Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Winter

in Elkwater

HIDDEN VALLEY SKI RESORT Only a 45 minute drive from Medicine Hat, Hidden Valley Ski Resort encompasses eight runs that range from beginner to advanced skill levels. Lessons are available at the hill. And a cafeteria serves hot meals and fresh snacks to fuel up mid-day. ICE SKATING An enclosed outdoor skating rink surrounded by forest is located in the hills on 7th Avenue. SNOWSHOE Bring your own pair, or rent from the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre. A handful of trails invite snowshoeing, like Cobble Miner, Cougar Ridge, Crocus Loop, and Firerock. CROSS COUNTRY SKI Completely immersed in nature, with snowy lodgepole pine and aspen trees surrounding skiers, the rolling hills bring a nice challenge. “It’s forest bathing. The trails are all different, and once you find your flow and a good rhythm, it becomes methodical,” says Greg Campbell, who’s a member of the Cypress Nordic Ski Club. Visit: cypressnordic.ca for more information on lessons.

TOBOGGAN Sled the toboggan hill south of Hidden Valley Ski Resort. There is a “backyard luge” near the learning centre. Bring your own sled or borrow one from the Learning Centre. WINTER CAMPING Camp in the winter with campgrounds and huts in Elkwater and backcountry huts in Spruce Coulee, Graburn, Reesor, and on the plateau (Tom Trott and Medicine Lodge). The sites are reservations only. Call ahead to book and to check road conditions for access. ICE-FISHING Ice fish at three locations in Cypress Hills, Elkwater Lake (pike and perch), Reesor Lake (rainbow trout), and Spruce Coulee Reservoir (brook trout). Please check the thickness of the ice before fishing to ensure safe play. CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING Experience a good, old-fashioned family Christmas tradition by cutting down your own tree from December 1-24. Permits are required and available at albertaparks.ca. Call Cypress Hills Visitor Centre with any questions or need for additional information.

All photos on this page: Our Village Creative and The Connection

Southeast Alberta

88