Fritz Gschossmann, owner of Fritz Ski Haus in Edmonton, talks about his favourite ski spots.

Winter is a great season for family activities like skiing and sledding that take advantage of our abundant fluffy white stuff. Alberta is a destination of choice for many people around the world looking for great ski slopes or backcountry treks. Add to these activities the exhilaration of sledding with either a 260-horsepower machine or 10 excited dogs, and Alberta has it all. Technical advances in equipment have contributed to the increased enjoyment of winter activities.

Arctic Cat has taken the snowmobile concept to new heights with machines that specialize in mountain terrain and backcountry trails. Rick Lenglet has been with Echo Cycle for over nine years and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to snowmobiles. He has seen the machines become more responsive, lighter, more comfortable and more ergonomic over the years, making sledding more enjoyable and safer. Safety features incorporated in the design, brakes and lights all help to make these powerful machines more controllable. Rick says that the proper equipment including helmets, gloves, a signal beacon, shovel and the right outerwear will ensure this winter activity is fun for all family members. Echo Cycle offers a safety course that covers the use of equipment like beacon finders; Arctic Cat has a safety video.

If you prefer canine power to horsepower, consider Canmore's Mad Dogs & Englishman Expeditions. Co-owner Dawn Hedge offers excursions from two-hour trips to multi day treks in Kananaskis country with lunch over an open fire. The company earned international notoriety after offering winter adventure/survival training for the British Army more than 14 years ago. Today, Brits continue to come looking for a dog sledding adventure after hearing stories from their friends.

Mad Dogs' sleds each use six to 10 dogs to pull two to three people. The experience begins with harnessing the dogs and includes taking different positions with the sled from passenger to running the sled. For the adventuresome family the company offers Mushing 101 - a full day on the trail. Dawn also works with other guiding companies to offer multiple activities like snowshoeing and caving. The season usually starts mid-December and goes to the end of March or April depending upon snow levels. Dawn and husband-to-be and founder of the company Russell Donald have many happy customers around the world. Dawn suggests booking ahead as dates get taken quickly, also wear layers of clothing and be prepared to help the dogs.

For many Albertans winter is synonymous with skiing. We are fortunate to have mountain resorts like Sunshine, Lake Louise, Marmot and Nakiska to name a few and many backcountry trails as well as the famous Canmore Nordic Centre.

Fritz Gschossmann, owner of Fritz Ski Haus (9423-98 Avenue, Edmonton phone 780.466.6318), has been helping skiers select the right equipment for over 34 years. The former US ski instructor knows that the most important piece of equipment is the ski boot. The boot must fit properly to provide the comfort and support the skier needs to get the best performance out of his skis. Technical advances in bindings and carving skis have improved performance and enjoyment for recreational skiers. Fritz has helped many customers get the right equipment starting with boots, then bindings, skis and poles. Fritz is an active skier, knows what’s new and what works and is very knowledgeable about the sport.

John Gallagher, owner of Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Centre, is an active skier and instructor with many years of experience helping skiers choose the right equipment and best trails for a family activity that combines great exercise with the panoramic scenery of Alberta's Rockies. Trail Sports offers new equipment, ski rentals and instruction. The single biggest advance in cross-country skis is the use of materials like carbon fibre, resulting in a lighter and stronger product. Having just turned my 30-year-old skis in for a new pair, I can definitely attest to this point - the new skis glide through the snow with much less effort.

John also believes finding the right fit in a boot is key to your skiing enjoyment and performance. John also suggests taking a lesson to help get started with the correct techniques. When not helping customers, John can be found skiing at the Nordic Centre or in Peter Lougheed Park enjoying the landscape that is very different from his native Australia.   

Winter activities can be so rewarding if you have the right clothing and proper fitting equipment. Activities like sledding, skiing, skating and snowshoeing can be exhilarating for those who want to take advantage of all that winter has to offer. Alberta is an excellent winter destination with great resorts, bright sunny days and good snow conditions, so until next time - happy swooshing.