While there are many familiar cross-country skiing areas in the Kananaskis region and Banff National Park around Calgary, when spring snow were generally poor elsewhere, we discovered the exceptional Mount Shark skiing conditions in this remote and pristine location. Located in Spray Valley Provincial Park at an elevation of about 1800 meters, this area is surrounded by mountains with magnificent scenery and perfect trails beneath your feet!
Where is Mount Shark?
Mount Shark is located in Spray Valley Provincial Park at an elevation of about 1800 meters, part of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by impressive peaks like Mount Birdwood and Mount Smuts. On clear days with good visibility, if you are lucky, skiing to higher points offers distant views of Spray Lakes Reservoir and nearby Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – truly one of the great pleasures of experiencing Mount Shark skiing conditions at their best.
How to Get to Mount Shark
We’ve driven both car routes, each with its own advantages and considerations:
- Via Hwy 40 Route
- Route Description: From Calgary, take Highway 1 to Highway 40, continue south, pass through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, then turn onto Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) heading north to reach Mount Shark. Although this route is about 10 kilometers longer overall than the alternative, Highway 40 is paved, making it much easier to drive than Highway 742.
- Things to Note: Due to the longer distance, this route might have more accumulated snow, and Highway 742 isn’t plowed very often.
- Via Canmore on Hwy 742 Route
- Route Description: Drive from Calgary to Canmore, then head south on Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) to Mount Shark. We chose to exit Highway 1 at Three Sisters to avoid Canmore’s downtown.
- Pros and Cons: This saves over 10 kilometers in distance but not necessarily time. Highway 742 is a gravel road with almost no snow removal in winter, numerous potholes, and requires slower driving speeds. Winter driving here needs some skill and patience. This route is convenient if you need to rent equipment at Canmore Nordic Center or want to shop or eat in town on your return trip.
What to Expect: Mount Shark Skiing Conditions
We went in early March when Calgary had experienced Chinook high temperatures for over a week. While some sun-facing trails at West Bragg Creek were already melting through, the Mount Shark skiing conditions remained in pristine winter state, creating a big contrast to the spring snow commonly found elsewhere in Kananaskis. It’s perfect for family outings, and you can even bring your dog to share the skiing fun!
Experienced skiers told us that trail maintenance typically happens on Thursdays, making weekends ideal for optimal Mount Shark skiing conditions! The maintenance team is the same crew that handles nearby Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, and they do a great job. Thanks to the higher elevation, it was snowing all day during our visit, while Canmore was sunny and 6 degrees above zero.
Trail Options
Compared to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park 75+ kilometer trail system, Mount Shark’s 35 kilometers might not seem extensive, but it satisfies skiers of all levels. The trail network includes gentle routes for beginners and more challenging tracks for advanced skiers. On our first visit, we skied the Watridge Lake Trail and Virgo Trail. The Watridge Lake Trail is spacious, gentle, and scenic with mountain views at both ends, making it perfect for families and beginners looking to enjoy the reliable Mount Shark skiing conditions.
Where to Check Mount Shark Skiing Conditions
The Mt. Shark ski Map shows not only many short loops suitable for brief experiences and flexible combinations but also longer loops that provide excellent options for endurance training. The trail design thoroughly considers different skiers’ needs, whether you’re seeking the thrill of high-speed skiing or enjoying a leisurely, peaceful glide.
For the most up-to-date Mount Shark skiing conditions, we usually refer to these real-time updated trail maintenance reports:
- Nordic Pulse Grooming Report (mobile app available)
- AB Parks Mount Shark Trail Report
Recommended Trails at Mount Shark
Easy Routes
- Orion Loop – Blue loop (2 km)
- Watridge Lake route (3.7 km one way, 30m elevation gain): Just before reaching Watridge Lake, turn left at the T-junction and continue 200m (continuous downhill) to reach the lakeshore. If time allows, you can also hike to Karst Spring (800m distance, 100m elevation gain).
Intermediate Routes
- Red/Black loop (5 km)
Difficult Routes
- Red/Purple loop (5 km)
- Red loop (5 km)
Skate Skiing Routes
Biathlon training area, Draco, Hercules, Mount Shark Heli Pad access, Orion, Pegasus, Ursa Major, Virgo
Essential Information for Visiting Mount Shark
Parking and Facilities
- Navigation and Parking: Set Google Maps to “Mount Shark Day Use Area” to reach the parking lot.
- Facilities: Public toilets (outhouses) and picnic tables available.
- Helpful Tip: Parking requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
- Dogs: Allowed on trails but must be leashed.
On our return journey, we encountered several ski touring people. One was pulling a cart for equipment. Mount Shark has a Heli Pad where hikers and skiers take helicopters to access Mount Assiniboine.
Safety and Preparation for Mount Shark Skiing Conditions
Thorough preparation is essential for safe and enjoyable winter skiing. Here are some tips from our experience:
Research Trails in Advance
We study the specific locations and difficulty levels of trails beforehand. It’s particularly important to note that many trails at Mount Shark are one-way! Before entering a trail, look for signs indicating the direction.
Check Latest Snow Conditions and Maintenance Reports
Before setting out, we recommend checking Nordic Pulse (and its app), Alberta Parks website, and Skier Roger website for the latest Mount Shark skiing conditions and trail maintenance information to ensure you’re fully informed about the day’s environment. For beginner and intermediate skiers, try to ski the most recently groomed trails to reduce difficulty.
Avalanche Risk Prevention
Although most cross-country ski trails in the Kananaskis area are far from avalanche danger zones, some routes may be near high-risk areas. We check Avalanche Canada’s daily forecasts and strictly follow safety warnings at trail entrances. If you haven’t received professional training, please don’t venture into high-risk areas.
Equipment and Emergency Items
Mountain weather is changeable and daylight is limited, so wear multiple layers of warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and carry enough water, snacks, and a headlamp to handle potential emergencies.
Be Aware of Wildlife
While most bears are hibernating in winter, occasional wildlife encounters are possible. Maintain a safe distance from any wild animals.
Mount Shark: Worth the Journey
If you want to experience the most reliable Mount Shark skiing conditions and enjoy good snow, consider adding Mount Shark to your cross-country skiing list – this journey is absolutely worth the distance. We recommend planning your route and safety preparations in advance, staying updated on the latest conditions, and fully enjoying this pristine and magnificent winter wonderland.
