While a ski hill in Cranbrook had been discussed for a number of years, there was no significant progress on development until 1972, when brush was first cleared for a new ski hill site. At the head of the development was the Cranbrook Ski Development Limited company, who purchased 30 acres of land stretching 2,000 feet in length and 700 feet in width. The ski hill was located one mile south of the city limits and could easily be reached by anyone. The hill was also clearly visible from downtown Cranbrook.

While the original plans called for two rope tows, the Cranbrook Ski Development Company decided against rope tow lifts, instead purchasing a T-bar. Additionally, the company decided to install night lighting on the entire slope rather than just the lower half.

By 1972 the hill was ready for skiing, though it still didn't have a name. The owners put forth a contest, with the winning submission receiving two season passes to the ski hill. Ultimately, Sophie Pierre won the competition with the name Akloo Park, "akloo" meaning snow in the Kootenai First Nations language.

Akloo was immediately a big success, with a strong turnout for the first year of operations. The hill featured a vertical drop of 300 feet serviced by an 1,800-foot T-bar, and additionally there was a full-service lodge at the base with a cafeteria and rental shop. Akloo also featured a ski school and night skiing.

Akloo relied heavily on snowmaking to provide a substantial base for skiing. Unfortunately, due to the relatively low elevation and poor exposure, Akloo suffered from poor snow years. In 1973, the ski hill only managed to open in February and was only able to keep running for a few weeks after that. The ski hill did install a rope tow servicing new beginner terrain in 1975, but it simply wasn't viable to keep the resort operational due to the low elevation and poor snow conditions. Kimberley Alpine Resort was only half an hour away from Cranbrook, yet it boasted superior snow and runs. Thus, Akloo permanently closed in 1978, with the T-bar and rope tow being removed sometime after the closure.

In recent decades, the site of the former ski hill has been redeveloped into acreage estate lots, although the former base lodge still stands as someone's private residence.

Photo credit: Cranbrook History Centre