The abandoned Pigeon Mountain in Alberta.

Alberta — One of Alberta’s most famous abandoned ski areas is also full of mysteries.

Situated off the Trans-Canada Highway, Pigeon Mountain in Canmore has remained visible to drivers for many years. It has sparked intrigue due to the ambiguity surrounding the development.

The reasons why Pigeon Mountain is so mysterious are that no trail maps have surfaced online (aside from a conceptual image made before it opened), and the photos from when it operated are scant.

Pigeon Mountain had two life cycles: from 1962-69 and then 1977-1980. Its proximity to Calgary and Banff National Park has great potential. Once hyped as the next great Canadian ski area, insufficient snowfall, vandalism, warm winds, the inability to add condos, and a fatal lift incident chilled Pigeon’s plans for glory.

In an episode of The Lost Resorts, Skier72 breaks down the brief history of the ski area, the expansion plans considered, the reasons it closed (twice), the remnants of the ski area, and the topography of the runs.

Canadian Province Gives Preliminary Approval To Revive Ski Resort
The original concept map from 1961. Only the plans for the lower mountain were realized.

Image/Video Credits: Skier72

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...