You probably already know this, but usually the hardier the conifer, the less spectacular its foliage and form.

That said, Pinus banksiana is super hardy and there is an old spreading, contorted form called Uncle Fogey. There may be newer, better forms.

Pinus strobus is also very hardy, and there have been a lot of new dwarf forms introduced lately, but not a lot with interesting non-bun shapes.

You probably also know this: dwarfing usually slightly decreases the hardiness as compared to the regular plant.

Looks like you're off to a good start with P. abies 'Sky High'. I just planted one a few weeks ago! In addition to the already mentioned P. mugo, I'd take a look at the numerous Pinus strobus selections on the market. They're easy to find and should be hardy into z3. There are also several Larix clones on the market, with some hardy in z2 (i.e. L. gemelini 'Romberg Park). They have interesting texture and the added benefit of nice fall color.

I think every northern garden should have at least one compact conifer that turns gold when the weather turns cold. Two that I have are P. mugo 'Carstens Wintergold' and P. mugo 'Wintersonne'. Winter gold to fight the winter blues. :)

Good luck with the search!

Maackia, how do Carsten's Wintergold and Wintersonne compare? I planted the former earlier this summer so haven't seen any gold yet.

Thanks maackia, great data and especially photos. Since moving from Minnesota to Cascadia I've been totally out of the Pinus mugo scene (mugo overload) but these gold ones have drawn me back in.

Maackia, yes, when I laid eyes on P. abies 'SkyhIgh', I knew it was an ideal fit for my landscape. Broadleaf evergreens are something noticeably missing from this far north cold climate, ornamental plantings will never match those of milder zones with all the layering and textures and winter interest provided. And, without conifers, it's all too easy to solely rely upon perennials and end up with zip nothing to look at for the majority of the year .... thankfully, upright junipers have been my friend and now to expand beyond, Ahh, yes, pines that turn yellow really do catch my eye and provide a nice pop in the landscape!

Artinnature, I had a specimen of 'Uncle Fogy' of particularly attractive upright form, loved it, though dang, I was shocked when the moose had found and completely destroyed it. I'll do my online internet searches of Whistling Gardens offerings and am sure to come up with several gems and a lighter pocket book to boot .... :)

Maackia, such nicely-textured P mugo dwarfs. Certainly keeps one's attention in the otherwise brown/gray winters......