Castle Mountain Resort is notorious for getting more snow than any other ski hill in Alberta… by a long shot! This community-owned mountain resort offers an experience unlike any other ski hill in the Canadian Rockies. Keep reading for our experience and our thoughts on why you should choose Castle for your next day on the hill.
Why Choose Castle?
Castle Mountain Resort is different from any other ski hill I’ve been to because it is actually owned and operated by skiers and members of the community. They are focused less on profit and more on creating epic experiences for those who share their passion. This is a super unique perspective in the days of big corporate “money-hungry” hills and it’s an outlook that I genuinely appreciate.
“We believe in dry powder snow. We believe in challenging terrain. And we believe that the right combination of these elements will provide experiences of a lifetime for those who, like us, live to ski.”
Plus, did you know that Castle Mountain Resort actually has a more ski-able area than Sunshine? I sure didn’t before we got there! The great snow and varied terrain are made even better by the fact that they get much less traffic than Sunshine or Lake Louise. This means no lines and more snow for those of us who visit! And finally, I can’t forget to mention the price. Castle Mountain Resort strives to keep their lift tickets at about 80% of what the other big hills are charging. Win, win, win!
If you’re drawn in by the fancy lodges and high-end resorts surrounding most other hills in the Canadian Rockies; Castle might not be for you. However, if you’re looking for a more personal experience with a ton of fresh snow, fewer people, and all at a better price; you will absolutely LOVE Castle.
The Mountain
Castle Mountain has a great beginner’s area and offers a variety of lessons to fit all needs. They’ve also got enough blue and green runs to keep a beginner/intermediate skier entertained for hours on end. If you’re looking for a great place to take the family for a day and want to avoid all of the crowds to the west of Calgary, Castle is a great option.
Although they are suitable for any experience level; challenging terrain is where Castle Mountain shines. The hill consists of about 65% black diamond and double black diamond runs, making it an excellent place for advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for exhilarating terrain and fantastic snow. Some of our favourite areas were the Chutes and the Northern Runs (North Bowl, North Star, Northern Exposure, etc).
To get the lay of the land including the chutes and the Cat Skiing terrain, check out the Winter Trail Maps.
Resort Based CAT Skiing in Alberta
Castle Mountain Resort is yet again unique in the fact that they are one of only a handful of resorts in North America offering resort-based Cat Skiing. By taking the chairlift up to the cat for each run, Castle is able to run 2 groups per day with one cat. This allows them to keep their prices lower, starting at $399 CAD!
Averaging 900 cm of annual snowfall across nearly 900 acres of ski-able terrain, Cat Skiing at Castle Mountain Resort is a truly outstanding experience! They only operate 3 days a week to ensure that every day on the Powder Stagecoach is a powder day! They guarantee at least 5 runs per day and the guides were absolutely incredible.
Included in a day of Cat Skiing:
- A freshly prepared breakfast upon arrival
- Full complement of avalanche safety gear (pack, shovel, probe, transceiver) plus avalanche safety training before you head out on the cat
- A packed lunch to enjoy during the day without having to miss any ski time
- Experienced and wonderful guides that are happy to give you tips and tricks on how to find the best snow or get down the hill the best way depending on your skill level
- All photos taken by Castle’s professional photographer are included
- A post-ski celebratory beverage, snack, and presentation of the photos from the day
This experience was honestly the highlight of our entire skiing decade, and if you get the chance to check it out I would highly recommend it! For more information on prices and how to book, CLICK HERE.
Getting There
Castle Mountain Resort is located about 2.5 hours Southwest of Calgary and 90 minutes West of Lethbridge. The traffic is typically very good as you’re avoiding the mountain passes and heavy traffic through areas like Banff National Park.
Accommodation
As far as accommodation goes, Castle Mountain has options for every budget and group size. They have a hostel and hotel right at the base of the mountain as well as numerous ski-in-ski-out condos and chalets. There is also a number of great Bed & Breakfasts in the area and a ton of hotels in Pincher Creek (about 30 minutes from the resort). For the best options and booking information, CLICK HERE.
We hope you are feeling excited and inspired to visit Castle Mountain Resort the next time you want to hit the slopes. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your experience; we`d love to hear from you!
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