Whitecourt winter magic is all about community

“It provides such an opportunity for the community... and people love to be here,” says Stephanie Wynn, volunteer ski instructor at Eastlink. 

She and her husband Brian were among those at the kitchen table when the notion of a ski hill first began to germinate. 

With the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers, neighbours, sponsors and community supporters, the dream became a reality in 2015 as Eastlink Park began turning its first lift that season. 

If you’re doing the math, that makes this 2025-26 season the hill’s 10th anniversary! 

“When you go back and think about what was here and what’s here now,” says Wynn, “It still amazes me.”

Skiing Eastlink Park’s spacious, rolling terrain

What resulted is nothing short of awesome: with a magic carpet and now a t-bar, Eastlink Park serves up uncrowded, affordable skiing with a singular goal of cultivating more winter fun. 

By the numbers, the ski hill features 40 acres of skiable terrain, with a 190 foot vertical drop over 1100 feet. 

It’s gentle, rolling terrain, but with playful trees, bumps and rolls allowing stronger intermediate skiers to push their limits here in Whitecourt.  

“We see a lot of families come here, because it’s less expensive to learn," says Stephanie. "We want a place for them to come, to learn, to enjoy the outdoors and if their goal is to get to the mountains, it gives them a place to learn so they’re ready when they get there.”

But above all, notes Brian Wynn, is the lack of crowds, which he says draw skiers and snowboarders from St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and even Edmonton to enjoy the spacious beginner and intermediate terrain.

Standing on the viewing deck looking over the hill, it hit me just how roomy it felt. You can see what I mean in this video:

While you might come for the skiing or snowboarding, Whitecourt’s winter scene is worth exploring in greater depth. 

Whitecourt winter events 

Those who enjoy some motorized winter fun and a bit of adrenaline will be keen to check out the annual Whitecourt Snowmobile Rally (Feb 13/14) and the festivities taking place for Whitecourt Winter Carnival (Feb 14-16), a three-day winter celebration. 

Connect to winter community in Whitecourt

Uncover magical winter activities with a friendly local scene

The latter features a snow sculpture competition, an ice slide, skating, horse and wagon rides, and of course, hot chocolate and treats, all taking place at Festival Park.

From there, it’s just a seven-minute drive to the cross-country ski trails at Whitecourt Golf & Country Club.   

Cross-country skiing in Whitecourt

With views onto the Athabasca River, Whitecourt’s cross-country skiing offers another nature experience right off the town’s backdoor. As the still moving river flows by, Kim Nendsa remarks, “I like to stop here once or twice a week” while out for her regular skis.

The trails are groomed and accessible to all at no cost through an agreement with the golf course. 

“It’s a really good community partnership, the golf course grooms it, we get to use it—all they ask is that we protect the trails and keep them nice," says Nendsa. “You just feel better after you’ve been outside… it’s an important part of our life.”

Après-ski with craft breweries in Whitecourt

With the festival excitement, two craft breweries (Sagitawah Brewing and Garage Brewhouse) and a host of local restaurants and shops ready to serve you, the fun here doesn’t stop at the end of the ski day. 

Great for day trips but you can easily make a weekend of it.