The Real Cost of Winter
Why Apollo Curling is Calgary’s Best Value
Why Apollo Curling is Calgary’s Best Value
When you look at upfront registration fees for any sports league, it can feel like a big investment all at once. But when you break down what you actually get, curling with Apollo Curling is one of the most affordable ways to stay active, social, and connected during a long Calgary winter.
At roughly $22–$24 per 2-hour game, curling isn’t just a sport — it’s an entire outing that costs less than a casual dinner, a trip to the movies, or a single afternoon on the ski hills.
Example only — 2026/27 season fees
The figures below use the fees for the 2026/27 season. Fees are set each season and change from year to year (though not drastically), so check the current season’s fees when you register.
In 2026/27, every player pays their share of the $1,680 team fee, plus a $22 federation fee and a $20 league membership. A season has roughly 21 weeks of curling.
Only 4 players take the ice in a game, so teams with more players take turns. Assuming everyone gets about the same amount of ice time:
| Team size | Your share of the team fee | Your season total | Games you play | Cost per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 players | $420 | $462 | 21 of 21 | $22.00 |
| 5 players | $336 | $378 | about 17 of 21 | $22.50 |
| 6 players | $280 | $322 | 14 of 21 | $23.00 |
| 7 players | $240 | $282 | 12 of 21 | $23.50 |
A bigger team means a smaller season total, but you sit out more weeks, so each game costs a little more. Whatever your team size, it works out to about $22–$24 a game at 2026/27 fees.
Here is how a night with Apollo Curling stacks up against other popular winter activities in Calgary, per outing:
| Winter activity | Average cost | What you actually get |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Curling | ~$22–$24 | 2 full hours of team sport and ice time, plus a built-in community social afterward. |
| A night at the movies | $35–$40 | A single ticket at Cineplex or Landmark ($15–$17) plus a standard popcorn and drink combo ($18–$22). You sit in the dark in silence for two hours. |
| Indoor bouldering | ~$30 | A single drop-in day pass at a Calgary climbing gym (about $24) plus climbing shoe rental (about $5). |
| An evening of bowling | $25–$30 | Your share of a 2-hour lane rental split with friends, plus $5 shoe rental. |
| Escape rooms | $30–$35 | A standard booking for exactly 1 hour of activity. |
| Downhill skiing (WinSport) | $82–$95 | A single day pass at a local city hill — not including rentals, fuel, or food. |
| Downhill skiing (Banff/Rockies) | $145–$200 | A single day pass at Sunshine or Lake Louise, not including the national park pass, gear, or transportation. |
Prices are approximate for the 2026/27 winter and change often. Check with each venue for current rates.
Unlike hockey, skiing, or golf, where entry-level gear costs hundreds of dollars, curling needs very little. A broom and a slider are a modest one-time purchase that will last you for seasons.
Otherwise, all you need is a clean pair of indoor running shoes and a warm jacket.
Worried you won’t get your money’s worth because you’re new? We host free Beginner and Intermediate Learn-to-Curl clinics before the season starts, plus an occasional free strategy session during the season, so you feel confident and safe on the ice from day one.
In curling, tradition says the winning team buys the losing team a drink in the club lounge after the game. It’s a cheap, fun outing where you actually get to talk, laugh, and make lifelong friends — something you can’t get from a gym membership or a movie ticket.
Calgary winters are long, and staying cooped up inside gets old fast. For about the price of a takeout meal each time you play, Apollo Curling gives you 21 weeks of physical activity, mental strategy, and an incredibly welcoming 2SLGBTQI+ community space.
Don’t let winter freeze your social life. Hit the ice with us!
How to Join
A Season-Long Social Calendar
Curling is famously a social sport, and your registration plugs you into a built-in community. Beyond the weekly games, we host regular league social events — including our registration party, Christmas party, bingo, trivia nights, and the season wrap-up.