Virtual Saskatchewan - Downhill Skiing Guide for Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's hills and valleys support a surprising number of downhill skiing operations (see listings below). Most offer equipment rentals and lessons for groups and individuals.

But while downhill skiing is a popular winter activity in Saskatchewan, anyone acquainted with it knows snowboarding is challenging skiing in popularity, particularly among young newcomers to the slopes. Saskatchewan's ski area operators have moved quickly to accommodate participants in this burgeoning sport.

"On most days, probably 75 per cent of our people are snowboarders,'' says Elaine Amundson, ski area operator for Ski Timber Ridge, at Big River. "When it first came out, snowboarding was the baggy-pants-and-snotty-nosed-kid thing, you know. Now, it's mainstream.''

A doctor from Meadow Lake is a frequent snowboarder at Timber Ridge, says Amundson, and the snowboarding instructor at the ski hill is a young mother of two who also teaches piano.

"She took the snowboard instructor course at Table Mountain and passed with flying colors.''

Snowtubing is another activity that's growing in popularity at provincial ski hills, says Amundson. Table Mountain, west of the Battlefords, offers tubing runs with tow lifts.

Note: Fees, hours of operation, equipment and other specifics surrounding ski hill operations can and do change. Please check with the individual facility before setting off on your trip.

DUCK MOUNTAIN SKI AREA is situated near the Manitoba boundary on Highway 57 in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, about an hour northeast of Yorkton and three to four hours from Regina and Saskatoon. Open for the 2006 season on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The area features a day lodge with cafeteria, as well as cross-country and snowmobile trails.

Anticipated season:December 26 to March 31.
Number of runs: 20.
Longest run: 1,230 metres (4,000 ft).
Vertical Drop: 100 metres (325 ft).
Halfpipe: yes.
Snowmaking: no.
Lifts: 2 T-bars, 1 handle tow.
Rentals: downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: no.

For further information phone (306) 542-3181.

BLACKSTRAP WINTER SPORTS PARK— Note: Blackstrap re-opened Feb. 9, 2007. The ski hill is about 30 minutes south of Saskatoon on Highway 11 to Regina. Saskatchewan's 'man-made mountain' offers snowboarding, snowblading, snowtubing and skating in addition to traditional downhill skiing.

Anticipated season: end of November to March 31.
Number of runs: 13.
Longest run: 450 metres (1,460 ft).
Vertical Drop: 100 metres (325 ft).
Halfpipe: yes, groomed. And terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: carpet lift and temporary handle tow as triple chair and T-bar await parts.
Rentals: ski, snowboard and snowblade.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: Friday from 6 to10 p.m.

Try directory assistance for a phone number.

MISSION RIDGE is located 40 minutes northeast of Regina in the Qu'Appelle Valley, near the town of Fort Qu'Appelle. The day lodge is licensed and includes a cafeteria.

Anticipated season: mid December to March 31.
Number of runs: 9.
Longest run: 800 metres (2,600 ft).
Vertical Drop: 90 metres (292 ft).
Halfpipe: yes, and terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 2 T-bars, 2 handle tows.
Rentals: ski and snowboard.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: Tuesday to Friday, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

For further information phone (306) 332-5479.

TABLE MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK is located about 15 kilometres west of Battleford on Highway 40 and 10 kilometres north on a grid road. The large chalet features a full-meal cafeteria and a licensed lounge.

Anticipated season: early December to March 31.
Number of runs: 8.
Longest run: 1,100 metres (3,600 ft).
Vertical Drop: 110 metres (360 ft).
Halfpipe: no, but terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 2 handle tows, 1 T-bar and 1 quad chair.
Rentals: skis and snowboards.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: Wednesdays and Fridays (after Jan. 1), 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Babysitting service: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons (one year and older).

For further information phone (306) 937-2920 or (Snow Phone 937-7715).

PWT Snow Park (formerly TWIN TOWERS) is located 50 kilometres northwest of Rosetown and about 3 kilometres south of the Village of Stranraer, on Highway 31.

Anticipated season: early December to late March.
Number of runs: 9 Longest run: 701 metres (2,300 ft).
Vertical Drop: 91 metres (300 ft).
Halfpipe: yes.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 1 T-bar and 1 belt lift.
Rentals: ski, snowboard and snowblade.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: scheduled for specific dates.

For further information phone (306) 377-4551, or 377-2033 for Snow Phone.

WAPITI VALLEY is situated on the Saskatchewan River Valley about 30 minutes north of Melfort on Highway 6. Wapiti features a day lodge with a full-meal cafeteria and a licensed lounge.

Anticipated season: mid December to late March.
Number of runs: 11.
Longest run: 800 metres (2,600 ft).
Vertical Drop: 88 metres (285 ft).
Halfpipe: no.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 1 chairlift, 1 handle tow and 1 knob tow.
Rentals: ski and snowboard.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: Fridays 6 to 9 p.m.

For further information phone (306) 862-5621.

SKI TIMBER RIDGE is a community-owned ski area located about 3 kilometres southeast of Big River, just off Highway 55. The area features a day lodge with full concession. Nearby are cross-country ski trails and snowmobiling areas.

Anticipated season: December 1 to March 31.
Number of runs: 5
Longest run: 800 metres (2,600 ft).
Vertical Drop: 92 metres (300 ft).
Halfpipe: no.
Snowmaking: no.
Lifts: 1 T-bar, 1 rope tow.
Rentals: ski, snowboard and snowblade.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: no.

For further information phone (306) 469-4545.

White Track ski area is located 25 minutes northwest of Moose Jaw in Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. The upper chalet is a fully licensed concession, while the lower one provides a warm-up area and washrooms. Weekday openings vary, so it's best to phone first.

Anticipated season: early December to March 31.
Number of runs: 8.
Longest run: approx. 300 metres (975 ft).
Vertical Drop: approx. 68 metres (220 ft).
Halfpipe: no, but terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: T-bar, two tow ropes.
Rentals: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Lessons: individual and group, ski and snowboard.
Night Skiing: Wednesday and Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.

For further information call (306) 691-0100.

Kinsmen Ski Centre is located about two miles north of Prince Albert on Highway 55, at Little Red River Park.

Anticipated season: December 1 to March 31.
Number of runs: 3.
Longest run: 150 metres (485 ft).
Vertical Drop: 28 metres (90 ft).
Halfpipe: no, but terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes
Lifts: 2 cable tows.
Rentals: ski and snowboard.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: yes.

For further information phone (306) 763-5454.