The Inside Swing

Silvertip Golf Resort

Canmore, Alberta

Perched dramatically above the Bow Valley in Canmore, Silvertip Golf Resort is a Les Furber design with some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery of any golf course in the world. The 7,300-yard layout climbs and descends through Rocky Mountain terrain, offering constant panoramic views of the Three Sisters and surrounding peaks. Every hole plays into a cinematic Canadian Rockies backdrop.

History & Heritage

Silvertip Golf Resort opened in 1998 in Canmore, Alberta, perched dramatically on the slopes above the Bow Valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The course was designed by Les Furber, a renowned Canadian golf course architect who had previously worked with Robert Trent Jones Sr. and whose firm, Golf Design Services, has been based in Canmore since 1980. Furber's intimate knowledge of mountain terrain made him the ideal architect for this ambitious project.

The course was developed as the centerpiece of the Silvertip residential community, a luxury development on the mountainside above the town of Canmore. Furber crafted a switchback routing that climbs and descends through the Rocky Mountain terrain, using over 600 feet of elevation change to create one of the most dramatic golf experiences in the world. The course has been designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2008, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Silvertip has consistently been ranked among the top resort courses in Canada, with its jaw-dropping mountain scenery drawing golfers from around the world. The panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak, Mount Rundle, and the Bow Valley are visible from virtually every hole, making it one of the most visually spectacular golf courses on the planet.

Signature Holes

11
Hole 11 Par 3 · 180 yards

A breathtaking par 3 that plays from a dramatically elevated tee to a green far below, with the entire Bow Valley and surrounding mountain peaks spread out as a backdrop. One of the most photographed holes in Canadian golf.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 440 yards

A spectacular finishing hole that plays downhill back toward the clubhouse with panoramic views of the Three Sisters and the Bow Valley. The dramatic elevation drop makes this hole play shorter than its yardage.

1
Hole 1 Par 5 · 565 yards

The opening hole begins the mountain journey, playing through a valley with towering peaks on both sides. An accessible start that introduces the dramatic terrain to come.

6
Hole 6 Par 4 · 420 yards

A challenging par 4 at the highest point of the course, where the panoramic views are at their most spectacular. The thin mountain air and exposure to wind add to the challenge.

What to Expect

Silvertip Golf Resort delivers true mountain golf at its most dramatic. The course climbs and descends through Rocky Mountain terrain with over 600 feet of elevation change, creating a roller-coaster-like experience with jaw-dropping views around every corner. Every hole plays against a backdrop of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak, and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.

The altitude and mountain conditions create a unique playing experience. The ball flies significantly farther in the thin mountain air, and temperatures can vary dramatically from the valley floor to the highest holes on the course. The switchback routing means you will experience uphill and downhill holes throughout the round.

Playing Tips

Adjust your club selection for the altitude and elevation changes at Silvertip. The thin mountain air at approximately 4,500 feet adds roughly 10 percent to carry distances, and the dramatic elevation changes on individual holes can add or subtract even more. Downhill holes play much shorter than the card suggests.

Bring warm layers even in summer, as temperatures at the higher elevations of the course can be significantly cooler. The mountain terrain creates uneven lies throughout, so practice hitting from slopes before your round. Take a cart if you are not accustomed to mountain walking, as the elevation changes are significant.

Highlights

  • Dramatic Bow Valley and Three Sisters panoramas
  • Les Furber mountain routing at 7,300 yards
  • One of Canada's most visually spectacular resort courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Silvertip Golf Resort open to the public?
Yes, Silvertip is a resort course open to the public. Tee times can be booked online and are available to all golfers during the season.
When is the golf season at Silvertip?
The season typically runs from mid-May through early October, depending on weather conditions. Peak season is July and August.
How does altitude affect play at Silvertip?
At approximately 4,500 feet elevation, the ball carries about 10 percent farther than at sea level. Combined with the dramatic elevation changes on individual holes, club selection requires significant adjustment.
Is walking possible at Silvertip?
While walking is technically permitted, the extreme elevation changes make walking very challenging. Most golfers opt for a cart, and carts are included in the green fee.

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