An Aprés-Ski Adventure in a Shipping Container Cabin

Snowboarding near a lake. Sleeping in a shipping container. When it comes to a weekend getaway on Lake of the Prairies, you can expect the unexpected.

As a family of avid snowboarders (minus myself, who is more inclined to spend my time cozied up by a fire in the chalet), Asessippi Ski Area and Resort first drew us to the area. While Manitoba isn’t known for thrilling, mountainous ski resorts, Asessippi can scratch the itch. Located four hours from Winnipeg on the Manitoba Escarpment, Asessippi features 26 runs, two terrain parks, and a beginner area that’s the perfect spot for our toddler to practice her newfound love of snowboarding.

A one-of-a-kind place to stay

Since it was going to be a bit of a trek to Asessippi from our home in Winnipeg, we wanted something different than a traditional log-cabin accommodation—and Bowerbird Stays delivered tenfold. We were invited to stay at their Rare Lakefront Shipping Container Cabin, a one-of-a-kind architectural feat designed by renowned Canadian architect David Penner, crafted entirely from salvaged steel shipping containers.

Located a quick 20-minute drive from Asessippi, the shipping container cabin is nestled on the shores of Lake of the Prairies and towers over the rolling grassy landscape. A unique lookout tower constructed from an upright container offers expansive views of the snow-covered lake, dotted with snowmobiles and ice fishing shacks this time of year.

Industrial design gets warm and cozy

Stepping into the open-concept space, one might expect the industrial design to feel stark and cold, but the cabin was anything but. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to pour in, while a homey wood stove and in-floor heated hardwoods felt warm and inviting. While the -30C temps kept us mostly indoors, the front sunroom opened to stunning views of the lake which we could enjoy from the cozy velvet EQ3 sectional in the living room.

My brother and sister-in-law tagged along for the weekend and treated us to delicious home-cooked meals. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you could need (and more), including modern stainless-steel appliances, a large center island, and a dining table for six. The sleeping arrangements were equally accommodating, with three rooms featuring a queen bed and two sets of double bunk beds (which was a hit with our three-year old daughter). Two bathrooms, each with their own shower, means you never have to wait—much-needed when you have a toddler!

Everything you need for aprés-ski

Despite the freezing cold weather, we managed a full day at the ski hill before retreating to our cozy container cabin. With a roaring fire in the wood stove, board games splayed across the living room floor, and the hockey game queued up on the TV (thanks, Starlink wifi!), this is the perfect place for unwinding apres-ski. A much-appreciated amenity was the large tote bag brimming with toys that kept our daughter entertained all evening long. This is one of the many details we love about a Bowerbird Stays vacation—the spaces are curated with families in mind. Thanks to the excitement from the toy bag, we were able to sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy each other’s company. A cedar barrel sauna tucked beneath the cabin offered another way to warm up while taking in views of the lake through a panorama viewing window.

Adventure awaits

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind cabin experience in Manitoba, your search ends here. A mix of modern architecture and backcountry beauty offer a getaway like no other. We’re already planning our summer version of the same trip, swapping snowboarding and tobogganing for fishing and swimming. The Lakefront Container Cabin by Bowerbird Stays is a destination for year-round adventure and lifelong memories to be made. We’ll certainly be back. Until next time!