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Our Story

For 70 years, Rabbit Hill has been creating winter memories for generations of Edmonton families. We have loved watching children become parents and grandparents, returning to Rabbit Hill to introduce new generations to skiing and snowboarding. A legacy built one run at a time.

The Early Years

The journey began in 1955 when Bob Sutherland, an avid skier with a visionary spirit, found inspiration for the resort while canoeing down the North Saskatchewan River. From those early beginnings, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort has evolved into a cherished destination for generations of winter sports enthusiasts.

In its earliest days, the resort featured just one rope tow powered by an old milk truck, yet it served hundreds of eager guests each season. Today, Rabbit Hill has nine ski lifts and eleven runs spread over 40 skiable acres. The resort now welcomes over 200,000 guests annually, offering an unforgettable winter experience.

In the early 1980s, Bob Sutherland’s son, Jim Sutherland, took the reins of the business alongside his partner, Bill Oak. Under their leadership, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort has grown into one of the Edmonton region’s most popular family ski resorts. After decades of commitment, Jim Sutherland has passed the torch to a new generation who are equally passionate about preserving and expanding on Bob’s original vision.

A New Generation of Leadership

Jim Sutherland has entrusted the resort’s future to business partners Chuck and Lara Amerongen and Derek and Anna Look. This dynamic quartet brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision for Rabbit Hill’s Future!

Our Core Values

Accountability

We take responsibility, individually and as a team, for doing the right thing, every time. Our guests, fellow team members, and community count on us to follow procedures, uphold safety, and act with integrity, even when no one’s watching. We hold ourselves to high standards not just because it’s required, but because it’s the right thing to do. That same commitment guides how we care for our environment and the land we operate on, ensuring Rabbit Hill remains a place future generations can enjoy.

Innovation

We embrace innovation to create a better experience for our guests, our team, and our community. From new technologies to fresh ideas, we’re not afraid to try something different. We’re not satisfied with the status quo, we stay curious, ask questions, and look for better ways to work. We know not everything will work the first time, but we learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. That’s how Rabbit Hill continues to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. Today and into the future.

Adaptability

In a climate-dependent industry, change is constant, and we’re ready for it. From shifting weather conditions to economic, social, or health-related challenges, we stay flexible and forward-focused. As the Edmonton region grows and evolves, so do we. Our team is open to change, quick to respond, and grounded in a shared goal: creating a safe and enjoyable experience for every guest, no matter what comes our way.

Passion

Passion is what brings us here and what keeps our guests coming back. Whether it’s teaching a first-timer, keeping the lifts turning, making great food, or creating a welcoming environment, every team member plays a part in the magic of Rabbit Hill. For many of us, this is more than a job, it’s a way of life that is rooted in health, wellness, and well-being. Our connection to nature, the joy of being active outdoors, and the positive impact we have on our guests’ physical and mental health drive us every season. That shared energy connects generations of guests to Rabbit Hill, season after season.

Campfire Stories

Join us around the fire as we celebrate 70 years of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort through stories shared by the people who’ve shaped its history.

Episode 9 | Mar. 26, 2025

Anna Look sits down with Derek Look, President and Co-Owner of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort.

Episode 8 | Mar. 6, 2025

Anna chats with Melissa Chalmers, a long-time volunteer with both the Rabbit Hill Ski Club and Rabbit Hill Ski Team.

Episode 7 | Feb. 27, 2025

Anna sits down with Scott Keller, Rabbit Hill's Terrain Park Manager.

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Do you have an old story to tell, or photos to share? We would love to hear from you!

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