Win season passes to Kinosoo Ridge to fuel your learn to ski or ride progression
Eastern Alberta ski area is a "stepping stone" to the mountains
Cold Lake, AB Learning to ski is a rite of passage for Canadians, new and old alike. But if you’re coming from the prairies of eastern Alberta, Lloydminster, or Saskatoon, where the land is flatter, where should you go to learn to ski or snowboard?
You couldn’t find a better starting point than Kinosoo Ridge Resort in Cold Lake, AB, just west of the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
“If these runs could talk, they’d tell the stories of the thousands of locals who learned to carve and shred right here," says Ashley Browatzke, looking out over the resort on a winter day back in 2026.
And you could be next: in partnership with Kinosoo Ridge Resort, SnowSeekers has a contest to set you up for the season. Read on for contest details.
Hit play > to preview the friendly slopes of Kinosoo Ridge Resort
Kinosoo Ridge Resort in the eastern Alberta region of Bonnyville provides learn to ski and ride opportunities and progression for all abilities. Watch as families of riders hit the slopes for learning and winter fun.
Browatzke should know; he is one of those locals who grew up skiing here. And, along with his wife Rachel, he’s also raised his own family of skiers and riders at Kinosoo.
Why Kinosoo for learning to ski or ride?
If this is the year you’ve said to yourself, “I’m going to learn to ski,” then you are in the right place. That is Kinosoo’s jam.
“It’s not the biggest resort but the value that it brings for the time and money that you’ll put into being there is well worth it,” says Maverick Best, Kinosoo Ridge Resort marketing lead.
“I grew up learning to ski at Kinosoo Ridge and those skills have carried with me throughout my skiing career.”
What is the secret to creating a great learn to ski experience?
It all comes down to great instruction and hospitality, says Best.
“Our staff are very friendly and approachable," he states. "They really take the time to make sure that everyone's progressing at the pace they should be, and giving extra attention to those that need more.”
Coming in as a new skier or rider, the experience can be overwhelming—which is why instructors are there right from step one, he explains.
“They really make sure that you go through the whole process properly. They take you through how to get your equipment and fit it for you and help you put it on, to actually like taking your first few steps on the snow."
"They're with you through the whole thing and not just throwing you out in the mountain and hoping you have everything correctly. They actually take the time and make sure that you're set up for success.”
As a non-profit ski area, owned and run by the Municipal District of Bonnyville, creating winter recreation opportunities is what it’s all about.
“Sometimes the scene seems unapproachable and unattainable and expensive, and I think we offer a point where almost anybody can come in and enjoy it,” explains Best.
“We're supporting our community, and we want to build up skiing and riding in our area, and make it approachable for everybody.”
That in turn creates a springboard to a lifetime of adventure on snow. “Kinosoo is a perfect hill to come out and if not learn for the first time, practice before you go out into the mountains.”
But don’t just take Best’s word for it.
What skiers and riders say
Over the time SnowSeekers has spent at Kinosoo Ridge, we’ve met a lot of locals and families who come to Kinosoo for exactly the experience Best describes.
Here’s what they have to say, in their own words.
“We needed quality family time that would bring us together while making us appreciate the wonders of winter.” Sophie Couture says, explaining why she and her family chose to make Kinosoo Ridge their winter home.
“Kinosoo was also the stepping stone for the kids to become comfortable enough to attempt skiing on the big mountains.”
For some families, despite the parents being able to ski, putting the kids in lessons has benefits, as Tricia Petranic says, “What we find is that Cohen will always listen better with an instructor.”
The passion for skiing and teaching from instructors like Corie Martyniuk spills over into the learning experience and helps focus the learning effort.
“It’s a really positive experience. The kids make instant friends, learn or better their skiing or riding together, and it becomes way less intimidating,” says Martyniuk.
"All my kids started snowboarding there, and they still enjoy it. It's a really sweet spot." Mandy Watters, another area resident, told us. "We are so blessed to have this cool hill in our Lakeland area."
Who knows? Maybe yours or your kids’ learn to ski journey could even lead to greater success in the sport. Among the more famous Saskatchewanians to ride here have been Team Canada and X-Games athletes, brothers Craig and Mark McMorris.
But whether you aspire to Olympic levels or just want to have some fun this winter, that opportunity starts with you saying yes to skiing or riding this season.
Now is the time to start planning for it. Be sure to enter the contest, and get ready for a season of shredding!
Know before you go
Start your progression now, for more winter fun on the snow.
Early bird season pass sales run until November 1, 2026; get yours now at the Kinosoo Ridge online shop and don't leave it to chance.
Sign up for winter camps and lock in your learn to ski or ride progression.
Visit Kinosoo.ca for more info about the resort, including season passes, ski lessons, rentals, snow tubing, events and more.