As Calgary, Alberta's closest ski mountain, Nakiska Ski Resort is the ideal day-trip destination, offering an abundance of superb beginner and intermediate terrain. Beyond skiing, the resort enhances the overall family mountain experience with additional winter activities such as tubing and snowshoeing.
Previously employed as Nakiska's Marketing & Group Sales Manager, and now representing Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) as an ambassador, I'm gonna give you the lowdown and share all the insider tips on how to get the best out of your time on resort. I've rode this hill with media and athletes, have hosted corporate groups, and know many locals and employees, so I'm confident that I'll answer all of your questions!
Nakiska Ski Resort
Situated at an elevation ranging from 1,525m to 2,260m, Nakiska is Calgary's closest big mountain ski resort and encompasses 1021 skiable acres with 71 marked trails. The terrain composition caters to all skill levels, with 13% designed for beginners, 59% for intermediates, and 28% for advanced enthusiasts. The resort's commitment a winter playground is evident through extensive snowmaking, covering 75% of the area.
Mountain Statistics
- Annual Snowfall: 250 cm (8.3 ft)
- Named Runs: 71
- Top Elevation: 2,260 meters (7,415 ft)
- Vertical: 735 meters (2,412 ft)
- Lifts: 6 (Olympic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, 2 Magic Carpet belts)
- Terrain: 1021+ acres of skiable terrain
Nakiska Ski Area History
Nakiska, derived from the Cree word meaning "to meet" or "meeting place, officially opened for skiing in 1986 and stands as a testament to the rich history and development of winter sports in Alberta, Canada. The resort's roots trace back Calgary's bid for the 1988 Winter Olympics, with Mount Allan, known as Nakiska, ultimately chosen for its proximity, FIS compliance, and recreational potential. During the Olympics, Nakiska hosted ten alpine events and freestyle moguls skiing and installed a temporary t-bar lift for the men's downhill ski event. Remnants of the t-bar lift are visible from the Gold Chair and utilized by ski patrollers for avalanche control.
Post-Olympics, Nakiska is the official training centre for Alpine Canada. To this day, ski racers are abundant at Nakiska as the resort continues to host world class events such as the FIS Ski Cross World Cup. Under RCR stewardship, Nakiska has had major renovations, including snowmaking enhancements and the introduction of the Monster Magic Carpet (beginner's area). The 2009 installation of the Gold Chair, a high-speed quad lift, marked a significant upgrade, and Monster Glades (tree run section) added some spice to Nakiska's terrain.
Geographic Location
Nakiska Ski Area is located 114 kilometers west of Calgary and is easily accessible by highway 1. The resort is also close to Canmore, which is about 55 kilometers away (about a 35 minute drive). If you’re driving into alpine areas in Alberta, consider carrying snow chains as conditions may be slippery.
Flying into Nakiska
The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport which is a little over an hour away from Nakiska. The airport has many connecting flights from cities within Canada as well as international destinations.
Winter Operations
*Check the daily snow report for most up to date information on operations and amenities hours of operation.
Nakiska's four chairlifts, aptly named Olympic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, along with two conveyor belts for beginner access, ensure seamless exploration on diverse terrain. Due to how the resort is laid out and it's memorable features, it is easily the best beginner ski resort near Calgary.
Beginner area (Monster Magic Carpet)
The beginner area at Nakiska is at the base of the resort, facing the main lodge. Looking at the image below, the conveyor belt, or carpet, on the left accesses a little steeper slope pitch than the carpet on the right (closest to tube park).
*Footage of Soph & Sylas riding in the beginner area at Nakiska.
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Bronze Chair
The Bronze chair area is the next level available after you've progressed from the beginner area. To access the bronze chair, you have to walk or glide down to the hill to the right of Olympic chair (you can't see Bronze from the base area). The lift is down around the bend to the right on run #24 Sweetgrass.
If you're ready for the ‘big-chair’ experience, there are longer green runs available off both the Silver chair and Olympic chair. Either of these chairs get you to Gold.
Olympic Chair
Olympic chair is typically the first chair to open at the beginning of the season. It's not uncommon in early season to 'upload' on Olympic and descend on run #4 "Lower Homesteader".
*Footage of Soph ripping down a run off Olympic chair.
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Silver Chair
Silver has a nice variety of blue runs with sweet mountain views. Days when I ride solo, you'll find me lapping runs off Silver - a personal favourite is run #34 Upper Eye Opener.
*Footage of Soph riding off Silver chair.
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Gold Chair
Gold Chair showcases more advanced terrain for those family members who are looking for moguls, trees, and steeper runs. There is no easy way down from this chair lift and therefore, not recommended for beginners. Because of Nakiska's involvement in competitive ski racing, you'll often see the only blue run on Gold, #17 Upper Mapmaker, is closed for training - know your ability!
Monster Glades
The 70-acre Monster Glades area provides some of the best tree skiing in the Alberta Rockies. One of Nakiska's best kept secrets is that many powderhounds go for the bigger resorts, leaving fresh tracks for longer and especially awesome on a powder day!
*Footage of Soph in the Monster Glades.
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Amenities
Check the daily snow report for most up to date information on operations and amenities closures.
Parking
There is ample parking at the the base area at Nakiska, offered on a first-come-first-served basis. On weekends, the parking lots are busy so it's best to show up early in the morning or later in the afternoon when many families are leaving. Arriving at 11:00am may result in driving around searching for a spot.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, available for purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre. Day-use permits cost $15, while an annual pass for three vehicles at the same address costs $90.
Guest Services
Guest services at Nakiska encompass ticket windows, season passes, and lessons. It is the first building that you see on the left-hand side after passing through the Nakiska sign.
Passes & Tickets
If you're a family living in Calgary, Nakiska's early bird family season sale is the best deal. Always check Nakiska's website for most up to date information on season passes and tickets. Buy your season pass here!
RCR Rockies Season Pass
You can also purchase the Rockies Season Pass if you want to ride at all the RCR Resorts: Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Nakiska Ski Area.
Super Pass Season Pass
With the Super Pass you get access to all the great RCR Resorts (Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Nakiska Ski Area) plus with the added benefit of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass
The Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass (4 or more days) include access to the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, plus access to Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Park City and more. Skip the ticket office and head straight to the slopes with Direct-to-lift access with your Epic Pass, Epic Day Pass or Epic Adaptive Pass (4 or more days). Epic Pass, Epic Day Pass and Epic Adaptive Pass holders receive up to 7 days total of skiing at RCR Resorts. Once the Days have been used, the pass holder will receive 50% off single day lift tickets.
Lessons
With a range of lesson options catering to all levels, Nakiska Winter Sports School ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're into skiing or snowboarding, bilingual instructors are available to make your experience both fun and educational.
Rentals & Repair
The Nakiska rental shop is located in the base area (just behind the Guest Services building), steps away from the slopes. This is also the location of the repair shop where you can get you equipment tuned up and fixed.
RCR WINGS Equipment Lease Program
RCR WINGS Program is available for all RCR-owned and operated resorts and is aimed toward beginner/intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The program is primarily aimed toward growing kids who may need to exchange their equipment throughout the season to accommodate their growth spurts. If a larger size is needed throughout the season, simply head into the rental shop and swap the equipment out at no additional cost!
Sports Alpine Ski and Snowboard Boutique
At the Sports Alpine Boutique, you'll find everything you need in the newest ski and snowboard gear from the hottest clothing brands. The Retail Shop is Open Daily - 8:30am - 4:00pm. As a season pass holder, you'll save 10% when you show your season pass.
Check out the 360 footage of the retail shop!
Main Lodge
Lifts are just steps away from the full-service day lodge. Within the main lodge, you'll find ample seating. You can choose to bring your own lunch or purchase drinks and food at one of the three dining options inside: Day Lodge Cafeteria, Slopeside Cafe, Base Area Cafeteria, or the Finish Line Lounge (upstairs). During peak times, there's an additional outdoor, covered BBQ pit area. There are seating areas outside the day lodge and on the patio upstairs where you can enjoy the sunshine and views.
You'll find the washrooms in the lodge. When it gets busy, there are extra stalls out back through the right-hand side door. There is only one baby changing table and it's located in the handicap stall in both washrooms.
Mid-Mountain Lodge
There is a cafeteria and washrooms located in mid-mountain lodge. Lodge doors open at 9AM and food service ends at 3PM
Accommodations
There’s plenty of accommodation in Kananaskis Village right by the resort.
Stoney Nakota Resort & Casino
Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (HI) - seasonal closures
The Sundance Lodges - seasonal closures
Corporate Bookings
Nakiska also makes a great host for corporate events, ski clubs and meetings. Group rates are also available for bookings of 10+ people, with additional services like accommodation, transportation, and food & beverage options offered for larger groups. Contact Nakiska's Group Sales team at groupsales@skinakiska.com for more details.
Corporate groups can book exclusive use of the tube park on weekdays for a flat rate. Groups of 15+ get a 10% discount on weekends/holidays but requires advance booking.
Winter Activities near Nakiska
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Nakiska has additional winter activities such as tubing and snowshoeing.
Wanidu Tube Park
Located conveniently in the base area next to the beginners area, Wanidu Tube Park provides two tubing tracks for your enjoyment. Children must be 42" tall or 3+ years old, and all participants must ride their own tube. For groups of 15 or more, enjoy a 10% discount on weekends and holidays.
Snowshoeing
Nakiska offer snowshoes tours and rentals. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails (Green, Blue, and Black), there's something for every skill level. Rentals are available at the Rental Centre.
To ensure you secure your spot, it's highly recommended to book ahead for guided tours. Daily tour times will be determined, and bookings can be made by contacting Nakiska at 1 (403) 591-7777 Ext. 7901 or wintersports@skinakiska.com.
Winter Hiking
Troll Falls and nearby is the Green Monster hike (Evan Thomas) are great winter hiking trails.
Cross-country Skiing
There are also cross-country groomed trails crisscrossing over 50 kilometers surrounding Nakiska, catering to all levels of skiers. The trails wind through forests and meadows, and there are several challenging hills to test your skills.
Summer Operations
Due to leased land subject to seasonal closures mandated by Alberta government restrictions, the resort is closed in the summer. However, there are an abundance of hikes near Nakiska such as Troll Falls and Ribbon Creek.
Nearby is Kananaskis Golf Course, Mt. Kidd RV Park, Boundary Ranch, and Kananaskis Village Centre.
Fall at Nakiska
Larch March Madness happens each fall in Alberta. The ridge of Nakiska is Centennial Ridge AKA Mount Allen, and is spectacular to hike at fall.
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