By Jennifer Bews
If I’m being honest, I’ve never really felt winter magic in my own province. Don’t hate me for saying that…I just always felt I preferred BC or even Alberta’s landscape and activities than that of Saskatchewan’s during the long cold months. I’m a snowboarder at heart and Sask has always lacked a bit in that area.
Until this past New Years.
My family had been invited to a wedding celebration at the stunning resort of Elk Ridge near Waskesiu. Not long after we arrived, I realized this was no regular winter resort. This resort had a sort of whimsical magic floating through the air. Not only was the management and service team incredibly helpful and accommodating, but they also ensured their guests to experience a true Saskatchewan winter. The resort was fully stocked with cross country ski’s, snowshoes, ice skates, toboggans, sleds, crazy carpets, and more. Beyond that there was a winter wonderland out back that included an outdoor skating rink with an ice ring surrounding it for leisure skaters. The area was decorated with glowing Christmas trees beautifully scattered throughout the ice surface. What’s more is there was something for everyone. There was an outdoor curling surface with warm up shacks for people like myself that can’t handle the cold, as well as crokicurl (something I have never seen) and rolling hills to slide down on the crazy carpet from your childhood memories. Into the evening there was always numerous bonfires going with people wandering about in the crisp night air of the Boreal Forest. It really is something magic. And the FOOD. Friedrich restaurant served some of the best appetizers and entrees I’ve been fortunate to taste.
If you haven’t been, I encourage you to go and experience “Saskatchewan at its best”. I was quickly reminded that Alberta and BC have got nothing on Saskatchewan.