Cypress Hills Park hoping for a busy winter

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

Winter in the Hills is up and running again.

Now marketing itself as a year-round tourist attraction, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Saskatchewan (CHIPP Sask.) is welcoming, among others, skiers, snowshoe enthusiasts, snowmobilers and campers.

According to Royce Pettyjohn, park manager, cross-country ski trails are available again this winter.

Visitors are also welcome to snowshoe any of the trails not being used for cross-country skiing.

“The toboggan hall is always popular, and the camp kitchen at the main beach is enclosed for winter picnics.”

Pettyjohn said the Resort at Cypress Hills is open year-round, offering “great” food, “cozy” accommodations, and rentals of cross-country skis and snowshoes.

“Thanks to our on-going partnership with the Cypress Hills Snowmobile Club, once snow conditions are suitable, snowmobiling on the west side of the Centre Block will be another option for experiencing the Cypress Hills in winter.”

The snowmobile staging area will be at the Dark Sky Campground and feature a warm-up shack and pit toilet.

Asked about winter camping in the park, Pettyjohn said that it is available in Meadows Campground for $31 per night on a first-come-first-serve / self-registration basis, and that electricity will remain on in designated winter campsites in Meadows Campground.

“There is no water in the campground, but a pit toilet is available in the vicinity of the designated winter campsites.”

Other key messages provided by Pettyjohn are:

• Water is is available from the park’s winter reservoir beside Camp Shagabec (across from the Mini-Golf) on Pine Avenue;
• Trailer dump stations are not available in the winter;
• Camping fees can be paid at the Campground Office Monday to Friday 8am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 4.30pm. After hours and on weekends/holidays, a self-registration kiosk for cash and cheques is available in Meadows Campground itself;
• People should call the park at least one office day in advance of arrival to check local conditions and in order to give adequate notice for snow removal. The number is: 1-306-662-5411; and
• A valid vehicle entry permit is required year-round. When the entry gate is closed, permits can be purchased at the Campground Office or online at: https://parks.saskatchewan.ca