Winter Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

The Switzer Park cross-country experience:

13 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails from Kelley's Bathtub day use area on Jarvis Lake Trail
Joachim Valley Trail from Jarvis Lake campground beyond park boundaries to Black Cat Guest Ranch
Over 35 kilometres of skate and classic cross-country ski trails at Hinton Nordic Centre
Trail report

Kelley's Bathtub Day Use Area - enclosed warm-up shelter with wood stove, picnic tables and fire pits
Hinton Nordic Centre - rustic lodge facility and other warm-up shelters

You can ice fish on any of the lakes in Switzer Park.
See Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for regulations and restrictions.
Fishing licenses and Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) cards (required to purchase sportfishing licences) available online. Everyone between the ages of 16 and 65 years old must have an Alberta anglers license. Seniors residing outside of Alberta must also purchase an Alberta angling license
For your safety:
- Be prepared for weather changes, wild animals, equipment breakdowns and accidents. Review our Winter Safety page.
- Use caution on ice! Never travel alone. Springs can cause ice to melt in unexpected places. Ice should be a minimum of 20 centimetres thick for group activities and a minimum of 25 centimetres thick for snowmobiles. Ice should be clear and solid in texture. Please review the Lifesaving Society Water Smart Tips.
Switzer Park hosts an ice fishing derby in February as part of Hinton's annual Winter Magic Festival.

You can skate on any of the lakes in Switzer Park, conditions permitting. Try Kelley's Bathtub.
For your safety:
- Be prepared for weather changes, wild animals, equipment breakdowns and accidents. Review our Winter Safety page.
- Use caution on ice! Never travel alone. Springs can cause ice to melt in unexpected places. Ice should be a minimum of 20 centimetres thick for group activities and a minimum of 25 centimetres thick for snowmobiles. Ice should be clear and solid in texture. Please review the Lifesaving Society Water Smart Tips.

Snowshoeing is permitted only on trails that are not track-set for cross-country skiing. Try Friendly Vista Trail.
To book group and school programs with snowshoes, contact [email protected] or phone 780-817-3797 (To be connected toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000 followed by the number.).