
But let’s get down to brass tacks. A full-day lift ticket for adults will set you back $129.95, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Juniors (13 to 17 years old) and seniors (65 to 74 years old) can hit the slopes for $94.95, while the little ones aged 6 to 12 can get in on the fun for $54.95.
They also have affordable snowboard rental day packages. For adults, it’s $45, for children aged 6 to 12 it’s $30, and for the little tykes aged 5 and under, it’s a mere $18.
