Your Guide To Skiing After Dark: Alberta’s Best Places For Night Skiing

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Britanny Burr

Night skiing is a fun and dreamy way to experience one of the province’s favourite pastimes, and we’ve put together a guide to help you find the best places to give it a try.

There’s something undeniably special about night skiing. The crisp evening air, the glow of floodlights reflecting off the fresh snow, and the incredible energy that the skiers and snowboarders bring to the hill all work together to make it an unforgettable experience you need to try for yourself.

Skiing at night feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The crowds are thinner, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the runs are beautifully illuminated, creating an almost surreal setting. For many, it’s a chance to squeeze in extra runs after work or school, while others love the peaceful yet invigorating energy of skiing under the stars. Plus, night skiing often offers excellent value with discounted lift tickets, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy the slopes.

And let’s not forget how breathtaking it is. Let’s explore some of Alberta's best spots to try night skiing.

Mount Norquay, Banff

If you’re craving stunning mountain views and steep terrain, Mount Norquay is night skiing at its best. As one of the only resorts in the Canadian Rockies offering night skiing, it’s a bucket-list kind of experience. Their well-lit runs, cozy apres-ski vibes, and gorgeous views of Banff at night make it a stand-out destination. Night skiing runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on select evenings, with options for all skill levels.

And if you’re worried about staying warm, there’s nothing quite as welcoming as a hot chocolate or a nice, crisp pint waiting for you back at the cozy Lone Pine Lodge.

Canada Olympic Park, Calgary

Calling all Calgarians—this is your go-to for night skiing close to home. Canada Olympic Park (COP) is perfect for evening runs, offering lit-up slopes from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on select evenings. Whether you're tackling the intermediate runs or hanging out in the terrain park, COP is a fantastic option for a midweek adrenaline boost. There are lots of different ticket options at various prices, so you can choose whichever is the best and most affordable for you and your group.

Snow Valley, Edmonton

Snow Valley keeps the fun alive well into the evening with night skiing on its family-friendly slopes. The resort’s gentle runs are perfect for beginners and families, and the well-lit trails make it easy to enjoy the magic of skiing after dark. Bonus: They’ve got cozy fire pits to warm up after your runs. This place is a ton of fun and easily accessible from the city, so you can get a couple of runs in after work or school.

 

 

 

 

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Rabbit Hill, Edmonton

Another Edmonton favourite, Rabbit Hill, is ideal for a casual night on the slopes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and all-level terrain, Rabbit Hill is a great place to bring the whole family. Their lights keep the hill glowing until 9 p.m., so you can pack in plenty of fun after the sun sets. Who says you have to choose between city life and outdoor fun? You can have it both with these urban destinations.

 

 

 

 

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Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer

Halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Canyon Ski Resort is a hidden gem for night skiing. The slopes light up on weekdays until 9 p.m., offering everything from easy green runs to challenging black diamonds. Canyon is the largest non-mountain resort in Alberta, and its scenic riverside setting adds an extra touch of magic to your adventure.

If you’ve never experienced night skiing, this winter is the perfect time. Even if you’ve skied your whole life, there’s something special about skiing under a starlit sky. It’s a chance to experience the mountains in a whole new way.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, rally your crew, and head to one of Alberta’s night skiing hotspots this winter.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.