Last updated January 25, 2024
– Jeremy Derksen for SnowSeekers.ca
Making the time to get outside together through the winter months isn’t always easy, but for the Engler family, that’s where Kinosoo Ridge comes in. The northern Alberta ski hill has seen significant upgrades in recent years, first with the summer adventure park and a revamped culinary experience, and then the addition of new winter offerings.
With a new chairlift, readily available ski lessons, three terrain parks, snow tubing and pop-up night skiing, everything the Englers could want for a day of fun is perched right there on the banks of Cold Lake, in the MD of Bonnyville.
Check out what’s new at Kinosoo!
From the bunny hill, where the youngest decides she is not listening to her instructor and darts down the hill on her own, to the upper chairlift where the older kids veer away to hit the jumps and boxes in the terrain park, Rick and Kaitlyn Engler have a lot on their hands.
Fortunately for them, grandma and grandpa are game to hit the slopes as well. All three generations on the slopes together makes for a special experience, being able to share those early family bonding moments.
In between time on the slopes, though, food is another bond. And, it’s another area where Kinosoo shines. With a Red Seal chef at the lead, the culinary offerings at Kinosoo have been taken up a notch. There’s hot pizza and poutine for the kids, and for the adults, more elevated fare like the artisanally plated Mexican salad, chicken kale wrap, tikka panini or the popular Charlotte Smash burger. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available as well.
And so the day unfolds, from bunny hill to chairlift, to the tubing park, to dining in the chalet, capped off with a little night skiing. Snow tubing is a family favourite, and the Englers prove it with multiple laps of the park. Pop-up night skiing is a new experience at the hill, running two to three hours and with several runs open, including the main terrain park, which you can easily add on to your adventure.
We’re reminded that bonding over shared activities like skiing, tubing or good meals together is precious. You have to grab it whenever you can, whatever your family unit, age or interest.
It can be a challenge making the time, organizing the schedules, finding activities for all to enjoy and getting everyone in the mood at the same time. But having the variety and family focus that Kinosoo Ridge offers helps to make that easier by far.
Ready to hit the slopes at Kinosoo? Read the full story at SnowSeekers.ca.