Virtual Saskatchewan - Downhill Skiing Guide for Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's hills and valleys support a surprising number of downhill skiing operations (listings below updated January 2011). 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. "The Duck'' is open on Saturdays and Sundays. The area features a day lodge with cafeteria, as well as cross-country and snowmobile trails.

Anticipated season:mid December to mid March.
Number of runs: 22.
Longest run: 1,600 metres.
Vertical Drop: 120 metres.
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) 542-4111.

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 April 3.
Number of runs: 10.
Longest run: 800 metres.
Vertical Drop: 92 metres.
Halfpipe: yes, and terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: chair lift, handle tow, T-bar.
Rentals: ski and snowboard.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: yes, phone for hours.

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: 11.
Longest run: 1,000 metres.
Vertical Drop: 110 metres.
Halfpipe: no, but terrain park.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 2 quad lifts, 2 magic carpet lifts.
Rentals: skis and snowboards.
Lessons: ski and snowboard, individual and group.
Night Skiing: Fridays only, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

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: 12.
Longest run: 1.2 km.
Vertical Drop: 90 metres.
Halfpipe: no.
Terrain Park: yes.
Snowmaking: yes.
Lifts: 1 quad lift, 1 handle tow, 1 rope tow, 1 magic carpet lift.
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: 6.
Longest run: 800 metres.
Vertical Drop: 92 metres.
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.

KINSMEN SKI HILL 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.
Vertical Drop: 28 metres.
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.