alberta southwest winter guide: 2012 - 2013

Alberta Southwest

Winter Guide 2012-2013

Crowsnest Pass · Pincher Creek · Waterton Lakes

Stevin Tuchiwsky Photo

2 Alberta Southwest Winter 2012/2013

3Alberta Southwest Winter 2012/2013


Contents5 Alberta Southwest 6 SouthWest Connect7 Castle Mountain9 Snowmobiling10 Pass Powderkeg11 Cross Country Skiing13 Avalanche Safety15 Backcountry Skiing15 Ice Fishing15 Snow Shoeing19 CNP Property Management22 Dining23 Accommodations25 Harvest Coffeehouse25 The Outdoor Outlet27 Entertainment and Nightlife29 The Arts29 History30 Location

All Content Copyright Alberta Southwest Winter Guide and may not be used in repro-duction without prior written approval of the publisher.Contact: 403.308.6670 [email protected]

Publisher: Dale JohnsonSales Representatives: Dale JohnsonEditor: Curt DerbyshireArt Director: Curt DerbyshirePhotography Contributors: Curt Derbyshire, Stevin Tuchiwsky, Amy Bonertz-Evano, Sam SchofieldEditorial Contributors: Canadian Avalanche Center, Andrew Rusynyk, Loreena Russo-manno, Aynsley Baker

Cover: Joel Kistenfeger demonstrates why the snowmobiling south of Castle Mountain Resort is considered some of the best in Canada.Photo: Stevin Tuchiwsky

Contents: Tom Ashmore continues to do his best to stay away from warm Australian win-ters, preferring to soar through the big blue skies of Southwestern Alberta.Photo: Curt Derbyshire

Curt Derbyshire Photo

CommunicationsB D


Alberta Southwestwww.town.crowsnestpass.ab.cawww.pinchercreek.caWelcome to winter in the southwest corner of Alberta, home of big skies and even bigger personalities. The southwest region of Alberta is an untamed, wild winter playground, full of outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone in the family.

Skiing of all types can be found throughout the area. Castle Mountain Resort and Pass Pow-derkeg represent the downhill contingent while Allison-Chinook and Syncline fill out the nordic end of the spectrum.

If you feel like really getting out into the wil-derness, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and backcountry ski options are limitless. From the American border in the south through to Kananaskis Country in the North, the Southern Canadian Rockies are yours to explore.

Snow accumulation is proportional to Castle Mountain Resort’s activity, and in the winter the ski resort comes alive. On-hill accommodations can be secured and the T-bar Pub offers enter-tainment, refreshments and an unrivalled aprés ski scene.

Indoor activities in Southwestern Alberta are equally as entertaining. A strong arts and cul-

tural community coupled with a wealth of his-torical resources and attractions delivers days of entertainment. When the sun goes down, the fun certainly doesn’t, as popular live music venues, pubs and movie theatres give plenty for the night owl in everyone to experience.

The population centres are found in Pincher Creek (pop. 3,700) and Crowsnest Pass (pop. 5,600). Together they provide the majority of din-ing, accommodations and shopping; although smaller places such as Twin Butte, Cowley and Beaver Mines are home to some of the tastiest restaurant choices.

High season for Waterton Lakes National Park is certainly the summer. So with much of the town ceasing operations throughout the winter, it’s a great opportunity to explore one of Canada’s greatest National Parks without the crowds. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and back-country skiing are all popular options for leaving civilization behind and getting in amongst the natural Canadian wilderness.

The Southwest is already a favourite winter destination among vacationing Albertans and the word is quickly spreading throughout North America and beyond.

Visit now, and participate in the discovery of a Canadian winter paradise.



SouthWest Connect www.albertasouthwest.com

SouthWest Connect is an Alberta SouthWest economic development initiative to connect, via Internet, residents, local businesses, visitors and investment opportunities in the region.

In addition to providing free Wireless Internet within the region, the network facilitates easy access to regional information including the Alberta SouthWest business directory, regional event calendar, and investment information for each community.

SouthWest Connect will assist people to be more connected while travelling the region whether for business or leisure.

Current Locations•Carway Duty Free Store•Centennial Campground Claresholm•Claresholm Museum•Coleman Rec Plex•Fort Macleod Museum•Fort Macleod Rural Alberta Business Centre•Village of Glenwood Office•Granum Downtown•Granum Golf/Campground•Hillspring Community Centre•Nanton Air Museum•Nanton City Hall•Pincher Creek Arena•Pincher Creek Community Centre•Stavely Hotel and Downtown•Stone’s Throw Café Blairmore•The Barn Store Mountainview

Future Installations•Waterton Lakes National Park

Welcome to Pincher Creek,the Crowsnest Pass

and Waterton

On behalf of our residents, the Councilof the Municipal District of PincherCreek No. 9 welcomes you to ourcommunity. There are many interestingplaces to visit and attractions to enjoyin the area. Our people are friendly andwilling to help. Come visit and takeadvantage of the many opportunitiesavailable that will make your visit amemorable one.

From the Council for the MD of Pincher Creekwww.mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

753 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek403-627-3130


Andrew RusynykCastle Mountain Resortwww.skicastle.caThirteen short years ago I decided to investigate the rumour about this ski hill in Southwest Al-berta that had incredible steeps and could get three feet of snow overnight. I had skied all over North America and had dismissed the rumour as a huge exaggeration of the truth.

Six months after my first trip to Castle Mountain Resort, I found myself starting my new job as the Snow School Director. For those that love Castle, you will understand how the Resort and the area can suck you in and make you never want to leave.

It has been a great pleasure during my time here to be involved with growing the resort from a lesser known, municipally owned and oper-ated ski hill to a place that can boast Canada’s longest continuous fall-line, Alberta’s only drive to your door on-hill accommodations and Al-berta’s best Cat Skiing.

The resort has always been known for great powder snow (910 cms. annually) and for long, uninterrupted runs, but it also extremely friendly. You can get a hug in the lift line and gather in the T-Bar Pub to tell stories at the end of the day.

The recent addition of Mount Haig and the Powder Stagecoach Cat Skiing has given the resort the ability to say it now has terrain and

activities that are friendly to all family members of all abilities.

As Castle moves forward and the area around Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass becomes busier with the population growth of Calgary and Alberta in general, the resort will continue to flourish and grow. It will be a fine line to keep the character and charm of the place, while of-fering the amenities and facilities that skiers and snowboarders expect of a big mountain.

Castle may never see shiny high-speed detach-able lifts, but when you want a little elbow space and feel like part of the community, Castle and this southwest corner of Alberta is a great place to be.

Best winter view in SW Alberta?The saddle above Sheriff on Castle Mountain. Three valleys, the Continental Divide and the prairie all at the same time.

Favourite winter activity?Skiing!

Last day of a SW vacation, what would you do?Search for more powder lines at Castle Moun-tain.

Best way to utilize a classic SW Albertan windy day?Doing laps on High Rustler. Wind fills in every-thing and you have fresh tracks every run.

Andrew Rusynyk at Castle Mountain, taking advantage of the terrain he knows best.

Sam Schofield Photo


Co-op Marketplace, C Store and Gas Bar1300 Hewetson Avenue, Pincher Creek • 403-627-3000

CO-OP FARM AND HOME CENTRE1225 Main Street, Pincher Creek • 403-627-3606

one coupon per visit ... expires June 30, 2013

with minimum30 litre purchase

SWD

$200OFF

PINCHER CREEK CO-OP FOOD STORE

www.pinchercreekcoop.ca

MARKETPLACE HOURSSunday - Friday 9 am - 9 pm

Saturday 8 am - 9 pm GAS BAR/CONVENIENCESTORE HOURS

6 am - 10 pm • 7 Days A Week!

FARM & HOMECENTRE HOURS

Monday - Saturday 8 am - 5 pm

Sunday and Holidays 11am - 4 pm

Custom built cabins & sheds

Visit our grocery store and see thedifference that quality food and

service make in your life

Just past the Junction of Highways 3 and 6,the Ramada Inn and Suites Pincher Creek isless than one mile from downtown Pincher

Creek in Southwest Alberta.

Our non-smoking hotel features an Indoor pool and water-slide and is near

ample outdoor recreational activities and popular area attractions.

1132 Table Mountain StreetPincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0tel 403.627.3777 / fax 403.627.3780

toll free 1.866.473.3777


Snowmobilingwww.crowsnow.orgSouthwestern Alberta is quite simply, a snow-mobiling haven. It has a vast network of trails that can take you just about anywhere in the region with natural terrain that is consistently eager to step in and take you even further.

SnoRiders Magazine’s reader pole routinely places the Crowsnest Pass as Alberta’s favour-ite snowmobile location and it generally comes in second only to Sicamous, Biritsh Columbia for top-spot in all of Western Canada. The people have spoken,.

The Crow Snow Riders society works in part-nership with the local Quad Squad to help the 1200 kilometers of trails remain in operation all year round. During the winter they have 200 kilometers that are groomed.

Two staging areas, Atlas to the north of High-way 3 and York Creek to the south, serve as the easiest and most popular access points. Starting at one of these two spots can get you just about anywhere in the region.

Further south, along Highway 774, are two other popular areas to start the day, Carbon-dale and Castle Mountain Resort. The trails can ultimately be connected in order to loop back to the Crowsnest Pass but these location give quicker access to the terrain heading south and up to the Waterton Lakes National Park Boundary.

Snowmobiling’s popularity continues to sky-rocket and the Alberta Southwest is one of the top destinations. The variety of trails and terrain throughout the area means that riders of all skill levels will find something their speed. Whether they’re looking to challenge their abili-ties or enjoy a day out on the trails.

Snowmobiles can and will take their riders to remote, wilderness terrain, some of which will involve exposure to avalanche condidtions. All riders should carry and know how to ap-propriate safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) and be aware of the current dangers that the snowpack presents.

For more information check out the Avalanche Safety section of this guide.

Stevin Tuchiwsky Photo


Pass Powderkegwww.passpowderkeg.com

Rising above the community of Blairmore in Crowsnest Pass is the Pass Powderkeg ski hill.

A popular family destination, the Powderkeg is a great spot to learn to ski and snowboard, perfect some skills or join the kids and take to the air in the terrain park. Night skiing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday gives every-one that many more opportunities to slide on the snow.

Powderkeg’s daylodge features a variety of menu options and refreshments and its mid-mountain location offers up fantastic views of the valley. Located on the lower floor, the full-service retail./rental/repair shop has eve-rything one might need for Powderkeg day.

The frequent school visits and excellent learn-ing terrain mean that the Powderkeg’s snow school is always in top form. This equates to a great opportunity for newcomers to skiing and snowboarding to come out and learn the fundamentals in a relaxed and educational environment. Above: Family fun time, learning to ski at the Pass Powderkeg

Below: Local skier Brady March never strays too far from the Powderkeg terrain park, and it shows.




Cross-Country SkiingAllison-Chinookwww.allisonwonderlands.ca

The Allison-Chinook cross-country ski trails can be found a few minutes west of Crows-nest Pass, with the turnoff of Highway 3 only a couple kilometres west of the community of Coleman.

Featuring over 30 kilometres of groomed trails, the area has always been popular with locals but the word is slowly getting out, and a weekend visit to the parking lot will con-firm such.

Situated between Mount Tecumseh and Crowsnest Mountain, the views never dis-appoint. Allison-Chinook is truly a hidden gem of winter in Southwestern Alberta and should not be missed.

Synclinewww.synclinecastletrails.blogspot.caThe Syncline Cross-Country Trails can be found south of Beaver Mines on Highway 774 on the way to Castle Mountain Resort. The 18 kilome-tres of trails were developed for the 1972 Cana-da Winter Games and are now maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Waterton Lakes National Park

For those who aren’t necessarily tied to groomed and maintained trails, Waterton Lakes offers numerous cross-country skiing opportunities.

Follow the Cameron Lake road as far as the snow plows can take you to access one of the more popular locations. From here, head to the lake itself or explore around the Akamina Pass area.

Learning to cross-country ski at the Allison-Chinook trails in Crowsnest Pass.

Curt Derbyshire Photos


Avalanche Safetywww.avalanche.ca

Western Canada has a well-deserved reputa-tion as one of the world’s premier destinations for winter tourism. There are fantastic opportu-nities for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and exploring in our snowy and spectacular backcountry. However, before you head out, you need to know that winter in the mountains brings the possibility of avalanches.

Avalanches are a fact of life here in the moun-tains. Researchers estimate 1.5 million ava-lanches occur in Western Canada every winter. Most of them happen where there is no harm done to people or property. Unfortunately, some cause damage and even death. On average, 14 people a year die in avalanches in Canada,

Almost 90 percent of avalanche accidents are caused by the victim or someone in their party. Avalanches don’t “strike” from above with no ap-parent reason - they’re triggered by you. It’s vital to be able to recognize avalanche terrain and realize when you and your friends are taking a risk. Avalanches can happen anywhere there is enough snow and enough incline. It doesn’t take much - 30 cm of snow on a 25-degree slope can do it.

The key to managing your avalanche risk is preparation. Get avalanche training, and make sure everyone in your group has the proper safety equipment - transceiver, probe and shovel - and knows how to use it. Check the forecast at www.avalanche.ca before you go and choose a route that’s appropriate for the current avalanche conditions.

Do you trust the others in your group? Do they have avalanche training and respect for mountain hazards? It’s important to keep the lines of communication open as you’re traveling in the backcountry, and be willing to turn around if anyone in the party has concerns about the route or the conditions.

If your group is involved in an avalanche, or if you’ve seen one, it’s a great idea to report it. The avalanche forecasters at the CAC are keenly interested in your observations and the informa-tion you pass on helps them to produce the bulletins. Just click on “incident reports” under the Bulletin tab on the CAC website, and fill out the online form. It could make the difference to someone else’s safety.

The Canadian Avalanche Center’s South Rockies Field Observa-tional Team in action, collecting snowpack data throughout the region. The team is proudly sponsored by Teck Coal. Dave Tracz (above) and Gord Ohm (Below).




Backcountry SkiingBackcountry skiing options are really only limited by one’s imagination and the mountains of Southwesten Alberta offer up enough possibilities to keep anyone’s mind working overtime.

Popular locations include the terrain around Castle Mountain Resort and near Cameron Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park. Combine your day out with some snowmobile assistance and you’ll be able to explore even further.

Proper avalanche training and decision-making is paramount, but after that the opportunities to explore are boundless. Check out the Avalanche Safety section of this guide for more information on how to play safe in the backcountry.

Ice FishingThe Alberta Southwest offers world-class fly-fishing throughout the summer and there is no reason to stop just because the temperatures get a little lower.

Crowsnest Lake and Lee Lake, pictured left, are popular locations with easy ac-cess, but the possibilities are really only limited by one’s determination and hardi-ness.

Just make sure you have your license and are following the rules and regulation, be-cause Fish and Wildlife Officers don’t have an off season either.

SnowshoeingSnowshoeing is a versatile activity. All that’s required is snow and, of course, snowshoes.

Whether you choose to follow one of the countless trails in the region or blaze your own path, it’s a great way to explore the Southwest’s winter beauty and wilderness.

Waterton Lakes National Park has become a hotbed for snowshoeing with one of the most popular locations being Cameron Lake and the surrounding trails.

Above: Scott Thumlert drops into Chimo’s near Castle Mountain ResortBelow: Ice Fishing on Lee Lake with the Frank Slide in the backgroundOpposite: Winter at the spectacular Lundbreck Falls



MOUNTAIN begins in

February MANIA

ONLINE CONTEST WITH A $300 CASH PRIZEwww.facebook.com/cnp.pm


passpowderkeg.com• Terrain Park • Night Skiing• Snow Making • Ski School• Affordable Rates • Equipment Rentals

403.562.8334

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Located Highway 9, Blairmore West Access,

Next to Tim Hortons

(403) 562-2664

~ Cross-country Skiing ~ Snow Shoeing ~ GEO Caching ~ Ice Skating ~ Tobogganing ~ Landscape and Wildlife Photography

WINTERFEST February 16th & 17th

TakeeadvantageeofeAMAZINGeWintereRoomeRates!888-985-6343eeereservations@watertonlakeslodge.com

Experience Winter in Waterton National Park


Loreena RussomannoCrowsnest Pass Property Managementwww.cnp-pm.ca

We moved from Hinton, AB to Crowsnest Pass in 2001. My husband and I were excited about raising our three sons in a natural area with a local ski hill, and being able to quad without ever having to load machines.

Day one, standing on our deck, looking at mountains, forest, wildlife, and breathing in fresh air, we knew we were home. We love exploring the area, discovering fos-sils, gemstones, crystals, waterfalls, mountain climbing and picnicking next to clear running streams. Our sons cherish the childhood full of magical memories and I am still on a quest for the Lost Lemon Gold mine and local “Pass-quatch”.

Crowsnest Pass Property Management man-ages residential and commercial properties for rent/lease for owners from around the world.

It’s exciting times for Crowsnest Pass, as to-day’s wonder seekers flock to Alberta to satisfy their craving for natural wilderness adventures.

The best part of the job is meeting new people and seeing the area through their eyes for the first time. The reminder is always inspirational.

I understand moving is stressful. Throw in changing jobs, schools, leaving friends behind;

it can be overwhelming. I try to make finding a new home an entertaining and enjoyable ex-perience, while showcasing Southwestern Al-berta through my Facebook page with photos and contests.

When you are ready to live your dream, contact us. We are committed to making your transi-tion of moving to or starting a new business in CNP a smooth one.

Make sure to check out our Facebook page for full details of our “Mountain Mania” contest starting in February, 2013, for your chance to win $300.00 in cash prize money.

Best winter view in SW Alberta?Top of Star Creek Falls. The frozen falls are beautiful and the hike getting there is easy even in deep snow.

Favourite winter activity?When I was younger, downhill skiing; now, snowshoeing in the back country. I love being the first tracks in the snow.

Last day of a SW vacation, what would you do?Go to the top of any mountain or ridge and enjoy the magic.

Best way to utilize a classic SW Albertan windy day?I head to Allison-Chinook to cross-country ski. I love the sound of the wind whistling through the forest as it brings in fresh energy.

The Crowsnest Pass Property Management “Passquatch”, spotted here on the slopes of Pass Powderkeg.


the guide to winter

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Alberta’s South West


DiningDining options in Southwest Alberta are surpris-ingly plentiful and wide-ranging.

Crowsnest Pass’s HIghway 3 location has dic-tated the numerous choices for the traveller and local alike. Coffee shops and cafes are particu-larly numerous and particularly tasty. Pincher Creek’s growing community has given rise to many new dining locales in recent years, the Boston Pizza being the most recent addition, and a big one at that.

Outside of the main centres, the smaller towns have some great offerings. Diminutive Cowley, located between Pincher and Crowsnest on Highway 3, regularly draws locals from the sur-rounding communities to its unique restaurant. The do-it-all Twin Butte General Store, south of Pincher Creek on the way to Waterton Lakes, is the one and only stop for those looking for a great Mexican feast.

Of course, there is also find a fine selection of piz-zas, pub fare and Asian cuisine found through-out the entire Southwest.

Twin Butte CountryGeneral Store & Licensed Restaurant

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Cold Beer and Liquor Sales Post Office • Gift Shop • Ice Cream

Half way betweenWaterton Lakes Parkand Pincher Creek

Phone: 403 627-40351-866-976-7378

www.twinbuttestore.ca

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OPEN EVERYDAY 10 A.M. - 10 P.M.

Beaver Mines/Castle Mountain Resort•Stella’s•T-Bar Pub and Grill•Beaver Mines General Store

Cowley•Cowley Restaurant and Pub

Crowsnest Pass•Rum Runner•Vito’s Family Restaurant•Popiel’s Restaurant•Chris’ Restaurant•Cinnamon Bear•Chipper’s•Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop•Stone’s Throw•Tin Roof Bistro•Side Trax Diner•Bamboo Bistro•Black Rock Pizza•Ben Wong’s•River Ridge Family Restaurant•5 Rivers Pizza Company

Pincher Creek/Twin Butte•Boston Pizza (Back Cover)•Harvest Coffeehouse (Pg 26)•Twin Butte General Store (Pg 22)•Leo’s Bar and Grill (Inside Front)•Bright Pearl•Luigi`s Pizza and Steak House•Antonio’s Pizza•Miso Sushi•Green Bamboo Peking House•Kings Restaurant•Denise’s Bistro•Daily Grind Cafe•Heritage Inn•Celestial Sweets

Waterton Lakes National Park•Glacier Cafe (Pg 28)



AccommodationsCastle Mountain ResortA variety of on-hill accommodations can be found from shared-room hostel style bed to grandiose cabins, ready to sleep two families worth of people, comfortably.

•Castle Mountain Ski Lodge and Hostel (includes central reservations for cabins) www.castlerental.ca 403.627.5121

Crowsnest PassFrom Bellevue and Hillcrest in the east through and even past Coleman in the west, the Crows-nest has a wide variety of accommodations for winter adventurers. Many will cater to snowmo-biliers.

Along with hotels, a great selection of holiday homes can be found throughout the region.

•Crowsnest Pass Holiday Homes www.crowsnestpassholidayhomes.com

•Best Canadian Motor Inns (Coleman) www.bestcdn.com 403.563.5600

•Bellevue Inn 403.564.4676

•Cosmopolitan Hotel www.thecoshotel.com 403.562.7321

•Grand Union 403.563.5227

•Inn on the Border www.inontheborder.com 403.563.3101

•Stop Inn Motel 403.562.7381

•Highwood Motel www.highwoodmotel.ca 403.562.8888

Pincher CreekPincher Creek has a wealth of accommodations in the community, the Ramada Inn and Suites undoubtedly standing as the crown jewel, with its indoor heated pool and water slide.•Ramada Inn and Suites (Pg 8)

www.ramada.com 403.627.3777

•Blue Mountain Motel www.bluemountainmotel.ca 403.627.5335

•Super 8 Motel www.super8.com 403.627.5671

•West Castle Motel www.westcastlemotel.com 403.627.2880

•Foothills Motel 403.627.3341

•Stardust Motel 403.627.4366

•Parkway Motel 403.627.3344

•Heritage Inn www.heritageinn.net 403.904.4410

Waterton Lakes National ParkWaterton in the winter is certainly peaceful and serene, thanks to many businesses closing up shop for the off-season. However, not everyone vacates the area and there are still two excellent choices for accommodations if you’re inclined to experience the National Park.

•Waterton Glacier Suites (Pg 28) www.watertonsuites.com 403.859.2004

•Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort (Pg 18) www.watertonlakeslodge.com 403.859.2150


6 lane - 25 metre pool,

Kiddies wading pool, 16jet hot tub lotsof Public andFamily Swimtimes, largeblow up toysand friendly

staff!

6 lane - 25 metre pool,

Kiddies wading pool, 16jet hot tub lotsof Public andFamily Swimtimes, largeblow up toysand friendly

staff!

Information Line: 403-627-2565Fax Line: 403-627-4311

[email protected]@pinchercreek.ca Multi-Purpose Facility

895 Main Street, Pincher Creek, Alberta Mailing Address

Box 159 Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0.

Information Line: 403-627-2565Fax Line: 403-627-4311

[email protected]@pinchercreek.ca Multi-Purpose Facility

895 Main Street, Pincher Creek, Alberta Mailing Address

Box 159 Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0.

The Pincher Creek Town Council would like towelcome you to our thriving and picturesquecommunity. Pincher Creek is the southern Albertagateway to the Rocky Mountains and is known forits spectacular view. Pincher Creek is unique notonly for our world class outdoor activities, ourwindmills or our ranching heritage but moreimportantly our great people. The rich culture ofour First Nations neighbours and our cowboymystique makes Pincher Creek a very specialplace.

Town Council of Pincher CreekBox 159, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

403-627-3156


Aynsley BakerHarvest Coffeehousewww.harvestcoffee.caThe Outdoor Outletwww.outdooroutlet.caI grew up in Waterton. After university and living away, my husband and I decided to move back to the area 5 years ago. We both loved the life-style opportunities that SW Alberta offered and I wanted to become involved with my family’s business in the Waterton/Pincher Creek area.

Working with a family business, life is never bor-ing and I’m always in a different place. In the summer months I am busy with our business operations in Waterton, but in the winter my fo-cus shifts to Pincher Creek.

Our newest venture is Harvest Coffeehouse in Pincher Creek. Locally roasted coffee and a nice, simple menu. I’m used to outdoor retail, so food service has been a welcome challenge.

This corner of SW Alberta has so much going for it and we are very proud to be a part of its busi-ness landscape.

Best winter view in SW Alberta?The Pine Ridge scenic lookout on Highway 6, looking south down the Upper Waterton Valley at sunrise. The red hue from the morning sun splashed across the snow cov-ered eastern slopes on a cold, calm morn-ing is spectacular.

Favourite winter activity?Skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. I grew up skiing at Castle but when we had our son my husband and I found ourselves on our skinny skis more often, pulling him in his pulk. Things are changing again as our little guy was just given downhill skis for Christmas!

Last day of a SW vacation, what would you do?See where the snow conditions were most fitting, and choose my skis accordingly.

Best way to utilize a classic SW Albertan windy day?Grab your snowshoes and head for the trees in Waterton.

The inside of the new Harvest Coffeehouse is as warm and inviting as you’d ever hope for.

Amy Bonertz-Evano Photo


Entertainment and NightlifeBeaver Mines/Castle Mountain ResortThe T-bar Pub, located slopeside at Castle Mountain, will be home to live music every Friday night throughout the operational ski season. They’ll also have bands on other nights throughout the year as well, so best to stay tuned to their website.

Stella’s in Beaver Mines also houses the occasional band and always has a tasty re-freshment available.

•T-Bar Pub•Stella’s

Crowsnest PassEven the nightlife in Crowsnest Pass has a history lesson ready and waiting as many of the currently operating bars have been serv-ing up drinks for over 100 years. The Grand Union, Greenhill and Cosmopolitan are such examples.

The Rum Runner isn’t old, but it is one of the most popular spots to head to in Crowsnest. Right on HIghway 3 in the community of Coleman, the parking lot is quite often filled with snowmobiles on any given winter day.

Next door to the Rum Runner is the Black-bird Coffeehouse. A Coffeehouse by name, their true speciality is bringing in high profile, touring musicians for concert-style perform-ances in the former church.

Should you prefer your own signing, the Bel-levue Inn is the de facto karaoke location.

If you’re looking to take in a film, the Orpheum Theatre on Main Street in Blairmore has a weekly feature. Recently updating to digital and 3D technology has given them access to all the current movies.

•Rum Runner•Greenhill•Blackbird Coffeehouse•Bellevue Inn•Grand Union•Pure Country Saloon•Cosmopolitan Hotel•Orpheum Theatre

Pincher Creek/Twin ButteThe Kind Edward and Leo’s are the stal-warts of the Pincher Creek nightlife, but just down the road, towards Waterton National Park, is the Twin Butte General Store. Twin Butte isn’t home to much else, but the Gen-eral Store provide a great live music venue that attracts high-profile artists from around the continent.

Movies are shown at the Fox Theatre, lo-cated on Main Street.

•Leo’s Bar and Grill (Inside Front)•King Edward Hotel (Inside Front)•Twin Butte General Store (Pg 22)•Fox Theatre

Waterton Lakes National ParkIf you’re in Waterton during the winter, you’re not looking for nightlife. Embrace it and enjoy the beautiful sounds of silence.


SHELL WATERTONCOMPLEX

Shell drilled its first well in the Waterton communityin 1957, discovering sour natural gas andcondensate. Construction of the Waterton Complexfollowed in 1960 and by January 21, 1962 the plantproduced its first sales gas into the plant for sale viapipeline.

Since that time, the Shell Waterton field has grownand developed to its current state of more than 50producing gas wells and over 200 kilometres ofoperating pipelines that carry the gas to the ShellWaterton Gas Plant. The Waterton Gas plant treatsthis raw gas to produce a clean-burning fuel whichis used for homes and businesses in Canada andthe United States.

Shell is major local employer in the Watertonregion, with over 100 employees and over 140contractors most of whom live and work in thearea. We’re proud to be an active part of thiscommunity, supporting the community’s growthand look forward to many more years ofresponsible development and production.


Historywww.crowsnestheritage.cawww.crowsnestmuseum.cawww.bellevueundergroundmine.orgwww.kootenaibrown.org

All of Southwestern Alberta is a riveting histori-cal resource. The mining and bootlegging tales alone will attest to the colourful history that this region possesses. In fact, the infamous Emperor Pic, bootlegger extraordinaire and alleged murderer, might be Crowsnest’s most famous resident,

The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Leitch Col-lieries, Bellevue Underground Mine, the ghost town of Lille and the Crowsnest Museum all of-fer physical locations to visit in Crowsnest Pass while furthering the breadth of your historical knowledge.

If you’re looking for more, the Crowsnest Herit-age Driving Tour will take you even deeper, with stops throughout The Pass and more details ready to be consumed from the numerous, large green and orange signs that explain the significance of certain building, ruins and monu-ments.

Pincher Creek is not without its own historical highlights and the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Vil-lage is great place to start.

Established in 1966, it was to preserve the vi-brant pioneer heritage of the area. It has since grown to include 19 buildings and over 18,000 artifacts. It also offers educational program-ming, a gift shop and local historical archives.

The Artswww.pinchercreekarts.comMaybe it’s the landscapes, maybe it’s the lower cost of living, or maybe it’s just something in the air and water, but the Alberta Southwest is a hotbed of artists.

Writers, painters, sculpturs, photographers, musicians and many more artistically inclined folks call this region their home base and two great places to check out their works are the Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek and the Crows-nest Pass Public Art Gallery in the community of Frank.

The Lebel Mansion has been the home of the Al-lied Arts Council since the early 1980s and along with a gallery, offers art classes, a gift shop, pot-tery studios, and even a meeting room.

The Allied Arts Council also presents a fall and spring film festival that is played on Mondays at the Orpheum Theatre in Crowsnest Pass and the Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek.

The Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery delivers a regular dose of artwork in their display area and has their own gift shop. Located right on High-way 3 in Frank, it’s an easy spot to check out on your way to, from or through Crowsnest Pass.

Both the Lebel Mansion and Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery are free, so be sure to check out the burgeoning art scene of Southwestern Alberta.

Legislature Office725 Legislature Annex9718 107 St.Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1E4

Constituency OfficeBox 1209Suite A 2019 20 Ave.Highway #2 NorthNanton, Alberta T0L 1R0Tel: 403-646-6256Fax: 403-646-6250

Pat StierMLA Livingstone-Macleod

Toll Free: [email protected]

Fax: 403-646-6250


Location, Location, LocationSouthwestern Alberta is often called a hid-den gem, and rightly so by most accounts. However, its amazing accessibility can lead one to ask exactly how this region can be considered “hidden”.

At just over 2 hours drive from Calgary, on high-quality Alberta highways, Southwestern Alberta makes for an easy day trip and an even easier weekend getaway.

For those coming from further abroad, Calgary’s International Airport receives flights from all ma-jor destinations around the world. Upon arrival, it’s the same simple drive south that locals experience.

Once here, everything is within a one-hour drive, making exploration of the entire region as simple as one could ever ask.

The Alberta Southwest is ready and waiting. Come join us this winter.

ALBERTABRITISH

COLUMBIA

MONTANA

CANADAU.S.A.

CANADAU.S.A.

Calgary

LethbridgeCranbrook

Kimberley

Invermere

Radium

Elkford

Sparwood

Fernie

Libby

PincherCreek

FortMacleod

Claresholm

Nanton

High River

Okotoks

Longview

TurnerValley

BlackDiamond

St. Mary

BrowningShelby

Whitefish

WestGlacier

ColumbiaFalls

CrowsnestPass

Cardston

GlacierNational Park

WatertonLakesN.P.

2

11Banff

Canmore

22

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940

22X

43

93

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Head-Smashed-InBuffalo Jump

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ing

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the-Sun Road

5

Head-Smashed-InBuffalo Jump

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Castle MountainResort

BeaverMines

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LundbreckCowley

BritishColumbia

alberta southwest winter guide: 2012 - 2013

Documents

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southwest region of

alberta southwestwww

alberta southwestwinter

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ski resort

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curt derbyshireart director