Winter Adventures for Beginners in Cranbrook BC
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Winter in Cranbrook offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the snow and try something new. Whether you’re a seasoned winter enthusiast or a total newbie, Cranbrook offers a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy! I visited Cranbrook to try three winter activities that were new to me: fat biking, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing. It was a fun and rewarding experience that proves Cranbrook truly does offer something for everyone, making it a great winter destination.
Fat Biking at South Star Recreation Area
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If you can ride a bike, fat biking is one of the most natural and intuitive winter activities to try! Cranbrook is a biking destination year-round, and winter certainly doesn’t slow anyone down. At South Star Recreation Area, just 15 minutes from town, you’ll find an incredible 60km multi-use trail network, maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Wildhorse Cycling Club.
South Star Recreation Area offers several kilometers of fat bike trails that are shared with snowshoers and walkers. Dogs are welcome on these trails, but please be mindful and clean up after them to help keep the area enjoyable for everyone. There are options for easy, moderate and difficult trails, catering to all skill levels. I chose a moderate trail with minimal hills (Kinnikinnick East), that winds through serene forests and open meadows. The trails are well-marked, and there are maps posted at the main parking lot and along the ride to keep you on track. For alternative navigation, the TrailForks app is an excellent app to use.
*Gear: Local shops in Cranbrook offer rentals, such as Northstar Bicycle Co. Keep in mind you’ll need a way to transport the bike to and from the trails.
Cross-Country Skiing at South Star Recreation Area
Not into biking? South Star Recreation Area is so much more than biking trails! There’s also 21 kilometers of beautifully groomed cross-country ski trails with several dog-friendly options, making it a favorite spot for locals. Check the map legend to find out which trails allow dogs.
Easy Street is a great place to start, as it is mostly flat and connects with several other easy and moderate-rated trails. Once I found my rhythm, it didn’t take long before I was gliding through the serene forest and soaking in the snowy mountain views. Not only were the trails incredibly well-maintained, but as a beginner, I really appreciated the abundance of easy and moderate trails, which was perfect for someone like me who isn’t confident in tackling steep hills just yet.
The design of the trail system stood out, too. Maps were placed at key points, everything was clearly marked, and there was even an outhouse a few kilometers in—such a thoughtful addition for a longer outing.
*Gear: You can rent gear in town from the local College of the Rockies by filling out an online form with at least 24 hours’ advance notice.
Downhill Skiing at Kimberley Alpine Resort
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For the ultimate winter experience, Kimberley Alpine Resort is the place to be. As a complete beginner, I opted for a private ski lesson, though the resort also offers group lessons. Within two hours, I went from not knowing how to put on skis to confidently “pizza-ing” my way down the mountain.
The lesson was an excellent way to learn the foundational skills and receive constructive feedback. My instructor helped me progress at my own pace, gradually moving from the magic carpet to the T-bar, then on to the chair lift. The mellow terrain, quieter atmosphere, and variety of beginner runs made Kimberley Alpine Resort the perfect place to learn. Plus, views of the surrounding mountains from the hill are breathtaking, which really added to the experience.
*Gear: You can rent gear right at the hill. The staff will make sure everything fits comfortably before you head out.
Trying new activities can be intimidating, but Cranbrook’s inclusive community and beginner-friendly terrain makes it so much more enjoyable. From fat biking through snowy trails to cross-country skiing and downhill adventures, Cranbrook will help you feel confident to try something new and fall in love with winter all over again!
Beyond the trails, the town itself adds to the charm with great local spots like Hot Shots Café for a warm drink, Encore Brewing for après, and Fire & Oak, located inside the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort which is a fantastic place to stay while you’re here.
Challenge yourself, embrace the season, and experience everything winter has to offer in Cranbrook!
Sara Parsons is an outdoor enthusiast and storyteller based in Canmore, AB. She inspires others to embrace the outdoors at their own pace through sharing her experiences as a slow, asthmatic hiker. Driven by her passion for protecting nature and wildlife, Sara educates fellow adventurers about the importance of responsible recreation.
