Agassiz Mountain Development Group

 

History of Mount Agassiz Ski Resort

 

Manitoba once boasted a ski resort with mile-long runs, plus the highest vertical between Thunder Bay and the Rockies... Mount Agassiz Ski Resort.

 

Agassiz is nestled in scenic Riding Mountain National Park, near McCreary, Manitoba. Agassiz offers the skier and snowboarder 350 awesome acres (137 hectares) of alpine terrain, which is unprecedented in the prairies. This, in conjunction with a network of spectacular cross-country, snowshoe and winter activity trails, is a highlight of this national park.

 

In this area of the province, the northeast escarpment of Riding Mountain National Parks drops several thousand feet from the higher elevations in the park to the prairies below. These scenic hills are alive with many species of wildlife; an added treat for visitors. Winter sports in this area are bestowed with a true alpine experience, unlike so many river valley ski areas common to the prairie provinces.

 

Spacious base facilities at Agassiz Mountain include a cafeteria, lounge and rental shop, all with a scenic view of the slopes.

 

The town of McCreary, located eight miles (12 km) from the ski resort, offers visitors the a spectrum of accommodation between two hotels. The Agassiz Park Lodge is a luxury hotel with dining room, coffee shop, lounge, pool, sauna and hot tub. The Mountainview Inn offers country ambience and affordable prices, with a restaurant, beverage room and hot tub room.

 

World-famous Elkhorn Guest Ranch is a beautiful 25-minute drive from McCreary.

 

Agassiz Ski Resort was first developed in the early 1960s. Prospective skiers hiked up McKinnon Creek and chose the sight for its vertical drop and snowfall amounts. The Park built an access road. A base lodge was built in 1960 — the centre part of today's chalet. Runs were cut and the first rope tows and t-bar were strung up the slopes. More runs, two t-bars, and extended lodge and snowmaking were added in the 1970s.

 

An additional side to the hill was cut and served by a double chairlift to host the Canada Winter Games in 1979. The base facilities were also further expanded.

JUST NORTH ENOUGH!

 

Mount Agassiz Ski Resort is located 12 km west of McCreary on the eastern escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park and is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Winnipeg, or 1.5 hours from Brandon. It is the ultimate location for spectacular winter activity and scenery. Thanks to its northerly location and elevation in the park, this results in Agassiz receiving heavy snow coverage during the winter. The ski season at Agassiz extends from mid-November through to late April.

 

In 1979, the Alpine ski events of the Canada Winter Games were successfully staged here. The legacy of these games includes a chairlift and many new trails.

 

Since the closure of Agassiz in the spring of 2000, the facilities and infrastructure have remained in limbo. Over the past seven years, several parties have expressed interest in redeveloping Agassiz. Its proximity to Winnipeg and Brandon, and nearby communities, offers many opportunities for enthusiasts to rediscover the experience, the excitement, and the adventure of this outstanding area.

 

Redevelopment is the mandate of the Agassiz Mountain Development Group. This, like the skiagassiz.com website, remains a work in progress.