Every Calgarian knows that one of the perks of our great city is its proximity to world-class skiing. But many may not know about these hills even closer to Calgary, which got families out on the slopes in years past and helped to shape our love of winter outdoor activities. This blog was spurred on by a conversation last week with a great friend who remembers going up the T-Bar at the Shaganappi Ski Hill in Calgary’s Inner City - SO AMAZING!
SHAGANAPPI 1949-1960
In 1948, the Calgary Ski Club sought permission from the city to use the slopes on the north side of the Municipal Golf Course, now known as Shaganappi. The club proposed using the golf clubhouse as a change room and even planned to install floodlights for night skiing. Volunteers worked tirelessly to clear the brush, and by January 1949, the first ski runs were opened for enjoyment. A T-bar lift was added later, allowing patrons to access the ski area through the golf course parking lot. The hill quickly gained popularity with the public and served as a training ground for ski racers.
HAPPY VALLEY 1961-1970
Before Calgary expanded to its current size, a family leisure park called Happy Valley opened east of Valley Ridge. Businessman Ernie Lutz bought the land in 1959 to create Alberta’s own Disneyland. By 1961, Happy Valley offered playgrounds, trails, pony rides, stocked ponds, and camping areas, and later added a pool, go-karts, trampolines, mini-golf, and a Par-3 course. Winter sports soon followed, with a ski hill added in 1962 featuring a poma lift, night skiing, and snowmaking equipment. A popular family destination for years, Happy Valley changed hands several times before Calgarian Bob Allen purchased it in 1976 and added the 18-hole Valley Ridge Golf Course.
FORTRESS MOUNTAIN 1967-2004
Established in 1967, Fortress Mountain was a prominent ski destination in Kananaskis Country.
The resort featured a vertical drop of approximately 700 meters and was known for its
challenging terrains and scenic beauty. However 2004, Fortress Mountain ceased operations
due to financial difficulties and infrastructure challenges. In the years following its closure, the
site found a new purpose as a filming location for major films like "Inception" and "The
Revenant. Efforts have been made to revive the resort, including cat skiing operations initiated
in 2011, but as of 2025, the resort remains closed to the public.
WINTERGREEN ( LYON MOUNTAIN ) 1967-2004
Situated near Bragg Creek, Wintergreen Ski Area, also known as Lyon Mountain, was
established in 1982 by Bob Lyon. The resort featured 12 trails and multiple lifts, including a
Mueller double chairlift and a quad chairlift. Its proximity to Calgary made it a favorite among
local families. However, due to challenges such as inconsistent snowfall and financial
constraints, the resort closed in 2003. The base lodge has since been repurposed as a clubhouse
for the adjacent golf course, but the ski slopes remain abandoned.
established in 1982 by Bob Lyon. The resort featured 12 trails and multiple lifts, including a
Mueller double chairlift and a quad chairlift. Its proximity to Calgary made it a favorite among
local families. However, due to challenges such as inconsistent snowfall and financial
constraints, the resort closed in 2003. The base lodge has since been repurposed as a clubhouse
for the adjacent golf course, but the ski slopes remain abandoned.
PIGEON MOUNTAIN 1964-69 & 1979-84
Pigeon Mountain, located near Canmore, was a modest ski area that operated during the mid-
20th century. Details about its operations are scarce, but it is known that the resort faced
challenges due to limited snowfall and competition from larger nearby resorts. Eventually,
Pigeon Mountain ceased operations, and today, nature has reclaimed much of the area, with little
evidence remaining of its skiing past.
challenges due to limited snowfall and competition from larger nearby resorts. Eventually,
Pigeon Mountain ceased operations, and today, nature has reclaimed much of the area, with little
evidence remaining of its skiing past.
Legacy and Reflection
While these ski hills no longer operate, their legacies endure in the memories of those who
carved their first turns on their slopes or spent weekends with family and friends amidst the
alpine scenery. They played pivotal roles in fostering a love for winter sports in Alberta and
contributed to the province's rich skiing heritage.
As we reflect on these shuttered resorts, it's essential to recognize the challenges faced by the ski
industry, particularly in the context of environmental changes and economic pressures. Their
stories serve as reminders of the delicate balance between nature, recreation, and community, and
the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of such cherished institutions.
Share Your Memories
Have you ever skied down the slopes of Shaganappi, Happy Valley, Wintergreen, Fortress or Pigeon Mountain? Do you have, old photos, trail maps, or stories from Alberta’s lost ski hills? I’d love to hear from you! Share
your memories in the comments; or tag me on social media.
