Snowshoe at Nakiska this Winter
While cruising down a run on skis or a snowboard is a great activity with a major fun factor, there’s also something to be said for the tranquility of snowshoeing through the silent winter trees with only the sound of the snow crunching beneath your feet. Snowshoeing was first used, more or less as a necessity of survival by our ancestors to be able to navigate the snowy terrain during the winter months (in fact it’s widely suspected our first Aboriginals in Canada used snowshoes to travel to the new land across the top of the globe from Asia), it has taken on a more recreational aspect for most these days. A terrific activity for almost all ages snowshoeing is the perfect way to get everyone outdoors and exploring the surrounding trails of Nakiska – whether it’s a family outing you’re embarking on or a romantic winter walk through the woods with your boo you can now experience it at Nakiska, enjoying all the amenities being at a ski resort offers (think a warm, delicious meal/drink after your walk or making a weekend of it by staying at the nearby Delta Lodge at Kananaskis just a few minutes away).
Starting on December 15th, we’ll be offering guided tours daily, tours will include a 2 hour snowshoe trek, rentals (including snow boots, snowshoes & poles) followed by a hot drink and cookie for each participant. Looking to venture out on your own? Bring your own snowshoes or rent them from our resort rental shop and head out on our local surrounding trails (note to snowshoe on resort boundaries you must be part of a guided tour).
For more information including pricing visit the snowshoeing section of our website.
- Published in News
Nakiska Ski Area introduces new Snowshoeing trails at Mid Mountain
Kananaskis, AB – Nakiska Ski Area, Calgary’s Olympic Mountain, is not just for skiing & riding anymore with the addition of snowshoeing trails to enjoy. Whether you’re a skier/snowboarder or neither, anyone can try our snowshoeing trails, with the added convenience of being to rent snowshoes from the resort if needed. There will be a variety of trails and packages offered including a Green, Blue & Black trail as well as guided packages for groups or families that include a warm drink and cookie after the trek.
Get all the Snowshoeing details on our website.
The see the new snowshoeing trails view our Trail Map online, for pricing and booking information email our Winter Sports School and to inquire about large groups email our Group Sales department.
What else is new this season at Nakiska;
NEW Easy Way Down on ‘Easy Street’
Always working to improve our guest experience, this summer we added a new easier way down off Silver chair, eliminating the top pitch of Grand Trunk which proved difficult for some riders. The new trail connects Upper Homesteader and Middle Grand Truck creating a true green run top to bottom. Fun fact – the new trail was created using a mulcher which did the whole job in about 15 hours, now that is one hard working piece of machinery!
Nakiska Ski Area • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected] • Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt • Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
NEW GPS Tracker through the RCR App
Not only is the RCR App your best source for the most up to date information including run/lift status, mountain cams and snow reports, it’s now your ski tracking app too! Through our new GPS tracking feature, you can measure your speed, distance skied and altitude during your runs. Simply open the app and use the GPS button to bring you to the tracking screen. The RCR App is available on iTunes and the Google Play store for FREE!
Get more RCR App information and download link from our website.
BOOK YOUR SKI VACATION NOW & SAVE
Book your vacation before November 30th for savings of up to 42%. Call 1-800-258-7669 or book online.
RCR ROCKIES CARD & GIFT CARDS – THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT
Get 3 FREE days (plus daily discounts) for the price of one lift ticket with the RCR Rockies card, Gift Cards can also be bought for $25, $50 or $100 – purchase one or both for that special skier in your life through the RCR Online Store.
RCR Rockies Card
Gift Card
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
Less stress, more skiing! The First Time Skiing with Kids a How to Guide
If you want your kids to fall in love with skiing, a great first experience is critical! Here are our tried and tested tips for fun ski days the first time and every time:
- Pack the night before so you have time for a decent breakfast. Full tummies= happy kids! We use a 3-bag system as follows:
- Ski bag: Skis (and ski poles for those who already know how to ski)
- Duffle bag: ski boots, 1 midlayer (fleece or down sweater) per person, extra socks and mitts/gloves, snacks and/or lunch. Leave this one in the lodge!
- Small backpack to carry when skiing: cell phone, wallet, keys (clip them in so you don’t lose them), hand and foot warmer packets, lip gloss, sunscreen, high calorie snacks that won’t freeze (chocolate is good), small water bottles (refill them throughout the day).
- Take a load off: Bring a large sled and a couple bungee cords to tow all your gear. Your shoulders will thank you.
- Set a meeting time and place: If everyone’s lessons are at different times or family members will be skiing in different parts of the resort, set a meeting time and place and talk about what to do if you become separated on the hill (e.g. wait at the next junction, or ski to the bottom and wait at the chair lift).
- Dress for Success: Layers are the key to staying comfy and warm. Wear synthetic/merino base layers, wool blend ski socks, snowpants, ski jacket, mittens/gloves, helmet, and goggles. You can always swap the jacket for a midlayer (you packed it, didn’t you?) if you get too warm; or double up if it’s super frosty. Avoid cotton clothes.
- Snack breaks for the win: We carry a mix of healthy snacks and treats to keep energy levels and spirits high. Call it what you will – bribe or incentive – but gummy bears and chocolates got our girls to do turns (1 gummy bear per 3 turns so they wouldn’t shoot straight down the hill). Be sure to wash that snack down with a drink!
- Wear snow boots: Change into your ski boots at the lodge. It’s faster and comfier, and you’ll be all set to play in the snow or go tubing when you’re done skiing!
- Rent or buy gear that is height/skill-level appropriate: A ski shop can outfit you accordingly. Do some research before buying used gear to ensure you get the right size of skis/boards and boots.
- Say no to poles: Beginners don’t need ski poles. In fact, the first thing your instructor will say if you have poles, is to leave them on the ground so you can focus on your balance.
- Always wear a helmet: This goes for you too, parents! And buckle that brain bucket so it stays on!
- Book a lesson: Some kids prefer private lessons, but most enjoy skiing with other kids their age. It is amazing how much kids progress in group lessons because they want to keep up with the best kid in the class! Learning from a professional also ensures they don’t pick up bad habits from you.
- Avoid naptime! Ski at your kids happy time of day. If your kids don’t nap, however, the runs are usually less busy in the afternoon.
- Keep it fun: Instead of drills, play games! Children learn best through play. If your child wants to play in the snow, go play in the snow (but find a safe place near the lodge to do so). When my kids were 2, we spent more time playing than skiing, but it paid off. They love snow and love being at the ski hill because they associate both with FUN!
- Be patient: Every child learns at a different pace.
- Celebrate wins – big and small! Reward efforts with something your child enjoys. Have pizza to celebrating mastering “the pizza” aka snowplow, or plan a movie night or games night.
- Quit while you’re ahead: Stop while your kids are still loving it to make them want to go skiing again soon!
- Published in News
Nakiska will be first in Canada to open for skiing/riding
Yes, you’ve read that correctly! Nakiska will be the first in Canada to open this ski season for a preview weekend this Saturday & Sunday, November 4th/5th. Here’s the scoop;
Hours
Saturday, November 4th – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday, November 5th – 9:00am – 4:00pm
Reduced Ticket Prices
Full Day tickets available only (all prices quoted do not include GST)
Adult – $49.95
Senior – $39.95
Youth – $37.95
Child – $19.95
*Please note RCR Rockies card discounts do not apply when reduced rates in effect.
Terrain
Skiing off Gold Chair
Upload/Download off Olympic Chair
Last Chair will load at 3:30
Runs Open: Upper Mapmaker, Mid Mapmaker, Amptheatre, Mid Mountain Area, Olympic Easy Way, Morley Flats, served by GCX. Upper and Mid Glades with early season conditions, skiout on Gold Road.
*Note – there is no beginner terrain available
Services
Daylodge open at 8:00am – 4:30pm with extended offering of food & drinks
Slopeside Cafe 8:30am – 5:00pm
Mid Mountain Lodge open at 10:00am with modified food and beverage services 10:30am – 3:30pm
Guest services open at 08:30am – 4:00pm – stop in to get your season pass printed!
Ticketing Office open 9:30am – 2:00pm & Sunday at 8:30am -2:00pm (note – tickets will not be sold after 2:00pm)
Retail Boutique open 8:30am – 3:00pm
Rentals open Saturday 9:00am & Sunday at 8:30am
Please note – no daycare services or winter sports school lessons will be available
November Opening Schedule
November 4th/5th
November 11th/12th
November 17th – 19th
November 25th/26th
Official 7-day opening on December 1st
Make sure to check out Snow Report, Mountain Cams or RCR App for the latest updates before heading out!
Need some tips on preparing for skiing? Check out 5 Tips to Prepare for Ski Season on Powder Matt’s Blog.
- Published in News
Nakiska Ski Area on Mountain Improvements for the Upcoming Ski Season
For Immediate Release: October 16th, 2017
Nakiska Ski Area on Mountain Improvements for the Upcoming Ski Season
Kananaskis, AB – Nakiska Ski Area, home of the Alpine Events at the ’88 Calgary Olympic Games has been undergoing many improvements, upgrades and changes over the past few season, this one is no exception with some exciting changes and program updates. A few highlights include;
VIP Parking Option
Get down with the VIP life, Nakiska now has a Priority Parking Lot, the closest lot to the base area. Access to the lot is granted by purchasing a VIP Parking Pass!
Up your park game with Park Lessons
Master NaJibSka! Book a rail park lesson next season with our Nakiska Winter Sports School to improve your bag of tricks with our knowledgeable instructors that will work on your style, flow and confidence on all features in our park.
Take it to the next level with Performance Private Lessons
What’s the goal of our new performance private lessons? That’s up to you! Catering to what you want to learn, take these new lessons next season to improve your skills on carving, all mountain freestyle, freeskiing/riding, glades, moguls and bumps. Contact our Nakiska Winter Sports School for more information – [email protected]
NEW Easy Way Down
Always working to improve our guest experience, this summer we added a new easier way down off Silver chair, eliminating the top pitch of Grand Trunk which proved difficult for some riders. Fun fact – the new trail was created using a mulcher which did the whole job in about 15 hours, now that is one hard working piece of machinery!
Nakiska Ski Area • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
First Day of Fall Means First Signs of Snow in the Mountains
For Immediate Release: September 22nd, 2017
First Day of Fall Mean First Signs of Snow in the Mountains
As we enjoy the first day of fall and the changing of the leaves on the trees, our ski resorts already have the snow fall(ing) and blanketing the mountains in a dusting of that glorious white stuff skiers and snowboarders eagerly anticipate each season! Here’s a roundup of some of our first snow images from each resort!
See our Facebook pages for opening dates already released or announcements coming soon – Fernie Alpine Resort • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort • Kimberley Alpine Resort • Nakiska Ski Area.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
NEW Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Festival
In the Rocky Mountains West, a new mountain bike fest emerges, The Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest!
This isn’t a competitive event but an all inclusive community mountain bike festival to bring the riding community together to celebrate camaraderie, share beers and do some riding together, all in the spirit of lifting the sport to a higher place.
The Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest, is raising funds to support mountain bike trail projects not just in Canmore but in the entire mountain region from Golden to Kimberley and over to Fernie, British Columbia.
This push for more and better trails came from a grassroots movement led by Wanda Bogdane, founder of the Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest, who sees her event as the catalyst to support the greater movement of building trails that current mountain bikers want to ride.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Check the Festival Seekers post for more background and details on the event. In addition here are some highlights from the official Plaid Goat website;
Here’s what to expect June 23 – 25;
- Demo-licious Days
Sample the tastiest bikes of the season from the best mountain bike brands in the industry (add on required – $35/Fri. & Sat.), limited tickets available. - Local Craft Beer Hub
Sample handpicked high quality beverages from seven hand-picked regional brewers and two distilleries, also a free photo booth and more activities. - Bike Rodeo
Hosted by the Flannel Crew, this event features fun spectator events like huck-to-flat comps, adult tricycle races, costume crits and other ridiculous behaviour! - Family Friendly Non-Race Activities
check out group rides, shuttles and coaching clinics. - Kids Only Hub
Face painting, digger pits, a skills & drills area, colouring and more! - Secure Bike Valet
Leave your car at home – your bikes will be safe while you test bikes and participate in activities. - Soapbox Central
Check out tech talks on mountain bike specific topics like bikepacking, gear and trail building!
Don’t forget about the wildlife safety and trail building sessions demonstrating the festival’s commitment to responsible riding as well as partner run fun and friendly events like the TransRockies Race Series’ Rundle’s Revenge (June 24/25).
Post written with contributions by Powder Matt.
- Published in News
Spring Operation Schedule
Our scheduled closing day for the 2016/2017 ski season is on Sunday, April 16th. We’ll be open for skiing/riding for two following Bonus Weekends – April 22nd & 23rd and April 29th & 30th. Don’t miss out on our annual Spring Fiesta events including DJ’s, Balloon artist and face painting- each weekend in April until official closing day (April 16th).
Check our Snow Report page or RCR App for updates!
- Published in News
Nakiska Ski Area Named Resort of the Year by Alpine Canada
For Immediate Release: March 23rd, 2017
Nakiska Ski Area Named Resort of the Year by Alpine Canada
Kananaskis, AB – Alpine Canada has released the Winners of the 2017 Canadian Ski Racing Awards (presented by Helly Hansen). The awards recognize outstanding performances and contributions to Canadian Ski Racing and Nakiska Ski Area is proud to have ‘won’ Resort of the Year for 2017.
View the rest of the winners on the Alpine Canada website.
Official Nakiska Ski Area website.
Get continued snow updates on Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
About Nakiska Ski Area & Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc.
Nakiska Ski Area, Calgary’s Closest Mountain (www.skinakiska.com), is a member of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) family. Proudly Canadian, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc. (RCR) is the largest private ski resort owner/operator in North America, owning six ski resorts across Canada, including Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta; Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia. RCR also owns and manages a number of hotels and golf courses, including Trickle Creek in Kimberley, and Wintergreen Golf and Country Club in Bragg Creek. RCR aims to provide each and every guest The Ultimate Experience.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
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