Cross country Skiing in Camrose, Alberta
When you think of cross-country skiing in Alberta, a trip to Camrose in the heart of Alberta’s agricultural country is unlikely to be the first place that comes to mind. So what a pleasant surprise it was to find well-groomed, beautifully kept cross-country ski trails thanks to the Camrose Ski Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in Canada.
Cross-country skiing in Camrose surpassed all expectations, leaving me a tad envious of the locals and their fantastic network of trails practically out their front door.
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Location map of the Camrose ski club
Ski jumping has been popular in Camrose for a long time
Camrose, according to Hazel Cail, Executive Director of Tourism Camrose, has strong Scandinavian roots – so back in the early days skiing and ski jumping was popular with the majority of residents. The original ski jump, built in 1911 is long gone and so is the one lost to a fire in 1921. The present ski jump dates to 1932.
As one story goes, there is tell of skiers doing their jumps and one landed far out into the snow and just kept sinking…. right into a pig manure pit from the pig farm existing right next to the ski hill.
Beautiful cross-country skiing in Camrose
Fortunately the manure pit is long gone. What you’ll find now in Camrose are approximately 18 kilometres of cross country ski trails following the Stoney Creek Valley.
Don’t expect a wilderness feel to the trails that form a loop at the north end. In fact, some lucky residents can ski right out their back door onto the trails. But at the south end, away from the homes, you’re skiing in an area that feels far removed from civilization.
Skiing under a trestle bridge – one that’s still in use today – was one of the highlights of my ski tour. The first was built in 1910 and because of fires, it’s been rebuilt twice.
Hazel tells me that at one point up to eight through-passenger trains arrived daily in Camrose from Calgary – along with freight trains.
Cross country skiing in Camrose on well-marked trails
You’ll find signage at any major trail intersection. Often the choice lies between taking the easy valley route or climbing one of the hills. I opted to climb hills wherever I could and was surprised at the steepness of many of them and how tiring it actually was if you climbed them all.
You can get a serious work-out cross country skiing in Camrose if that’s what you’re after.
Located at the end of the southern trails is a Biathalon range. The bang of a gun could be heard in the area though I don’t know if it’s actually used for races anymore.
The Annual Ole Uffda Loopet in Camrose
In February the annual Ole Uffda Loppet takes place in Camrose. Race lengths vary from 1.5 to 22.5 kilometres – so this is one family-friendly event. I asked who Ole Uffda was and learned that it’s a Scandinavian mascot designed for the 1990 Winter Games.
When Ole isn’t living in the Viking Shop at the Visitor Centre, Ole shows up in parades and likes to start races.
What to do after cross country skiing in Camrose
The old part of Camrose is very pretty. Lined with tidy houses, large trees and a downtown area of several blocks with loads of independent businesses, it’s a great place to check out after skiing – unless it’s a Sunday and then it’s more like a ghost town.
Fiona’s Coffee & Gifts offers organic baked goods or stop by the Lefse House, an authentic Scandinavian bakery. There’s a main strip of malls running through the town so if it’s Starbucks or Tim Hortons you’re after, you’ll find them as well.
I was disappointed to see so few people out cross country skiing in Camrose. The trails are truly beautiful and very accessible if you live in the Red Deer – Edmonton corridor. From Calgary, it’s a three hour drive, so it’s a long day trip, though doable.
Further reading about winter in Alberta
- Incredible Things to Do in Banff in Winter
- 25 Magical Things to Do in Winter in Lake Louise
- Cross country Skiing in Peter Lougheed Park
- Snowshoeing in Kananaskis – 9 Trails to Explore
- 10 Best Winter Hikes in Canmore & Nearby
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I live in camrose and use the trail system all spring summer and fall. It is a wonderful place to go walking or biking. I feel as though camrose is the perfect size to raise a family and has a vibrant arts and sports culture as well. So glad to see you write about a place so near to my heart.
@Laura-joy Thanks for stopping by. I’m just a little amazed at how little it’s used. It was such a lovely day I figure it should have been crawling with people. I’d never seen Camrose and was impressed by how much it had to offer.
Hey Leigh, we have a Camrose near Montego Bay but that’s as far as the similarity goes. Looks absolutely inviting, the views are spectacular. I’m sure it’s lovely place to ski. Do you know what replaced the pig farm or what they grow during the season? I bet it’s a beautiful Camrose is a beautiful place to visit in the summer as well.
I have never been cross-country skiing but I can certainly see its appeal…one with nature and surrounded by sheer beauty! Leigh, you are truly an inspiration to get out and see the world!
It looks just beautiful Leigh! Don’t you love when you discover someThing about a place that you wouldn’t expect? I don’t currently cross country ski but definitely want to give a go soon.
@Jenn I don’t think of eastern Alberta as delivering much of a ski experience so it was a treat to be surprised. I had a very full day – and wonderful temperatures too.
Those are some gorgeous trails, Leigh. But, I’m very disappointed that there isn’t a snap shot of you going for it and flying off of the ski jump!! 🙂
@Mike That would be some selfie!! I’d be a broken bag of bones at the bottom.
Glad to see Canadians embrace cross-country skiing, too. Are kids/the young interested as well?
@Sophie I know they have a jackrabbit program which tries to get young kids out skiing – but I don’t think we compare to the Norwegians unfortunately. In Canmore, near Banff NP you see lots of kids Nordic skiing.
Camrose looks like a lovely place to go cross-country skiing and this is actually an adventure that I think I would quite enjoy on a not-too-cold winter day!
@Lisa It’s been warm in the west while you’ve been suffering in the east. I skied without mitts!
I love cross country skiing but unfortunately do not have often the opportunity. Camrose, Alberta seems like the perfect place for cross country skiing. The town is really beautiful as well.
I love visiting Camrose. It’s close enough to where I live for a nice day trip and the city is quite pretty. I know Camrose has a large Scandanavian community so it’s not too surprising that they have cross country skiing trails although I never really thought about checking them out before. Maybe next time I’m in Camrose during the winter I should.
Also I don’t know when the ski jump was last used but about 15 years ago, when I was in high school, Camrose hosted a youth conference for the United Church of Canada (or the ones in the Alberta/BC region) and I remember the attendees had the option of doing the ski jump. Heights aren’t my thing though so I passed on it.
@Alouise I loved this comment. I hadn’t appreciated the connection to Scandinavia before my visit. The trails are a great way to see the area and you can rent equipment in town. I chuckle when I think about people being offered the chance to go off the ski jump – wonder how many actually did it??