Set your forecast to fun this winter in Calgary
Good times are in the forecast this winter, whether you’re looking for snow fun outside, cozy movie ideas or both!
We’ve already had a few sneak peeks of winter this year — temperatures below 0°C and a flurry or two — all before December. From the next chinook to the next cold snap, the latest dump of snow or the state of the roads, check the forecast and make the most of Calgary this winter. First make sure you have the right gear ready at your door and then find ways to have fun in Calgary this season, both indoors and outdoors.
Cover your warm winter basics — and add some style!
When the temperature drops outside, it’s time to bundle up from head to toe. If this is your first or second winter in Canada, make sure you’re ready, if not, skip to the next section — self-care!
Carry a hat (a toque!) with you even if you’re not sure you’ll need it — the temperature can change quickly in Calgary. Even better? Stash a hat in your car, your favourite bag and your locker just in case.
Your coat will do most of the work to keep you warm so aim for one that can handle the snow, the wind and the cold of a Calgary winter with a water and wind resistant fabric and some insulation. If you’ll be waiting for the bus or the LRT, consider something longer to keep your legs warmer too!
The perfect winter boot might look different for everyone, but there are a few things you’ll want to look for if you’re shopping for a new pair. They should have a good grip for those icy days, a bit of height to keep the snow out and insulated enough to keep you warm. And don’t forget about your socks! Choose wool over cotton when you can and your feet will stay toasty.
Remember to take care of yourself this season
- Find some budget-friendly produce on campus this December with Saitsa’s Good Food Box. The order deadline for the Thursday, Dec. 14 pick-up date is Tuesday, Dec. 5.
- Build your resilience and learn to manage your stress as we go into the new year with these tips to ramp up your mental health routine.
- Recharge at Saitsa’s Destress Fest from Dec. 4 to 7 with bingo, holiday cookie decorating, DeStress kits and free breakfast.
Chill inside when it’s too chilly outside
Spend the night on the couch curled up with hot chocolate and a holiday movie or two. Fire up your laptop to access Criterion on Demand, a video streaming service, free with your SAIT library account and save your holiday budget.
😱 Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
💕 Crossing Delancey (1988) and Four Christmases (2008)
📽 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) and A Christmas Story (1983)
😂 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) and Bad Santa (2003)
🦶 Die Hard (1988) and Die Hard 2 (1990)
Find some fun in the city
🔥 Winter in Canada also means it’s hockey season, so if you’re looking to watch the puck drop live, catch a Calgary Flames game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Students can sign up for discounted rush tickets, find more info from Saitsa.
🎄 Every night until Sunday, Jan. 7 the Calgary Zoo is home to over a million lights to create beautiful displays and photo opportunities for Zoolights. Plus ice skating, axe throwing and hot chocolate make it a great place for some frosty fun.
🛷 Looking for a little speed and some snow? Head to Winsport’s Servus Tube Park on the western edge of the city for a few hours of tubing — you can even go down as a group!
🐎 Step into Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas for classic indoor and outdoor holiday cheer, such as horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts music and more!
🛍 Nothing says the holidays like a market on the weekend. There are several all over the city, try the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market, the Inglewood Night Market or the Under $100 Art Show.
From your #HereAtSAIT community 💙
For everyone looking for a little winter inspo #HereAtSAIT, we asked our community, “what’s one thing you love to do every winter in the Calgary area?” Lukas V. had some great ideas:
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Ice skating (both in Calgary and in the mountains)
- Hot Chocolate Festival (in February)
- Hot springs (Radium is my favourite)
Head out to the mountains
Here in Calgary, the mountains are on our doorstep. Winter can be a magical time to visit, especially if you’ve never been or even if it’s your hundredth trip. Capture that iconic photo of Cascade Mountain from Banff Ave for your Instagram and then warm up on the Hot Chocolate Trail. On until the end of December, there’s lots of time to find your favourite offering and maybe even inspire your own creation.
If you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, here are some tips to make the most of it.
🏂 If you’re looking for snowboarding or skiing buddies, sign up for Saitsa’s Skiing and Snowboarding Club starting in the new year.
⛷ Save some money and stop by the Saitsa Resource Centre for deals on lift tickets for some local ski hills.
🏔 Find affordable rentals from the Outdoor Centre if you don’t have your own gear.
Now it’s your turn!
Whether you’re in the “I love all things winter” group or you’re still on the fence, share your best winter moments with us #HereAtSAIT and stay warm out there!
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.