11 Reasons Nakiska is the Ultimate Ski Resort for Beginners
As December arrives, so does the stoke! Are you asking yourself, is it finally my year to learn how to ski or snowboard?
Learning to glide can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to a ski hill. As a snowboard and ski coach, I’ve been guiding people into this world for years. Undoubtedly, bringing my one-year-old to Nakiska has been an eye-opener. Recognizing the importance of convenience, I’ve embraced a philosophy that places a premium on ease and continual progress. Through my professional and personal lens, it’s crystal clear that Nakiska is undeniably the go-to ski resort for beginners.
Reason 1: Proximity perfection
Nakiska takes the stress out of the equation with its straightforward location. There’s no need for marathon road trips that amp up the anxiety. We’re talking about #skiclose – Calgary’s closest mountain, putting you on the slopes in no time.
Reason 2: Stress-free parking
We’ve all been there – starting something new can be a bit nerve-wracking. If you need a quick way out, Nakiska has a laid-back approach, so your beginner day is the focus. Parking is right at the base, and everything is easily accessible.
Reason 3: Terrain & Progression
Nakiska keeps it simple for beginners in Kid’s World with magic carpets and conveyor belts, avoiding the challenging T-bars or pulleys, which are especially tough for beginner snowboarders.
Once you’re gliding comfortably and can stop, head over to the bronze chair for a bit more pitch. Both Silver and Olympic chairs open up to longer green runs for your next adventure.
Take your time, consider a lesson, and before you know it, you’ll be setting your sights on the top – gold chair – unlocking access to intermediate and expert terrain. Brace yourself for wider runs, longer stretches, steeper slopes, and, for the adventurous souls, the Monster Glades. Pro tip: Dive into those glades on a fresh powder day for the ultimate tree run experience!
Reason 4: Lessons make all the difference
Learning the right way from the get-go is the best advice I can give you. Have you ever had a well-meaning boyfriend or neighbour promise to teach you, only to leave you stranded at the top?! Let’s avoid that scenario. Lessons teach you the most essential thing – staying in control and stopping. With that knowledge, you can slowly navigate any terrain. Additionally, once you form bad habits, correcting bad habits is really challenging. Learn the fundamentals from an expert for your best start in your new sport.
Even as a seasoned rider, I make it a point to take lessons occasionally for self-improvement. They’re not just about navigating the slopes but building a solid foundation for a lasting love of the sport.
Ready to glide into lessons? Give the winter sports school crew a call, or see them in person inside the administration building. If you’re eyeing a camp, book early – spots go fast, especially at the beginning of the session.
Reason 5: Taking breaks
Need to warm up or cool down from all that learning? There are picnic tables with a front-row view of the kid’s world, a lodge just a snowball throw away, and conveniently located washrooms.
Reason 6: No judgment, just good times
Walk into the lodge, and you’ll feel the buzz. Kids are having a blast, teens are smiling, adults are enjoying a drink, and ski racers are adding to the vibe. Nakiska’s atmosphere is effortless, making each visit a laid-back experience. You might even cross paths with a low-key Olympian – just another day at Nakiska!
Reason 7: Beyond the slopes
Perfect for those not keen on hitting the slopes but still wanting to experience the ski resort vibe, there’s Wanidu Tube Park or snowshoe tours! Opt for the tour, and you still get to ride Olympic chair, offering an awesome experience for those with accessibility concerns. Plus, the views of Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd are absolutely stunning!
Reason 8: Ride & Hike combo day
For a unique day, consider doing our favourite monthly ritual: a ride/hike family day! Right next door to Nakiska is home to Troll Falls, a scenic hike boasting three stunning waterfalls – perfect, especially if you’re staying at Kananaskis Village for a weekend and or riding half-days.
Reason 9: Nakiska’s events
Nakiska is a hub of excitement with events like demo days, Burton riglet course, fireside gatherings, heart-pounding ski cross, World Cup action, live music on select weekends and the lively Jeep Summit Squad.
Reason 10: Feels like home
Nakiska’s team turns your experience into a warm, familiar smile with each visit.
Whether Breanne is managing your guest service needs, Shannon is gearing you up for your lesson, or Marsha is greeting you from the lift hut, this mountain community embraces you from the first step. It’s more than just riding; it’s an experience shaped by a dedicated crew that ensures you feel at home from the start.
Reason 11: Reward your efforts
End your amazing day with the perfect combo: hot chocolate and salty fries! And if you’re in the mood for some après-ski fun, head upstairs to the Finish Line Lounge. Grab a cold one, share some laughs about the epic bails, and soak in the camaraderie with your buds.
Happy learnin’ out there, friends!
- Published in News
Nakiska Ski Area – 2023.24 First Preview Weekend Announcement
October 31st, 2023 – Kananaskis, AB – ‘Snow Season’ begins, Nakiska Ski Area, usually Canada’s first ski area to open, will kick-off the 2023/24 Ski Season, this weekend, operating Saturday (Nov 4) and Sunday (Nov 5).
Calgary, Alberta’s closest mountain ski area, Nakiska, was recently hit with a major snowstorm turning the peaks of K-Country into a winter paradise. Combined with cooler than average temperatures, which allowed Western Canada’s largest snowmaking system to kick into high-gear, creating a snow surface for skiing and riding on the upper mountain.
“Canadians love skiing”, says Powder Matt Mosteller, “it is so good for you, getting outside and in the mountains”, added Mosteller. “One of the few sports that people of all abilities can do at the same time and entire families can enjoy this sport together, getting everyone active and engaged in lifetime tradition”, noted Mosteller.
Nakiska has added snow grooming cats to the fleet that are graded tier 4 class, meaning they achieve the highest environmental standards, burning less fuel and grooming the slopes much more efficiently.
Nakiska is also recognized as Alpine Canada’s official training centre, providing some of the best alpine and ski cross training in North America assisting Alberta based athletes in providing training nearby and as well hosting high level competitions like this year’s Ski Cross World Cup so athletes can compete close to home.
Please note that with the upper mountain opening this weekend that skiing and riding on intermediate and expert terrain will only be available. Please follow the Alpine Responsibility Code and the tip this week is, ‘Always Stay in Control’, as you must be able to stop, avoid people or objects. For more information on what will be open and ticket prices see our Snow Report.
Visit www.skinakiska.com for more info and always check the snow report for most up to date information as information is always subject to change as weather conditions do change in the Canadian Rockies.
Nakiska Ski Area • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • TikTok
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES JOIN THE EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS
STARTING WITH THE 2023/24 SEASON, EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE FIVE COMBINED DAYS AT THE RESORTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
- Epic Australia Pass Holders will receive five combined days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies – including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec – starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season.
- 19 April is the last chance to purchase the 2023 Epic Australia Pass for AU$1,049 before prices increase.
5 April 2023 – Epic Australia Pass Holders will now have more access to world-class resorts in Canada, starting with the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Vail Resorts announced today that the expansion of its long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) will include five combined days of skiing and riding for 2023 Epic Australia Pass Holders. Pass Holders can use the five combined days across any of RCR’s six resorts — Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham in Quebec.
“Get ready to experience the ultimate snow adventure as we welcome Epic Australia Pass Holders to the majestic Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,” said Rob Lloyd, Director of Sales & Marketing – Australia, Vail Resorts. “With the addition of Kicking Horse and Fernie, your bucket list just got bigger and more exciting. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, and a chance to carve your way through the breathtaking slopes of Whistler Blackcomb and beyond.” Lloyd continued, “Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make unforgettable memories in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!”
Discover the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
The 2023 Epic Australia Pass access begins with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes following the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides:
- Kicking Horse and Fernie: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia on the legendary “Powder Highway”, Kicking Horse and Fernie are consistently ranked among the top 10 Canadian resorts with abundant annual snowfall and big mountain skiing and riding.
- Kimberley Alpine Resort: Boasting the most sunshine of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine is in the Purcell Range of Southeast British Columbia, with two thirds of its 80 runs and glades rated beginner or intermediate in addition to expert terrain on the back side.
- Nakiska: A family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain including perfectly groomed runs and a very popular learning area, Nakiska is positioned in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.
- Mont-Sainte-Anne: An ideal year-round destination, Mont-Sainte-Anne is situated near beautiful Quebec City within the Laurentian Mountain chain.
- Stoneham Ski Resort: Offering an incomparable free-style area, Stoneham has Canada’s largest illuminated ski centre for night skiing.
Purchase Now Before Prices Rise
Skiers and riders have until 19 April to get their Epic Australia Pass before prices rise. The Epic Australia Pass offers unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham and more, and benefits including six Bring-A-Mate tickets, 20% off lessons and rentals, 15% off retail and more.
Currently priced at AU$1,049 for adults, AU$599 for students (five to 17 years) and AU$799 for seniors (65 years and over), 2023 Epic Australia Pass lift access starts with the 2023 Australian snow season and concludes with the 2023/24 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out more here.
The Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain qualifying events and is provided at no additional cost. Refunds are subject to eligibility and based on Epic Coverage elections. Pass Holders should review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.
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ABOUT VAIL RESORTS, INC. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.
ABOUT RCR
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, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mont-Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec. In addition to the company’s ski resorts, RCR also owns and operates a number of accommodation properties, golf courses and a central reservation agency. The consumer website is www.skircr.com.
- Published in Press Releases
Introducing New Canadians to Winter Sports
We’re very proud to continue working with Snowseekers in the #NewSkiAB initiative, supporting new comers to Canada to learn winter sports and enjoy the mountains. This season we hosted Cong, from Vietnam and Peter, from Hong Kong. Follow their journey to falling in love with skiing on the Snowseekers website.
Watch Peter & Cong learn to ski and fall in love with the sport at Nakiska – https://www.snowseekers.ca/story/spring-skiing-nakiska.
- Published in News