Winter Adventure Elopement at Fortress Mountain Resort
March 1, 2025
An Epic Winter Elopement in the Heart of Kananaskis
For couples seeking a breathtaking, adventure-filled wedding without the need for a helicopter or hiking, a Fortress Mountain Resort elopement offers an unforgettable experience. Located in Kananaskis (aka our favourite place in the world), Fortress Mountain Resort provides exclusive access to untouched alpine terrain, making it the perfect destination for an intimate, snow-covered ceremony. You really can’t beat a winter adventure elopement up here.. private access, heated transport, insane views?? YES, PLEASE.
About Fortress Mountain Resort
Where it is: Located just 1 hour from Calgary in Kananaskis, Alberta, nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
How to get there: From Calgary, go west on Highway 1 and turn south on Highway 40. About a 40 km down Highway 40, turn east at Fortress gas station and head 8.5km up the road to the resort.
A brief history: Once an operating ski hill with lifts, a day lodge, and the works, it is currently closed for lift accessed services but they are still busy with cat skiing, guided snowshoe adventures, filming, and of course, adventure weddings.
Why Choose Fortress Mountain for Your Elopement?
Fortress Mountain is one of the most unique elopement locations in the Canadian Rockies, offering private access to dramatic ridges, deep snowfields, and panoramic mountain views. Unlike traditional ski resorts, Fortress Mountain remains uncrowded and pristine, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the backcountry while still having the convenience of a guided experience. It’s also only 1 hour from Calgary. You really can’t get mountain access like this closer to Calgary. Also, fun fact, parts of films like Inception and The Revenant were filmed here, how cool is that?!
Adventure Without the Hike or Helicopter
One of the best parts of a Fortress Mountain Resort elopement is the ability to reach incredible high-altitude locations without the need for a helicopter or hiking. Instead, you and your guests can ride up the mountain in a heated tracked side-by-side or a snowcat, ensuring a comfortable and fun journey up to the ceremony and photo locations. They have some tried and true spots that they can bring us to, but also are more than willing to stop at any point if you see a view that you want to get out and explore! The other huge benefit of having a winter adventure elopement like this is that if some sides of the mountain area are are too windy or snowy, we are with some seriously experienced guides who will know the best locations to bring us to so that you can still get those insane views but have a much more comfortable experience. We can also go to multiple different spots in the 4 hours that we have up there so you really can get the best of all worlds.. epic mountain ridges, gorgeous forests, rocks, etc. You name it, they have it.
Small & Intimate Celebrations
Fortress Mountain caps its weddings at 20 guests, making it an ideal spot for couples who want a private, intimate experience without the crowds. Whether you choose to elope just the two of you or invite close family and friends, you’ll have the entire mountain as your backdrop.
A Rustic Vibe for Getting Ready & Post-Elopement Celebrations
The resort provides a heated ATCO trailer, perfect for getting ready before heading up the mountain and they also have an insanely cute lounge area, perfect for enjoying a post-ceremony toast with cake and drinks. It’s very skier rustic style, sporting the old signs they found in the garage from the previous owners artfully integrated into the wooden walls made from old snow fence. It’s a seriously cool vibe. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, you’ll love it.
Explore the Mountain & Bring Your Dog
Unlike similar elopement options where you can get up high without hiking (ex. gondolas), Fortress Mountain allows couples to bring their dogs, making it the perfect option for those who want to include their pets. Depending on your dog, they might not be super comfortable riding in a helicopter, but they might be okay with jumping in a side x side, making for a less stressful elopement adventure for your pup.
Fortress Mountain Elopement Package
To wrap things up, we think that a winter adventure elopement at Fortress Mountain is such a great option for couples that want:
- A private elopement experience
- Epic views up high in the Rockies with no hiking, chairlifts, or helicopters
- A unique and fun adventure
- The option to bring guests along or their dog(s)
We offer a Fortress Mountain Elopement Package designed for couples who want an unforgettable adventure elopement. Our package includes:
- 2 photographers (Liz & Dom)
- 4 hours of access & photography coverage at Fortress Mountain Resort
- Transportation up the mountain via side by side or snowcat in the winter
- Assistance with logistics and planning to make your day seamless
- Vendor recommendations (so you don’t have to worry about who else to hire)
- The option to bring up to 20 guests and your sweet dog
A Fortress Mountain Resort elopement is perfect for couples who crave adventure, stunning landscapes, and an intimate wedding experience.
Ready to Plan Your Fortress Mountain Elopement?
If this sounds like the perfect elopement experience for you, we’d love to help bring your dream wedding to life. Contact us today to learn more about our Fortress Mountain elopement packages and start planning your unforgettable winter adventure elopement!
Other Resources:
The Team
Photography: Liz & Dom – Elope Wilder
Videography: RD3 Productions
Florals: Alpen Floral
Location: Fortress Mountain Resort
Cupcakes and Macarons: KAKE by Darci
