Pass Powderkeg an unexpected gem of ski hill

Interestingly, the historic lodge is located at mid-mountain. Two T-bars meet there; one to unload the skiers from the lower runs that really do end curbside in Blairmore. The other takes skiers and riders to the ridge to explore at least a dozen more runs. There are a few green runs, but the majority are blue with some new black runs recently etched into the slope. I thought for sure the runs would be casually pitched but even the blue like Xpresso and Chinook are surprisingly steep. Short, yes, but sweet.

Families will love this place; the parking lot is a ball toss from the lodge. Speaking of the lodge, they brought in a chef to up the game on the menu. Chef Alejandro Verdi will whip up a killer grilled cheese or exotic fair like pork belly sliders, roasted Brussel sprouts with cheese, or chickpea curry and rice.

The core value for PPK is the family learning to ski or ride. “But that doesn’t mean we have to ski together all the time,” says Peter Bubik, of Blairmore. “After my kids are done their lessons, I buy them hot chocolate at the lodge and while they chill with their friends I do a few hot laps on Edge, then ski to the bottom. When they are ready, they ski home. I’m fully confident that they will be just fine.”

“Winter is real here,” says Joey O’Brien, manager of community services for the MD of Crowsnest Pass. “The community embraces the season, so we have created a calendar of events at Pass Powderkeg to get everyone involved. This season is packed with ski and snowboard lessons for every age, fat tire biking, teen nights, ladies’ nights, snowshoeing, GT racing on PPK Youth Nights. It doesn’t stop.”

O’Brien isn’t kidding about the activities. Here’s a fast rundown of activities worth watching for:

Ladies Guided Snowshoeing. Drop in Saturday mornings for one or the entire season to get some exercise, meet some new people and to learn about the winter landscape. Watch the calendar for the evening snowshoe events. Bring your headlamps and your camera and learn how to photograph the stars. Refreshments in the lodge with your new pals always follow the treks.

Masters Program. This program for skiers and riders (over the age of 16) is all about pushing your intermediate level into advanced. The Level 4 instructors at PPK will see where you are and move you forward through the gates, bumps and through the terrain park.

Group or private lessons. There are lessons for every ability and excellent rentals to make it easy. Ladies only events are full of laughter and support. Private lessons are great for fine tuning that turn, overcoming some trepidation without an audience.

“Pass Powderkeg isn’t just winter. We have events through the summer that people should watch for,” says O’Brien. “New this spring will be E-bike treks.”

The calendar isn’t set yet but watch for the E-Bike program. It will be a lot like a cat ski expedition where groups of 12 on PPK Fat-tire E-Bikes will head into the backcountry with a guide who explains the history of the valley, the ecology and the terrain. Along the way, stop to enjoy the provided 5-star lunch. If taking off on a bike isn’t your style, there will be trail running clinics and guided nature walks too.

You won’t go hungry in the Pass

Then there’s the latest craft brewery. Pull in at Lundbreck to the Oldman Brewing Company for a growler or two. I have a Blue Bridge Lager and a Blind Canyon Blonde ale chilling in the fridge. But not for long.