Pass Powderkeg is in Blairmore, Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass, right off Highway 3. It opened in 1938, and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass owns and runs it as a not-for-profit ski hill. The resort lists 1,000 feet of vertical over 27 trails, served by T-bars and a beginner lift, with a mid-mountain lodge. The Beginner lift and Discover area are free, though you still need a free lift pass from the ticket office. The runs are lit top to bottom for night skiing, and the Keg terrain park sits at the base of the upper T-bar.
Pass Powderkeg has one cam, the SnowCam, a live stream on the resort’s SnowCam page. The resort decides each day whether to open, depending on the weather and wind chill, and posts closures on its homepage and social media. Check those as well as the cam before you drive.
In Blairmore, head south on 129th Street, cross the tracks, turn right at the T intersection, and follow the access road 1.5 kilometres up to the lodge. The resort says the access road is cleared regularly but is steep with many turns. By the resort’s figures, Calgary is about 2 1/2 hours away, Lethbridge 1 1/2 hours, Pincher Creek 35 minutes, Sparwood 25 minutes and Fernie 45 minutes.
Alberta doesn’t require winter tires, but the province recommends four winter or all-weather tires in severe winter conditions. If you come from Sparwood or Fernie on BC’s side of Highway 3, BC requires winter tires or chains on most of its highways from October 1. DriveBC and 511 Alberta show road conditions.
Pass Powderkeg is on the Indy Pass with 2 days and no blackout dates. It isn’t on the Epic or Ikon Pass.