Planning Your Visit

Never Skied or Snowboarded Before?

Beginners are a focus at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort and we want help to make your first experience on skis or a snowboard a success! Here are a few tips before heading out for the first time:

1. Dress for the Weather - The weather in Alberta can change quickly and if you have the right clothing on it will make a world of difference. See our What To Wear tab for more information on proper layering.
   
   
2. Take a Lesson - The best way to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding is to take a lesson! We offer affordable Ski and Snowboard Lessons for all ages. Our Snow School Instructors are professionally trained to help you learn the basics in a safe and controlled environment.
   
   
   • Show up early for your lessons - we recommend an hour before your lesson starts. That way you will not be rushed trying to get dressed and pick up any rental equipment. More information on what to expect when you arrive is available here.
   More Lesson Information
   
   
3. Take it Slow - The majority of people will not be on the chairlift on their first day. Rabbit Hill offers 2 beginner areas that will help you progress your skills before heading up the chairlift. If you do not take a lesson we recommend starting on the Carpet Lift (looks like a conveyor belt - we have three Carpet Lifts and recommend starting at the one in front of the rental shop). The Carpets are one of the easiest lifts to get started on, and will take you terrain best suited to learning the basics of stopping and turning. Once you have mastered the Carpet, we recommend you head over to the Rope Tow (located closest to the parking lot). If you have questions about how to ride any of the lifts at Rabbit Hill please ask any of our lift attendants.  Only try new terrain when YOU are comfortable to add more of a challenge.
   
   
4. Take Breaks -  It is important to take breaks when you need them, and make sure you have some snacks and some water. Learning a new sport can be tiring, and you will have more fun if you take breaks when you need them.
   
   
5. Something for Everyone - Not everyone in your group interested in Skiing or Snowboarding? Try out our Tube Park! It is great for ages 3 & Up, plus all you need is your winter clothing (Jacket, pants, mitts/gloves, and a toque or helmet are recommended) and you are good to go!
   
   
6. Have Fun! - That is the whole point of skiing and snowboarding! Learning a new sport can be challenging but give it a little bit of time and practice and you will have a fun sport for life.Bring a friend or family member to learn with you - skiing and snowboarding are great social sports!

Arriving at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort

Parking

Please park in the parking lot that will be on the right hand side as you drive up to the resort. If you have lots of equipment to unload you can pull up close to the lodge where you can unload your gear before parking in the parking lot. *Do NOT leave equipment unattended, make sure to lock it up or have someone stay with it*

Have your own Equipment?

If you have skis or snowboards with you we ask that you lock them on the racks located outside the lodge, or leave them with a friend before coming inside the day lodge.

Purchasing Lift Tickets and Renting Equipment

You can either purchase your lift tickets and/or rentals online or in person at Rabbit Hill. To pick up tickets purchased online, you can proceed to one of the RFID Card pick up boxes (one will be located near the ticket windows, the other inside near Customer Service), you can go to either the ticket windows located outside near the unloading area, or inside the front doors to Customer Service. You can also pay for both your lift ticket and rentals at customer service, however purchasing online in advance will save you some money! All of our lift ticket rates can be found here. If you have any questions about the lift tickets feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 780-955-2440.

Lockers

We do have a limited number of lockers available. The lockers only accept debit/credit cards. You can purchase a locker for either a full or half day and you can go in and out of the locker as many times as you would like. We do also have lots of shelf space for storage, please leave all valuables at home or put them in a locker. Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Lesson Check-In

You must register for your lesson at least 2 days in advance. This will ensure we have an instructor/group available for you. You can do so online, or by calling Snow School at 780-955-2440 ext 39.

Please arrive at least one hour before your lesson start time. Come into the main lodge to check in for your group, private or discover lessons.

Snow School will give you your lift ticket, rental voucher (if you paid for rental equipment) and give you instructions on where to meet your instructor.

Lessons are booked on a first-come first-served basis and can fill up quickly. To make sure that you are able to get a lesson on the day of your visit, we highly recommend booking as soon as you are able to (10 days in advance). 

Learn More About Lessons

Renting Equipment

Rabbit Hill Snow Resort rents skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and poles. You will require PHOTO ID to rent equipment. If you are renting for a youth who may not have ID, please stay with them until the rental form is filled out. Once the form is filled out the cashier will give you instructions on where to go next.

Our boots are divided into ski (hard plastic) and snowboard (softer with laces). All of our boots are unisex in size. If you typically wear women’s sized shoes select a boot that is one to two sizes smaller then your regular shoes. If you typically wear men’s sized shoes, select a boot that is the same size as your regular shoes. Ski and snowboards boots should be snug or tight fitting, but should not hurt your feet. Our staff are available to help you find the correct size of boot for you to enjoy your day.

Next you will go under the #3 sign at the far end of the rental shop where you will be properly fitted for a helmet, and skis or snowboard.

Now you are ready to head out onto the snow!

Which lift should I start with?

If you are new to the sport of skiing or snowboarding and are not taking a lesson we recommend starting on the Magic Carpet Lift (located just outside the Rental Shop exit). The Magic Carpets are one of the easiest lifts to get started on, and will take you terrain best suited to learning the basics of stopping and turning.

Once you have mastered the Magic Carpets, you can head over to the Rope Tow (located closest to the parking lot).

We have 2 T-Bars and 1 Chairlift that will take you to the top of the hill and give you access to a variety of runs and our terrain parks. ( River Run is a guest favorite!)

If you have questions about how to ride any of the lifts at Rabbit Hill please ask any of our lift attendants. 

Ski runs are classified using a color system:

	Easier Terrain
	Intermediate Terrain
	Advanced Terrain
	Expert Terrain

*Please keep in mind that runs are rated relative to other runs at the resort. A run color classification may not be the same at Rabbit Hill as a similar run at another resort*

Detailed Trail Map

Safety

If you have any questions about the terrain or a general safety concern you can talk to any of our Patrol Staff. They wear red jackets marked with a white cross and can often be seen out on the hill. To report an injury or to ask a question please ask any staff member or customer service and they can call for the patrol to meet you All guests are asked to follow the Alpine Responsibility Code. This code is used across western Canada to promote safe practices while skiing or snowboarding. Learn more about Safety and Risk Awareness here

Food & Beverage

Rabbit Hill has a full service food and beverage area. We offer a variety of hot and cold food and drink options. On average you can get a combo (eg. Hamburger, Fries and a drink) for about $10-$15. We also offer homemade sandwiches, salads and a variety of baked goods. 

Our day lodge does have microwaves available if you would like to pack a lunch or some snacks.

*Please note that we do have a few gluten free/vegetarian options however we do handle other products and there is potential for cross contact.*

What to WeaR

In Partnership With:

Here in Alberta, weather can change on you at the drop of a dime so dressing properly is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Alberta’s winter climate can be intense, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing and wind chill adding an extra bite. Knowing what to wear — from thermal base layers to weatherproof outerwear — can make all the difference between a great day on the hill and a miserable one. We have partnered with Sundance Ski & Snowboard Shop  to give you some tips on how to properly dress for your day on the hill and to help break down why they are important.

Base Layer A quality base layer should always be your first layer that you put on. This layer should fit close to your skin, almost like underwear, so ideally you should choose a base layer that is made up of materials that are exceptional at wicking away sweat while also trapping heat. One of the most sought after materials for base layers is merino wool, but for those who may think merino wool is uncomfortable or may be allergic to wool, a great alternative is a synthetic base layer. These days, most synthetic base layers are made up of polyester and polypropylene. Try avoiding materials like cotton or denim when choosing what to wear as your first layer as they are known to absorb moisture leaving you wet, cold, and uncomfortable. Base layers include a shirt and a bottom that typically fits like a legging but snugger to the body. (For additional information on how to take care of your merino base layers click here! And for information on how to care for your synthetic base layers, click here!)
Ski/Snowboard Socks A ski sock is one of the easiest ways to keep your feet comfortable and warm inside your ski or snowboard boots. Just like your base layers, a sock made up of merino wool or polyester and/or polypropylene will do the trick. An incredibly common misconception when it comes to socks is the thicker the sock the warmer your feet will be, it is in fact the very opposite. Having a thicker sock inside of your boot won’t wick away the moisture in your feet as well as a thinner sock, and layering your socks to try and make your feet warmer will actually cut off proper circulation to your foot leading to it getting cold and uncomfortable significantly quicker. The main difference between a ski sock and a regular sock’s function is that a ski sock will provide a more efficient, moisture wicking surface and promotes proper blood flow. This creates a dry surface at the foot, providing you with warmth and comfort throughout the day. Not only that but some brands like Smartwool & Stance have targeted cushioning in their socks to offer the wearer a bit more support and comfort in spots where it may be needed. (For additional information on ski socks and what’s right for you, click here!)
Insulating Layers (aka Mid Layers) If you tend to run colder than the average skier or prefer to wear a non insulated shell while you ski, a mid layer is highly recommended. A mid layer is the clothing you wear between your base layer and your outer layer(your ski jacket). Its main job is to keep you warm by trapping your body heat. Common mid layers include fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or lightweight insulated jackets. If you need a heavier or warmer mid layer try something like a puffy that’s filled with goose down or synthetic down. This is usually the first layer to come off when it warms up outside! (For additional information on mid layers that contain either goose or synthetic down and how to care for them click here!)
Wind/Waterproof Layer (Jacket & Pants) This layer is your ski jacket and your snow pants. A few things to consider when looking for the right ski/snowboarding jacket and pants is, what kind of weather do you like to go skiing in, where are you skiing, how cold do you typically run, and how do you like your gear to fit. If it is snowing, windy, or even rainy, a shell jacket and shell pants will keep the wind from going through your layers, and snow and rain from getting you wet. With shells, it also allows you to layer however you need for the day ahead. With that being said, shells can be quite expensive, a more affordable option is an insulated winter coat or snow pants with some type of water resistance and breathability to keep your body warm and dry. Also check to see if it has good pockets and zippers easy to use with gloves or mitts on.  (For additional information on how to care for your jackets and GORE-TEX, click here!)
GLoves & Mitts There has always been the debate of which is warmer between the two. The answer: Both are equally warm, it’s just up to personal preference! Some prefer mitts because they like their fingers together, others prefer gloves because they like having full mobility of their fingers, but the most important thing is that whatever you choose, both options will keep your hands and fingers warm. When looking for gloves or mitts it’s best to look for some that are waterproof and durable. The best mitts that fit those two pieces of criteria are leather mitts/gloves, but leather mitts can also be quite expensive. Do your best to avoid any type of gloves or mitts that are knitted for they let in the cold air and moisture. Knitted mitts are also not very durable so using our rope tow with them will be a difficult and uncomfortable challenge. (For additional information on how to care for leather mitts, click here!)
Helmets Arguably the most important piece of equipment you should be wearing. Helmets are important when skiing because they help protect your head if you fall or crash. They can reduce the risk of serious injury by cushioning your head from hard impacts, like hitting ice, rocks, or other skiers. Lots of brands these days manufacture their helmets with MIPS. MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a special safety feature designed to protect your brain better during angled falls, which are very common in skiing. MIPS lets the helmet move slightly on your head during a crash, which helps reduce the force on your brain. So, wearing a helmet with MIPS gives you extra protection and helps keep you safer on the slopes. (For additional information on how to choose what helmet is right for you click here! And for more information about MIPS click here!) Face Protection Wearing a neck tube or balaclava when skiing is encouraged in order to keep your face, neck, nose, and ears warm and protected from the cold wind, snow, and even the sun since the snow reflects the sun rays back onto your face. Not only that, these areas can get cold really fast, especially when you’re going downhill quickly or if the weather is bad. A neck tube or balaclava helps you stay comfortable and prevents things like wind burn, sunburn, and frostbite. We recommend avoiding using a scarf of any kind as face protection as they get in the way and can get caught on lifts. Goggles Ski/Snowboard goggles are the best kind of protection for your eyes when hitting the slopes. They fit snugly(but not tight)to the face blocking out the elements like wind, snow, and sun. If you need glasses to see, brands even make goggles that are meant to fit comfortably over your glasses, those are typically labeled with the letters OTG in the model name which stands for “Over The Glasses”. If you do not have goggles or are renting a helmet and don’t have your goggles on hand, sunglasses are a great alternative during the day.  (For additional information about ski/snowboard goggles click here!)

Thank You to Sundance Ski & Snowboard for your recommendations!