What weather conditions are typical during Alberta winters?

Alberta experiences a continental climate characterized by winters that are typically dry, sunny, and cold.1

A notable feature of the winter season, particularly in the southern part of the province, is the Chinook wind. These are warm, dry winds that descend from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. When these winds occur, they can cause rapid temperature increases, sometimes raising the temperature by as much as 40 °F (22 °C) in an hour or less.12