Get Your Winter on in Crowsnest Pass

Ski, snowmobile or fat bike against a spectacular mountain backdrop between a series of five historic mining towns in "The Pass." Crowsnest Pass, just a couple hours' drive south of Calgary in the southern Rockies, is a perfect jumping-off point for your winter adventures – without the crowds.

Here's how to make the most of your trip.

Hit the downhill or cross-country ski trails

Skiers of all ages and abilities will find the perfect terrain here. Downhill skiers can head to  Pass Powderkeg, a family-friendly and affordable mountain owned and operated by the local municipality. If you're a cross-country skier, head to Allison-Chinook ski area, where you'll be cross-country skiing near the Continental Divide on the east side of Tecumseh Mountain. There are more than 30 km (19 mi) of mostly groomed, well-signed trails and separate areas for skate skiing. Pack a lunch and some cocoa to enjoy in the warming hut, which has a wood-burning stove.

Hop on your snowmobile

If you prefer your winter adventures with a little more kick, the Crowsnest Pass is known locally as a sledding destination. Zip around more than 1,200 km (745 mi) of snowmobiling trails, 200 km (124 mi) of which are groomed. It's just another reason the area is known as Alberta's Playground. Window Mountain, named after its distinctive limestone arch, is the perfect staging area. Or try something a little more adventurous on the 60 km (37 mi) Lost Lake trail. All of the trails are maintained by local non-profit  CrowSnow Riders.

Fat bike your way across the region

Experience snow-covered trails from the seat of a fat bike, no matter your skill level. These off-road bicycles with distinctive wide tires make exploring the great outdoors easy. And the Crowsnest Pass has trails in every direction.

If you want a guide, hook up with Sweet Riders, which offers rides at Pass Powderkeg ski area and Castle Provincial Park. If you don't own a fat bike, you can rent one at Alpenland in Blairmore.

The 23 km (14 mi) Crowsnest Community Trail is also a fun way to explore the five communities in the region by fat bike. And you can ride at Allison-Chinook Provincial Recreation Area, which has several trails groomed for fat bikes.

Winter fun at Castle Mountain Resort

Castle Mountain Resort is winter fun central for skiers, riders and snowshoers. It's also one of the few resorts in North America to offer cat-skiing, for skiers who want untracked powder. Locals have been coming here for more than 50 years for the epic, two-mountain terrain and relaxed atmosphere.

Skiing and riding are the main events, but non-skiers can experience the area's beauty through several guided snowshoe tours on Saturdays all winter long. If you don't have snowshoes, you can also rent them here.

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre

If you'd like an educational winter activity, then head to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. The Crowsnest Pass was the scene of the disastrous Frank Slide in April 1903. In Canada's deadliest landslide, more than 100 million tons of rock slid down Turtle Mountain and partially buried the nearby mining town of Frank. You can learn the fascinating stories behind the slide at the  Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, which has a range of exhibits and educational experiences. Outside the centre, take a walk on trails that wind through the gigantic boulders left by the landslide.

Bonus experience: Looking for a spectacular winter photo opportunity? Lundbreck Falls might just be one of the prettiest sites in Crowsnest Pass. The usually roaring falls are partially frozen to become a picture-perfect winter scene hanging over the limestone canyon. Located just off Highway 3 near Pincher Creek, the falls can be seen from a viewing platform, or you can take the stairs down for a closer look.