If you’ve ever skied at Nakiska, you know that we strive for great, dependable snow conditions all season long. But have you ever wondered how we manage to keep our slopes so smooth?

Snowmaking is an important component of our operations, ensuring consistent and high-quality skiing conditions throughout the season, in addition to all the snow Mother Nature provides.

We recognize that providing great skiing and riding conditions goes hand in hand with responsible water use. We have invested in technology and adopted practices that allow us to produce consistent, quality snow while being mindful of our water usage and energy consumption.

Making Every Drop Count

Water is a vital resource in snowmaking, and efficient use lets you produce more with less. By investing in current snow-making technology, we’re consuming water responsibly while still delivering exceptional ski surfaces on our slopes.

Nakiska has made significant upgrades to its snowmaking system, adding machines that dramatically improve efficiency and allowing us to produce more snow per gallon of water, making the process more sustainable. Our system is designed to cool compressed air effectively without using water, before we pipe it up the mountain for use in snowmaking, ensuring optimal snow coverage for our slopes while minimizing both water and energy use.

In addition to water conservation, maintaining Nakiska’s exceptional skiing conditions is equally important. By using technology that adjusts to temperature fluctuations, we can ensure that the right amount of snow is produced without excess water or energy usage.”

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Nakiska’s fleet of Tier 4 and Tier 5 snow grooming machines plays a vital role in providing a great skiing and riding surface. These eco-friendly machines groom the slopes efficiently, using less fuel and requiring fewer passes on the mountain, which makes our corduroy even smoother. By focusing on precision in both snow production and slope grooming, we provide excellent skiing terrain all while using a newer, energy-efficient fleet.

By starting to introduce Tier 5 grooming machines to our fleet, our new machines now meet the highest emission standards as the cleanest snow groomers in their class, playing a key role in our sustainability efforts.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Nakiska’s approach to snowmaking is part of our broader commitment to sustainability and land stewardship. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain dedicated to continuously improving our practices. As we look to the future, we will continue investing in technologies that conserve water and energy. As snowmaking remains vital to our operations, we remain focused on executing it efficiently and sustainability.

At Nakiska, we’re committed to providing an exceptional recreational experience while also taking steps to best manage our stunning environment. As a longtime local operator with deep roots in the area, we understand the importance of balancing recreation with responsible and sustainable practices. We are always seeking new ways to minimize our footprint so that future generations can continue to enjoy Nakiska’s slopes.

While skiing is at the heart of what we do, we are mindful of environmental responsibility in our operations. Nakiska has implemented a range of initiatives that help minimize erosion, manage water use and decrease overall consumption of materials and fuels.

Reducing Our Footprint

Energy efficiency is a key area of focus across the ski area. Over the past several years we have made changes to reduce electricity use, particularly in heating systems (HVAC), lighting, and appliances. When it comes to our vehicles and equipment, we prioritize fuel reduction and extending the life of our machines through good maintenance practices. We also recycle oils, rubber, and metals from our fleet, ensuring that every aspect of our operations is aligned with our sustainability goals.

One of our recent efforts is waste reduction through a comprehensive recycling program. Plastics, cardboard, paper, aluminum and even cooking oils are all recycled at Nakiska. In our food operations, we are working to reduce the use of single-use items across Nakiska and aim to completely transition to fully recyclable and compostable products.

Our dedication to sustainability includes thoughtful management of our slopes, with responsible tree felling playing a key role in ensuring our on-slope work doesn’t impact wildlife. We carefully time this process to avoid disrupting migratory bird nesting patterns. By selectively removing only necessary trees, we create glades that maintain skiable terrain while leaving behind a natural layer of mulch. This mulch helps prevent soil erosion, supports healthy regrowth, and reduces the risk of invasive species. It enriches the soil with organic material, promoting ecosystem vitality while striking a balance between improving safety and protecting the natural environment.

Powering Our Slopes Sustainably

Water is critical for snowmaking, and we’re committed to using it wisely and sustainably. Nakiska has invested in highly efficient snowmaking systems to conserve water and reduce energy consumption. By regularly upgrading, maintaining, and fine-tuning our equipment and snowmaking process, we can provide top-quality skiing conditions while ensuring we are doing so in an environmentally responsible way.

For example, our fleet of Tier 4 snow grooming machines plays a big role in our sustainability efforts. They’re designed to burn less fuel and groom the slopes more efficiently, which not only saves energy but also reduces our impact on the mountain ecosystem itself. We also maintain our equipment to the highest standards, ensuring that it runs efficiently and produces fewer emissions.

An Eco-Friendly Future

We believe that the joy of skiing comes with the responsibility of sustainability. Our ongoing use of environmentally conscious practices reflects our desire to protect our slopes. By continually investing in new technologies, water conservation, and reducing waste, we are constantly evolving our approach. Our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact ensures that we can continue to provide outdoor adventures in a way that respects our natural surroundings.

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!

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.

New season, new systems!
How to smooth out your first day on the slopes.

Well, here we are! 

We’ve made it to another ski season during a pandemic, and while some regulations will stay the same as last season, we are also dealing with a few new ones. Here are some guidelines to help make your first day out in the mountains as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Request your Season Pass or Direct to Lift Card in advance

If you have purchased a season pass, you should have received an email requesting your upload your QR code/proof of immunization online. Please upload your information and request your pass be sent to you as soon as possible. Ensuring your pass gets into our printing queue as soon as possible allows you the best chance of receiving your pass ahead of your first visit. If you have not received your email requesting proof of immunization, please feel free to reach out to our guest services team to request one by emailing [email protected]. If you have requested your pass but have not received it before your first day, you will need to visit the resort Guest Services building to receive a day ticket and show proof of immunization.  If you are having problems with our system accepting your Proof of Immunization please refer to our FAQ’s to find out why.

Mind our Know Before you Go updates

While many of our guidelines have stayed the same, a key update this season is the requirement to be fully vaccinated to access our resort lifts and facilities. Please refer to the information above on how to provide this ahead of your visit.

Bring your QR Code on your first few visits

To ensure we have record of your information, we encourage you to have your QR Code and government-issued photo id with you on your first few trips. If you purchase day tickets, you will need to show proof of immunization when picking up your lift tickets each time you visit.

Limit your baggage and prepare for a few lineups

We will not be allowing bags to be stored unattended in our daylodge or common areas. Please ensure you’re leaving any unnecessary baggage in your car or purchase a locker. While requiring proof of immunization should help alleviate some lineups at our lifts and facilities, please note that some people may still choose to stay distanced from others; we ask you to respect the wishes of those around you.

Be kind

As always, we ask you to be kind to our fellow guests and also our staff. Please realize our front-line staff are working hard to ensure you enjoy your experience and share your passion for the mountains. Let’s all work together to make our mountain experience an enjoyable one.

Instead of skiing and riding in Banff, try Canmore Kananaskis this winter, pull off and let the traffic continue, while others are still behind the wheel, you are strolling the quaint shops of main street, Canmore.

We think you’ll like this new twist, a stay-cation nearby, try Canmore and ski so close, with Nakiska Ski Area just down the road.

Sleep in comfort
Check out Canmore’s latest edition of up-scale lodging options.  The full service, Malcolm Hotel, will take care of you – from plush pillows, kitted out rooms, complete with that amazing view of the Three Sisters, signature and stand-out mountains rising above you. After skiing, soak in a deluxe roof-top hot tubs, and enjoy night laps in the pool.

Don’t even bother getting back in your car, stroll down to the shops and dining, main street Canmore is a short walk away.

Did we say groomed runs and more calling
Nakiska Ski Area, long a favourite of Albertan’s, as it is so close, offers not only some of the best groomed runs, but even more, with the addition of the Monster Glades, now the rippers in your cohort, have a place to play too. Nakiska is also the perfect place to learn to ski and ride, so check out the packages that offer ski and ride lessons, rentals and lift ticket, so you can winter better this year.

Make a midweek adventure out of it – learn how to snowshoe, after skiing or snowboarding, try out the local trails, with the Nakiska Ski Area snowshoe tours.

Family fun – Tubing Park
Our Tube Park is fun for all ages, with 3 fun and fast tracks to ride plus a magic carpet that takes your right to the top!  With gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies it’s a great experience for the whole family.

Check out variety of Canmore dining options;

The Table Food & Drink is an upscale local restaurant who’s philosophy is: Quality Ingredients + Traditional Methods + Contemporary Interpretation. Discover a new dining experience in our casual ambiance, punctuated by impeccable service.  Plus don’t miss their $5 Happy Hour specials!

Crazy Weed Kitchen is a foodie’s delight! Feeling like a treat?  Then put this one on your dinner plans.

Communintea is a healthy and happy place for breakfast, lunch and your to go hot drinks for the short drive to Nakiska Ski Area.

Graze Food & Drink promises simple and delicious Canadian Cuisine in the heart of Canmore with welcoming staff and an ‘atmosphere that is good for your soul’.

Book your Malcolm Hotel Ski and Stay packages through the RCR Central Reservations department online or by calling 1-800-258-7669, you can also chat live with reservations agents through skircr.com.

For more information on activities and things to do check out the Tourism Canmore Kananaskis website.

Don’t forget to do your part to stop the spread. Face coverings are required at Nakiska Ski Area, practice social distancing and reminder if not feeling good, please stay home.  For the full list of our guildelines please visit the Nakiska Ski Area COVID information page.

Don’t forget Season Pass holders can ski anytime but if you are coming for the day you must purchase your lift ticket in advance.

Have you ever wanted to head to the mountains for a day of fun in the winter with non-skiers, but unsure of what to do? Look no further than a short drive from Calgary to Nakiska Ski Area for a tubing adventure that will leave everyone in your group grinning from ear to ear.
Our family of five headed to the designated tube run area accessed by a magic carpet (not unlike a moving sidewalk) that whisked us up the hill for an exhilarating ride down. The tube run attendants helped everyone get situated and gave the option of taking a spinning ride down, a group ride, or solo straight shot down the track.  We tried it all, and when our ski-crazy six year old asked if we could skip skiing and tube all day, we knew the activity was a hit!

In our ever-increasingly connected society I feel we need to be more mindful of making family memories where screens are not involved. Spinning down the mountain shrieking and laughing with our kids accommodated an experience of just being present with our children. There was no coaching or expectations, just pure fun.

As a parent, I couldn’t help but note how easy it was – no special equipment, just warm clothes and snow boots. Heading out without extra supplies is always noteworthy in my books, especially when it still leaves everyone hooting and hollering.

Children 42” or 3 + years old are able to ride in their own little tube side by side with their parents. When we peaked in at our youngest after her maiden voyage we weren’t sure what she thought as she was completely bundled up and her face was hard to detect. However when we asked if she wanted to go again, her exaggerated head nod let us know all we needed – and then we saw her twinkling eyes and grin.

Even though the opportunity had arisen to enjoy the mountains without packing the car full, we couldn’t possibly go without skis. It felt wrong. Tubing then was just part of our day out and I was thrilled to find out that with the purchase of a regular lift ticket, adults can add on a tubing pass for $15 and children only $5 extra for 2 hours of tubing.

Whether you are a diehard skier or have never seen the mountains in the winter, snow tubing at Nakiska is guaranteed to be an amazing experience. If you don’t believe me, feel free to talk to our six year old – she hasn’t stopped talking about it all week.

Photos & Words by Chelsea Mackenzie Photography

I have always loved strapping on my skis, catching an early lift and taking in a day on the mountain whether the conditions are light and fluffy or spring slush. Any day skiing is a good day. Now as a parent I still feel the same sentiments but even more as I watch our children’s faces light up as they conquer new terrain, pick up a little speed, or are finally released from the harness. It’s amazing – and it’s exhausting. We are constantly trying to balance family time with work, extracurricular activities (not to mention the FUNDRAISING they encompass), and commitment to friends, family and school. Sometimes I just want to cheat on our adventurous side a little and enjoy some relaxation – I now know we don’t have to cheat.

A short 49-minute drive from Calgary, you can do both –3 km down the road from Nakiska Ski Area is the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

Nakiska is opening 7 days per week starting November 29th giving way to a winter full of skiing fun not too far out of the city. You don’t have to commit to a weekend away to get your family out in the mountains and on the slopes. With 3 high-speed quad chairs, 2 doubles and 2 magic carpets you are guaranteed to be whisked up the hill quickly to get more runs in, even if you aren’t the quickest down. There are ski lessons available for children and adults alike, so the parents can enjoy a few laps top to bottom on their own while the kids sharpen their skills. If those kids are getting into the teen years and the parents need a lesson or two to keep up, those are available too.

After enjoying the slopes with friends or family, there is no reason not to pop over to the spa and unwind. The hydrotherapy access is just as stated on the Kananaskis Nordic Spa’s website, “a modern alpine sanctuary.” Wrapped warmly in a luxurious tartan robe you move between pools, saunas and a steam cabin surrounded by pines dusted in snow. The winter-ready hammocks are strategically placed for you to rest comfortably between cycles, as are the Adirondack chairs gathered about crackling fires. The natural rock and beautiful landscaping leaves you uncertain of where the spa ends and the wild begins. With the delicious Two Tree Bistro mere steps away it is an easy place to spend an afternoon or evening recharging after skiing or snowboarding. (Please note to enter the Spa you must be at least 18 years old).

Offering the perfect marriage between sport and relaxation in the pristine Rocky Mountains a short drive from Calgary, this ski and soak experience will have you questioning only one thing – how many of your friends and family are going to want to come along.

Photos by Robin Laurenson & Chelsea Czibere

Trick? Or Treat?  It’s not a trick…..but it certainly is a treat!  Here at Nakiska Ski Area we have been lucky to have Mother Nature give us some of the biggest and earliest significant snow storms we’ve ever seen, allowing us to start snowmaking at a roaring pace and to open the resort for skiing/riding the earliest we have ever been able to in our 31 year history!

Be sure to wear your costume! We’ll be open for our first preview weekend of the season on October 26th & 27th, our retail team will be out giving away candy to costume wearers.

To see what’s projected to be open and for more information visit our Snow Report page.

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Photo from October 16th, 2019

“Twist. Push AND twist. No. Not like that. REALLY push hard!” The Mary-Poppins-cheerfulness was starting to escape my voice as I encouraged my five year old to put on her ski boots. A maniacal laughter instead was rising up out of me making known that the Mary Poppins voice was just a schtick to try and keep up morale, and keep everyone (parents included) from melting down. Deep down though, I knew if we just kept at it and continued to dress these beloved children of ours layer after layer, soon we would be released from this horrid form of purgatory and be out on the mountain. This is skiing with children.

My husband Nick and I both had a huge love for the outdoors, adventure and sport, and was part of the mutual attraction between us when we started dating. We dreamt of many excursions into the wilderness, and exploring the great Rocky Mountains we called home. Our first child came along at the tail end of 2011, and we embarked on our biggest adventure yet – parenthood.

I’ll never forget a well-meaning Auntie regale to me when disclosing we were expecting a new little life that it meant we would have to grow up. At about that exact moment, I decided (and told Nick, in which he supported me either out of excitement or fear of frustrating his pregnant, hormonal wife) that we in fact were not going to “grow up.” We were going to embrace our children’s childhood as the greatest adventure of all time, and introduce them to an amazing world that would be chalk full of wilderness, adventure and sport.

It is noteworthy, that I had yet to put ski boots on a child.

Or driven for hours on end with a baby.

Before you close this story giving it a quick amen of solidarity, or shudder at the thought of having children, please know we’ve been taking our children out to the mountains skiing for the past 5 years, since our firstborn was two. We have found a pretty great little gem that makes this feat more than palatable, and in fact incredibly fun. Let me introduce you to Nakiska Ski Area.

This resort on the edge of the Rocky Mountains is quick 45 minute drive from Calgary. It makes for a wonderful day trip from the city for locals, or for those flying into Alberta wanting an authentic Rocky Mountain experience that includes downhill skiing – because is it really authentic if you don’t ski?

Snowplows and wildlife naturally add to the iconic Canadian Rockies experience as you drive through the Kananaskis.

The resort itself is charming, with the lodge boasting several fireplaces end to end at which you can warm up, a darling cafe with delicious treats (the monster cookies are a must), and a well-stocked retail shop. The staff was equally delightful, and everyone we encountered from lifties to cleaning staff were extremely friendly. This was tested when a small baby was smashing the aforementioned monster cookies underneath the beautiful wood tables in the lodge – this was not our experience, I’m just relating it for a friend.

Then there is the skiing. Nakiska is known for it’s meticulously maintained runs that lend themselves as a racer’s dream hosting countless international competitions. The runs are confidence inspiring, and beautiful, and our five and seven year old rippers felt like rockstars. The high speed chair not only whisks skiers up quickly to catch more runs, but is a nice bonus-feature for the parent hiking with the baby below waiting for his or her turn to go for a quick ski.

The top was a magical little surprise this week, having received eight inches of fresh snow the night before. It was not only a great day with the kids, but for us parents, we got to ski a powder day – and it was amazing. The fog closed in leaving you in a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees and every little building looking like a mystical cabin in the woods.

Next time you’re looking for a quick day trip from Calgary don’t discount Nakiska Ski Area. In fact, it should be near the top of your list. And if you go on a Thursday you might just have the place to yourself.

Words & Photos by Chelsea Mackenzie Photo
See more photos of the experience on the original blog post on Chelsea’s website.