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The Complete Guide for a Fun Day at Snow Valley Aerial Park

I recently watched Man On Wire—the one about the guy performing acrobatics and crossing on a wire strung between the Twin Towers. And, of course, my ego said, “I could do that.” Yeah, I absolutely could not.

But Edmonton has something a little more within reach. Just 20 minutes from downtown, there’s a spot where you can climb, try new heights, and challenge yourself on a massive tower packed with built-in obstacles. 

So, if you’re craving a little adrenaline (minus the illegal skyscraper stunts), here’s everything you need to know about visiting and tackling Snow Valley Aerial Park.

Where is Snow Valley Aerial Park?

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Snow Valley Aerial Park is in Edmonton, inside the Snow Valley Ski Club. It’s located in Whitemud Park, just off Whitemud Drive in the city’s southwest. 

What is Snow Valley Aerial Park known for?

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Contact details: +1 780-434-3991
Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Thursday to Friday: 5 PM – 9 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM

Website

Snow Valley Aerial Park is known for being one of the most fun and flexible climbing experiences in Edmonton. It’s cool how the whole setup is built like a giant tower with over 100 different elements you can crawl, climb, swing, and balance your way through. 

You can expect creative features like the rainbow wall, a ski bridge (made from actual skis), and even a swinging picnic table. And what’s nice about this place is you can choose an adventure that suits your preference and level of experience.

Their courses are marked like a ski hill, so you’ll know that the green is for easy, blue for intermediate, and black for advanced. You’ll probably enjoy it regardless, from lower levels to heading up 15 meters high to try the more challenging ones.

What to Expect in Snow Valley Aerial Park

Admission Fees and Costs

A regular ticket for adults runs around $45 to $50 for a 2-3 hour session. Kids and youth tickets cost a bit less, and they also offer family packages if you’re going as a group.

It’s better to book online since there’s a $10 walk-up fee if you buy onsite. The price includes your harness and helmet, and no extra charges for gear.

Amenities and Facilities

There’s a base area with washrooms, picnic tables, and a snack shack if you want a drink or bite after your climb. If you show up early, there’s a small green space to hang out, and the park is part of the ski club, so you can expect it to be well-maintained. 

Park Layout and Course Levels

The park is pretty much a big tower with all kinds of obstacles branching out from different levels. The bottom sections are easier and good if you’re testing things out.

Higher up, things get a bit more wobbly and challenging, but you don’t have to go there if you’re not feeling it. 

What to Wear and Bring

Closed-toe shoes are a must (skip sandals), and it helps to wear comfy clothes you can move in. Gloves aren’t required but can be nice to have for gripping ropes and cables; they do sell basic ones at the front desk if you don’t have a pair.

Safety Considerations 

You’ll get a quick safety briefing before heading up, including how the harness works and what to do on the course. It’s a continuous belay system, so once you’re clipped in, you’re set.

How to Get to Snow Valley Aerial Park

By Driving

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Driving is the easiest way to get to Snow Valley Aerial Park, especially if you’re coming from anywhere in Edmonton or the surrounding area. The park is located in southwest Edmonton, inside Snow Valley Ski Club, just off Whitemud Drive.

From downtown Edmonton, it’s about a 20-minute drive. Just take Whitemud Drive westbound, exit at 119 Street, and follow the signs toward Snow Valley. Once you’re in the area, look for signs for the ski hill.

By Bus

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For those who plan to go via public transit, ETS buses run to the area, with routes that stop near 119 Street and 51 Avenue. From there, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the park entrance, mostly through residential streets.

By Air

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If you’re flying into Edmonton and plan to head straight to the park, it’s about a 30-minute drive. Once you land, you can rent a car at the airport or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. Taxis are also available, but they can be pricier for longer trips into the city.

How to Navigate and Explore Snow Valley Aerial Park

Check-in and gear up at the welcome zone

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You’ll naturally start at the main building, which is at the base of the ski hill. Before you climb, they’ll hand out waivers for you to sign, or you can fill them out online. 

The staff will also size you for a helmet and full-body harness, so don’t hesitate to say anything if you feel it’s not a snug fit. And if you have any more stuff with you, they have cubbies and benches around to stash them, though valuables are better left in your car.  

Pay attention to the orientation and safety demo

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Given the nature of this park, it’s crucial for you to pay attention to the orientation and safety demo. You’ll be introduced to the “continuous belay system,” which means you stay clipped in the entire time—no unhooking and rehooking between obstacles. 

Don’t worry, the staff walk you through a mini training course at ground level, where you can practice moving your clip past corners and transitions, giving you a feel for what it would be like during the actual course.

Plus, this part only takes around 10-15 minutes, so you can get to the real adventure in no time.

Start on the green routes (beginner level)

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Starting on the green level is great for warming up, younger kids, or if you want to ease into the experience. If you’ve got kiddos, there’s a Kid’s mini-course (ages 4-6) with 19 low, easy elements, like stepping platforms, handrails, and basic bridges. 

As for their start obstacles on the main tower, you can expect wide wooden beams, short rope walks, and low log crossings. It’s only a few feet off the ground, making it ideal if you’re still a bit nervous.

Move up to the blue routes (intermediate level)

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If you’re more confident with the gear and movements, you can go for the blue level. There’ll be wobbly logs and planks that swing and move under your feet, so you’ll need to lock in for focus, adding a fun challenge.

We also love the suspended rope tunnels, where you can crawl your way through long net tunnels strung between platforms. The rainbow wall is also a must, with its bright climbing wall that has handholds built into a curved path. 

You can explore more at this level, and it’s pretty popular with teens and adults, or even kids who’ve done the green level but still crave more action.

Take a break at the higher platforms 

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Don’t forget to catch your breath and rest. There are large wooden platforms every few routes where you can regroup with friends, look out over the treetops, and even see glimpses of the river valley, depending on the time of year. 

It’s also worth noting that staff often hang out at these stations, so you can ask questions or decide where to go next.

Try the black routes (advanced-level)

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For those who want to make their tightrope dreams come true, go for the black-level course. It has single-cable tightropes with just a thin wire for your feet, minimal support ropes, and a call for solid core control to stay centred without swaying off balance and dangling. 

You’ll also face swinging cargo nets where you have to climb across or pull yourself sideways—it feels like something out of a military obstacle course. You’ve also got to reach, step, and shift your weight carefully to stay upright when you get to the floating planks and discs.

Not to mention, channel your inner “ninja warrior” with elements that include grip holds, big stretches between footholds, and upper body moves. 

Tackle specialty features

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Now, if you want iconic and unique photos to show off some height and the surrounding views, don’t miss out on their specialty features and themed obstacles. Imagine sitting on a picnic table suspended meters from the ground.

You can also try the air bike ride, where the bike is mounted on a track, and you have to pedal your way across—you don’t need to steer, but it’s a fun sensation to be  “biking” mid-air. They also have a coal car where you pull on a cable to get to the other side.

And we can’t forget about the suspended canoe walk. It’s strung between platforms, and you have to cross it, which makes for a nice quirky photo. 

Head back down and return gear

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Once you’ve had your fill, make your way down to the base. Don’t worry, there’s a central ladder tower and a set of wide platforms with stairs you can use if you don’t want to finish on a challenge course.

The staff at the bottom will check your harness and help you unclip it, and then you will return your gear to the welcome zone.

Recharge at the snack shack or food truck

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To recharge and get the much-needed glucose, head over to the food truck or concession stand with basics like cold drinks, chips, granola bars, and sandwiches. 

You can easily find picnic tables and benches around the area, and it’s usually shady under the trees or canopy.

Hang out in the green space nearby

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There’s a green space nearby that’s a great wind-down spot before heading out. It’s like a small park space, just steps from the aerial course with picnic benches.

This is a decent place if you’re with family or kids. You can even bring your own lunch and turn it into a half-day outing. 

Explore the trails in Whitemud Park

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If you’re not in a rush, there’s still more to explore around the area. Just behind the ski hill, you’ll find walking trails that loop through Whitemud Nature Reserve.

They’re easy and well-maintained, with boardwalks, forest paths, and creek crossings. You can consider it like a peaceful cool down after an intense tower course.

Practical Tips for Visiting Snow Valley Aerial Park

Here are things you should keep in mind when visiting Snow Valley Aerial Park:

  • Dress for movement – Wear comfy, weather-appropriate clothes you can move easily in. Athletic wear is best, and closed-toe shoes like runners or light hikers are required—they won’t let you go if you’re rocking sandals or flip-flops.
  • Go hands-free – It’s best if you leave your bags, phones, and valuables in the car or use a locker onsite. You’ll need both hands free while climbing, so if you want photos, bring a secure chest mount or ask a friend or staff to take one for you.
  • Arrive early – Get here at least 15-20 minutes before your booking to check in, sign waivers, and go through the safety orientation. You might miss your climbing window if you arrive late.
  • Check the weather – The tower is outdoors, so weather matters. They operate rain or shine, but heavy rain, lightning, or extreme winds may cause delays. 
  • Book ahead – spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. That said, booking online guarantees your climb time and helps you avoid long waits—you’ll avoid the $10 walk-up fee, too.
  • Stay hydrated and fueled – Bring a water bottle and grab snacks from the onsite concession if you need a break afterward. You’ll be more active and exhausted than you think up there.
  • Bring support for kids – For younger kids doing the mini-course, parents can walk beside them and offer encouragement without climbing. For older kids, the staff are around if they need a hand min-route.
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