News / Articles

As snow dumped down this week on the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, it’s safe to say winter gear that was tucked away in summer storage areas has been taken out of hiding places by outdoor recreationalists eagerly waiting for this time of year.

Skiing, ice climbing, and skating on wild ice, among others, are all part of a lifestyle that connects so many people to the Canadian Rockies. No doubt plans are being made to travel to isolated pockets and then out into the backcountry for experienced and new adventurers alike.

And while it can be difficult to ignore the call of the great outdoors at this time of year, avalanche season shouldn’t be ignored either.

Many who frequent the outdoors have surely heard it: the mighty roar and rumble of an avalanche crashing down, echoing in the distance. But what about when crossing into the territory where the risk of a wave of snow, ice and debris barrelling down is unavoidable?

We all love K-Country. From the endless adventure to the breathtaking scenery and the quiet connection to nature we can all find as we explore the endless trails, Kananaskis has something for everyone.

Did you know you can help maintain the beauty of Kananaskis? Support our annual Trail Love fundraising campaign!

From now until the end of the year, we are looking to raise $50,000 so the Friends of Kananaskis Country can continue to maintain the trails we all know and love. We are asking you, our friends, to please be generous and help us reach our goal. We think the trails in this place are worth maintaining, and we know you do too. Together, we can help maintain K-Country for years to come.

Save the Date!

Winter Safety Day is just around the corner! Save the date and stay tuned for more information!

It's that time of year when we get to take stock of some of the wild residents of our beloved K-Country and get a sneak-peak into what goes on with all the wildlife cameras around! We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for providing access to these fun photos.

So get ready to look around at some of the critters who call K-Country home! The trails in K-Country aren't just for humans!

If you’re looking for one of the best ski resorts in the world, you won’t have to travel far. An Alberta ski resort was just named the world’s best small ski resort.

The UK-based publication The Telegraph released its list of the best small ski resorts in the world, and Castle Mountain found itself in the top spot. The publication defines small ski resorts as resorts that have minimal ski lifts; each resort that made the ranking has no more than 10 lifts.

Castle Mountain came in first place and was touted as the best for empty slopes. The ranking also mentioned the large amounts of snow the resort sees.

“Jammed up against the vast eastern shoulders of the Rocky Mountains, this tiny ski hill gets the most snow of any in Alberta and while it offers basic accommodation and dining options, it has the friendliest locals, plus a good value cat-skiing operation if you’re worried about the slopes getting too busy – which is highly unlikely unless it’s a holiday weekend,”

Included in the Magazine, there are interesting articles on Castle Mountain on Page 12 and Golden on Page 24, along with Mountaineering Women and more. Please select the following link - Mountain Life Rocky Mountains Magazine.

Discover the best times to go, essential preparations, and safety measures, all while uncovering the most picturesque skating destinations amidst this winter wonderland.

Alberta's Rocky Mountains, renowned for their towering peaks and pristine landscapes, offer an unexpected winter delight: wild ice skating. Embracing the great outdoors on frozen lakes is a memorable experience, but there are essential tips to ensure you make the most of this icy adventure.

When To Go Wild Ice Skating
To experience the magic of wild ice skating in the Rockies, plan your trip between November and March. These months typically offer the most favorable conditions, with lakes frozen to perfection. Ideally, you’ll go at the very beginning of winter while it’s still possible to clear the ice and experience the beautiful, crystal-clear frozen waters. The later into winter it gets, the colder it gets and the trickier to clear away the snow.

CANMORE — Gone are the days of wooden planks for skis and analog avalanche transceivers.

The devastation and awe of one of nature’s most powerful forces is front and center at the Canmore Museum as an exploration into the history of avalanches in the Land of Thundering Snow exhibit opened to the public on Friday (Nov. 7).

“It's important that we tell these stories. It's important that we educate people, newcomers, kids, all of us,” said Lisa Isley, Canmore Museum’s executive director during a private opening reception on Nov. 6. “This is all relevant and the technology and the way that we manage our risk in avalanche country changes too, so it's good for people to be up to date and just to have these conversations."

‘Tis the season. Some people call it holiday season, but we call it Hallmark season. Winter is the season for diving head-first into all things cute. We’re talking about coming up with a good book and a cup of tea, making holiday crafts, and bundling up to explore all things charming. Alberta is bursting with cute little towns, and those towns manage to get even cuter when the snow falls. If you’re ready to tour the Hallmark-Esque winter towns of Alberta, this list is exactly where you should start. Who knows, you might just have a Christmas romance in true Hallmark form.

Lake Louise
We’re going to start with the obvious: Lake Louise is stupid cute. The town itself is tiny and adorable, and the surrounding area is breathtaking. You won’t believe how much snow piles up in Lake Louise. It hardly looks real. From ice skating on the lake to sipping tea in the iconic Chateau Lake Louse hotel, it doesn’t get more movie-like than this.

CANMORE – One of Canmore’s most popular bars is being renovated and repackaged with a new name, fresh look and a craft brewery.

The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant and Brewery, formerly The Drake Pub, is the new/old kid on the block, after the Canmore business' new partnership with Calgary's Screaming Retriever Brewing Company

Jamie Darroch, one of the owners, said The Drake hasn’t been sold and they “now have the opportunity to do things we’ve wanted to do for a long time” while maintaining the establishment's 35-plus years of history.

This includes the addition of a small batch brewery, taproom, upgraded bars, and washrooms, new flooring and paint, upgraded TVs and sound systems, and a pizza oven in the kitchen, among others.

“It’s going to be a big change for those coming to The Drake, but I think they’re going to find it a much better product,” said Darroch.

BANFF – The iconic Banff sign was unveiled in its new location by the Banff train station on Thursday, November 20th..

With Mount Norquay as the backdrop, Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno, Liricon’s Adam Waterous and Mt. Norquay’s Ski and Sightseeing Resort’s Andre Quenneville unwrapped the red ribbon and bow to reveal the two-meter high lettered B-A-N-F-F sign that was moved from the busy Norquay road in October.

“This all started because the Banff sign became more popular than we ever could have imagined. It became an attraction and a destination unto itself and we love seeing people be so happy to get their Banff photo and to make that a part of their trip here,” said DiManno at the unveiling.

“But we quickly realized this could probably be in a more pedestrian-friendly area, but we were a bit stumped as to where we could put it, and then, of course, with the generosity of the Waterous family and Mount Norquay, we found a new home for it.”

Calmly and significantly, change is happening in the heart of the great Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The reintroduction of wolves, which have not been seen in some regions of their original habitat, has started to redefine the delicate balance of natural habitats in the area.

Having become almost extinct in the past, wolves are returning to their place as apex predators, bringing peace to the wilderness they once controlled. Their comeback is not merely a tale of survival, but a miracle of the strength of nature and that complex interdependence between predator, prey, and scenery.

WESTERN CANADA – Banff’s Sunshine Village received the best kind of Halloween treat last weekend.

With 20 centimeters of fresh snow blanketing Banff, Sunshine Village marked their earliest recorded opening day to date and kicked off the season as the first Canadian ski resort to welcome powder hounds back to the slopes on Sunday, November 2nd.

“In our organization’s corporate memory [it’s] the earliest date we have ever opened in the past 39, 40 years for sure,” said Kendra Scurfield, director of brand and communications at Sunshine Village.

KANANASKIS – Protesters opposing a logging project in Kananaskis Country have built a 10-foot blockade to keep forestry crews from entering the area and say they will form a human wall if authorities move in to dismantle it.

Around 20 people erected the wall on October 25th in response to B.C. lumber company West Fraser’s plans to rebuild a bridge over the Highwood River. A bridge was removed last year amid public outcry of logging operations set to go ahead near the river’s headwaters, which environmentalists say threaten critical fish habitat and water quality.

“The blockade is a symbol of defense. It’s a big, imposing log wall with spiky wooden tops,” said Colin Smith, a protester. “It very much gives the message of ‘keep out,’ but the sign on the front of it says ‘defend the eastern slopes.’”

Winter can arrive anytime after September in West Bragg Creek and this year’s first snowfall on October 4 was a good reminder that the season is near! Our team has been busy mowing trails and servicing equipment to prepare for the months ahead.

Once conditions allow, grooming will begin to build a solid ski base. After November 1, please follow winter trail etiquette; no walking or riding on ski only trails. Some singletrack routes are groomed for fat biking and remain open for walking and snowshoeing, while equestrian routes shift to designated winter trails to protect groomed surfaces.

With everyone’s cooperation and care, our shared trail network runs smoothly all winter long. Follow posted signage, check maps, and stop by the BCT Trail Centre to chat with our friendly volunteer Trail Hosts.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, donors, staff, Board of Directors, Alberta Parks, and PLUZ staff for a fantastic trail season.



The Friends of Kananaskis Country and its volunteers have worked close to 9,000 hours in the field this year, which is a significant increase over previous years. As we like to say, we made a lot of things better this year, and we thank you for making it happen!

CANMORE — Over 100 years ago, during the height of coal mining operations, the ghost town of Bankhead was alive and well.

Now ruins and remnants, the town on the outskirts of Banff was home to workers from all backgrounds, including many who had made the long journey overseas from China to Canada.

In her new book Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers, writer Jacqueline Louie explores the 100 years following the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act, recounting the story of Bankhead family the Chows, alongside the experiences of many other early Chinese immigrants.

“Mr. Chow was the head of the Chinese labourers in Bankhead in the early 20th Century and so his story is unusual, just like all the other families in my book because he was able to have his wife here and they had a family in Canada,” said Louie.

Refunds will be paid in Calgary Ski Club (CSC) points only. No cash, eTransfer, or credit card refunds.

Procedure to cancel your registration for an event:

a) Before the cancellation cutoff date, log in to the website and use the "Cancel Registration" button on the event. If it is a paid event, you will be refunded in CSC points. An automated email will be sent to the Event Host informing them of your decision to cancel.

b) After the cancellation cutoff date, notify the Event Host. A refund may be provided using CSC points but only if the event is full and someone fills your spot. If your spot has not been filled, no refund will be provided, and your spot will be held for you. If your spot is filled, the Event Host will cancel your registration, and you will receive a refund in CSC points.

As of August 2025, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor, 39.5 per cent of Alberta was suffering from severe to extreme drought. While not a singular contributor, glacial recession — or glacier shrinkage — due to a rapidly warming planet plays a significant role.

From lower spring runoff to impact on the St. Mary and Oldman reservoirs, experts say glacial and snowpack loss could possibly contribute up to 80 per cent of the flow in major river systems like the Saskatchewan, Peace and Athabasca. These rivers are important for agriculture, municipal water and hydropower.

Jeffrey Crompton is a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada. Growing up in the Calgary and Canmore area, he spent a lot of time in the Rockies. That’s where he became fascinated by glaciers.

The United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation is a year dedicated to listening to and speaking for our vanishing glaciers. It is a continuation of a long vigil, a year during which we offer tributes to our old friends even as we do what we can to prolong their lives.

Glaciers, you were once giants. You were world makers. Creating the conditions that favoured you, you grew and grew in cold strength and joined arms to take over the globe. Your cold reach at your peak was such that no liquid water was exposed to the atmosphere. And whenever the cyclic eccentricity of the Earth’s axis and orbit aligned, you did it again and again over three-quarters of the age of the Earth.

You gave the world relief and form. You ground down mountain ranges, carved out peaks, stunning Matterhorns, deep cirques and U-shaped valleys the moon could be rolled in. You scraped the floor of an ancient inland ocean to create an abundant continent.

KANANASKIS – Alberta Parks is investigating use of surveillance options to deter vehicle vandalism and theft at day-use areas and trailheads in Kananaskis Country.

Ed Famatiga had windows smashed on his vehicle while parked at the Baldy Pass lot in spring, and although nothing was stolen, he reported it to the RCMP and fired off a letter to the Alberta government.

“I believe there’s a high hope to stop these unacceptable incidents,” Famatiga told the Outlook.

“I am really concerned about this… It is alarming how many hikers had been victims to this scenario.”

Areas that are commonly targeted include day-use and trailheads at Barrier Lake, Prairie Mountain, Heart Mountain trailhead, Mount Baldy North, Badly Pass trailhead, Jumping Pound and Galatea Lake.

Not every hike in the Canadian Rockies needs to be a gruelling all-day adventure. Sometimes, the best experiences come from quick trails that still pack in jaw-dropping scenery. Vista Lake is one of those hikes. Located along the Banff-Windermere Parkway near the border of Kootenay National Park, this trail drops you straight into alpine beauty in less than an hour.

What makes it stand out? The fact that you begin by descending to the lake, rather than climbing, instantly makes this hike accessible for families, casual walkers, or anyone wanting a low-effort, high-reward outing. In autumn, the forest around Vista Lake lights up with fiery yellows and golds, contrasted by the emerald-green water that gives the lake its name. It’s the kind of scene that makes you stop, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and thank yourself for getting outside and exploring this beautiful place.

BANFF — For close to 60 years, generations of climbers have sought a good night's sleep and refuge from the elements inside the walls of the Alpine Club of Canada’s (ACC) Castle Mountain Hut.

Now, the tiny cabin perched high on the Goat Plateau of Banff’s Castle Mountain, has been given new life.

“It had been there since 1967 and it was put up there at the time when there were a lot fewer climbers … and it was a very useful functional structure for the day,” said Keith Haberl, ACC director of marketing and communications.

“A couple of climbers could stay overnight and maybe it could sleep four and six in a pinch, but it was cramped, and it was getting old.”

One of the ACC’s 26 huts, the newly named Castle Mountain (Currie) Cabin was replaced at the end of August, making it a more permanent structure on the mountain.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi wants the province to pump the brakes on infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to a gravel highway in Kananaskis Country until there is proper public consultation.

In a Sept. 17 mandate letter from Premier Danielle Smith, Alberta Parks Minister Todd Loewen was told to continue investments in trail upgrades in Kananaskis Country, including a plan to “improve and upgrade” Highway 742 – also known as the Smith-Dorrien or Spray Lakes Road – along with parking, facilities and trail infrastructure there.

Despite several attempts to find out if “improve and upgrade” means paving the 70-km gravel road from south of Canmore to Kananaskis, passing through Bow Valley Wildland, Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed provincial parks, the ministry has ignored the Outlook's requests.

BANFF – Several encounters with a grizzly bear in Banff National Park have forced Parks Canada to issue a warning.

The warning applies to Arnica Lake, Vista Lake, Twin Lakes, Gibbon Pass, Shadow Lake and all trails within this area including campgrounds: Re6, Re14, Re16, Re21 and Tw7. The warning area is south of Highway 93 South and does not include Boom Lake.

"An adult grizzly bear is frequenting the area and has had multiple encounters with visitors,” states the bulletin issued by Parks Canada on Monday (Sept. 29),

“Be on the lookout for a grizzly bear with a lower jaw/muzzle deformity from a past injury.”

A spokesperson for Parks Canada was not immediately available.

As for most of December, Banff and Lake Louise was warmer than Calgary when seven cross country skiers decided to head out. We changed our destination from Moraine Lake Road to Spray River to Goat Creek in Banff as the trail report indicated newly set tracks. And did we get lucky. Not only were the conditions great, we were the first ones to ski on the newly set tracks that morning.

The temperature was fantastic. It was -20 in Calgary, but only -13 in Banff when we started, and it had warmed up to -3 when we finished. It made waxing really easy! After the ski we stopped for a coffee and some social interaction. Thanks to Ricardo for bringing chocolates for everyone 😊 Thanks to all participants for coming out enjoying the wonderful day in the snow!

10 skiers headed out to Moraine Lake Road for a great ski day. It was on the cool side when we started with the thermometer reading - 16 but the sun was shining from clear blue skies. As soon as we got moving the temperature was not too bad.

For many of us it was the first day skiing this year and we all did well. Four skiers made it to the end and completed the full 22 km. The others turned around after two hours and we all made it back to the car within 20 minutes of each other.

After the skiing we stopped at Laggans for a drink and a treat. Thanks to everyone for coming out.

Submitted by Poul

Located in the eastern reaches of Kananaskis Country, the Jumpingpound Loop is a well-loved trail that begins at the Pine Top Provincial Recreation Area, just off Highway 68. This loop is ideal for those seeking a moderate, scenic outing with varied terrain and rewarding views.

The trail begins with a gentle forested section that loosely follows Jumpingpound Creek. Early on, you’ll pass the Pine Grove Group Site and encounter several picnic areas and benches—ideal for a mid-hike break. The first half of the loop is shaded and serene, with occasional ravine views and creek access.

Boom Lake is arguably one of the most smoothly-graded trails in Banff National Park and makes for a great uphill cruise. The gentle bus steady climb covers 175 meters of elevation gain over 5 kilometers and manages to do it without feeling steep. After making our way along the forested trail, we were rewarded with the magnificent view of Boom Lake with a dramatic view of Boom Mountain behind it.

We took in the sights and sounds of the lake, while having lunch, and managed to see some dragon flies and fish jumping in the lake.

As it was the last long weekend of summer, 11 members joined me at Rawson Lake. To our surprise, it was busier than normal.

We headed along the south shore section of Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail, the route winding and undulating in and out of every indentation of the shoreline. we stopped at the bridge at Sarrail Creek Falls and took in the sights and sound of the rushing water.

The trail immediately starts climbing and winding through old spruce forest. Just prior to the lake, the gradient of the trail eased a bit and walked a single plank boardwalk and we were welcomed to the majestic view of Rawson Lake backdropped by Mt. Sarrail.

Monday, September 1, dawned pleasantly cool, with a starting temperature suggesting we at least start the hike wearing jackets. As the day proceeded, temperatures warmed up to a still not-too-hot 19 degrees.

After a very gradual climb in about four kilometers of distance, and an easy downhill, we were at the lake. Watridge Lake was totally calm, and absolutely beautiful. We chose to enjoy our lunch at the lakeshore, and one of our members started a bit of art work, sketching the wonderful scenery.

Tucked behind the towering cliffs of Castle Mountain, Rockbound Lake is a hidden alpine gem in Banff National Park. This full-day hike offers a steady climb through forested trails, opening up to sweeping views, glacial lakes, and rugged cirques that feel worlds away from the highway below.

The journey begins at the Rockbound Lake trailhead near Castle Junction, with a gentle ascent through lodgepole pine and spruce. After about 7.5 km, hikers reach Tower Lake—a tranquil spot nestled beneath Castle Mountain’s dramatic rock face. From there, the trail steepens, winding through boulder-strewn meadows and golden larches (especially stunning in fall) before arriving at Rockbound Lake itself. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and alpine silence, the lake is a breathtaking reward for the effort.

"September 24 (Wednesday) was a perfect day for a hike through Ribbon Creek all the way to Ribbon Falls - not cold, not hot, no rain, no wind.

10 of us (9 women and 1 man) jumped into two cars -notice the efficiency of car pooling and the environmentally friendly nature of our hike - at 8am from Edworthy park and were at the trailhead just after 9am.

The hike is very straightforward as we follow the 9.5km hike straight up Ribbon Creek and reach the backcountry campsite. The walk also follows the river and, in some parts, we were rewarded with great views of pristine water coming down the mountain and pooling before continuing.

A small group of five left the city to hike to the Kananaskis Lookout. We stopped at the Barrier Lake Visitor Centre to inquire about any wildlife problems along the trail to the lookout.

Assured that there were none, we drove to the trailhead, which is located near the Boulton Trading Post. The seasonal temperature of about 10 degrees was perfect for a hike with an elevation gain of 430 meters.

The skies were mainly cloudy at the beginning, but got sunnier as we arrived at the lookout, about two hours later. The thermometer attached to the lookout structure showed five degrees Celsius, but with the sun coming out, it felt warmer. A light jacket over a vest kept one comfortable during lunch.

The only wildlife we saw was one wary grouse, which took flight at a distance from us of about five meters.

We returned to our vehicles at about 2:30 pm. Everyone was very pleased; it was a very nice fall hike.

After little interest in hiking the Iceline trail in July, this time around we had a full house with 10 members joining this beautiful hike in Yoho National Park.

Even with an early start of 6:00 a.m. from Calgary, no one lacked energy on the hike. The morning was a cool start but we weren’t even a kilometer into the hike before we had to peel off layers and it warmed up quite quickly. On the ascent we got to see Takkakaw Fall from different vantage points, and it is pretty cool to see it from above where you can see the glacier feeding the water fall.

The day turned into a beautiful warm day. We enjoyed lunch by the Stanley Mitchell hut before heading back to the parking lot. On the way back we stopped at beautiful Laughing Falls.