OUR HISTORY
Nestled in the prairie community of Innisfail, the Innisfail Ski Hill is a non-profit society run entirely by volunteers. We provide affordable and accessible recreational skiing and snowboarding for everyone, attracting up to 3,000 visits each year from people of all ages and abilities to this beautiful natural space. With cooperative snowfall, the Hill usually opens in mid to late December, closing typically in March.
It all began with a group of local families who came together to purchase land and create a dedicated area for winter recreation. The Innisfail Ski Club was established as a non-profit society on October 27, 1952. These families worked to build the essential infrastructure needed to begin operations - designing the main ski runs and trails, installing a tow rope and building a lodge constructed of stramit (compressed straw), post and beam, and stucco in the 1960’s.
While times have changed and people have come and gone over the years, the fun and spirit of the Innisfail Ski Hill have remained. From Ralph Oxtoby's ski school in the early days to today's families and individuals of all ages learning to ski or snowboard, the essence of our hill is still very much alive. Many successful athletes and ski community members have called this "small hill" in rural Alberta their "home mountain."
​
Throughout the years, we've enjoyed snowy winters with long ski seasons, as well as those with barely enough snow to operate. However, one thing has always remained consistent: the unwavering support from the Innisfail community, our society members, and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to keep the ski hill running.
OUR CHALET -
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
In 2020, a dedicated building committee was established to oversee the construction of a new Chalet, replacing our 57-year-old lodge. Completed in 2021, the new Chalet is larger and features complete kitchen amenities, comfortable spaces for relaxation between runs, and more room for rental equipment. Skiers, spectators, and visitors are all welcome to enjoy the view from our new outdoor deck.
The building committee members undertook much of the work themselves, with generous contributions from community businesses in the form of materials, equipment, and labour. Volunteers also raised funds through a variety of activities, including a bottle drive, a GoFundMe page, and support from government and businesses. In total, over 1,000 hours of labor were donated.
We are deeply grateful to the individuals and local businesses who donated materials and labor, as well as the service clubs like the Lions and Rotary, and the municipal support from the town and county. The financial support from individuals and the efforts of those who organized fundraising activities have been invaluable.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our new chalet a reality. Your support ensures that the Innisfail Ski Hill continues to be a cherished part of our community.
