Spring is the time to take a moment to pause, sit on the slopes, and let the stunning scenery nourish your soul as the sun’s rays illuminate your face. Despite the snowy conditions, you feel comfortably warm. This is what spring skiing at Nakiska is all about!

1. Bluebird Powder Days

Renowned for their fluffy dumps of white gold, March and April offer a high probability of experiencing the holy grail of riding: the elusive bluebird powder day.

2. Hoodie Riding

As temperatures rise, Nakiska is a spring haven with balmy weather, perfect for shedding layers and embracing hoodie riding.

3. Leisure Ride Time

Now comes the season when the pressure is off. With fewer demands to seek out hidden powder stashes, you’ll find ample opportunity to leisurely explore groomed runs, contemplate your technique, and perhaps even attempt that natural hit you’ve been eyeing all season beside your favourite run.

4. Take a Selfie

Seize the opportunity to ditch your mitts, grab your camera phone, and snap that iconic selfie from the top of the Gold Chair. With blue skies, pristine snow, and radiant smiles, Nakiska’s spring scenery provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. After all, in today’s digital age, if there’s no photo, did it really happen?!

5. Après-Ski on Sunny Patios

Indulging in après-ski always equates to a good time, but nothing quite compares to enjoying apres on a sunny patio. The combination of sunshine, mountain air, and ice-cold draught beer creates the best vibes.

6. Spring Events

Celebrate spring at Nakiska with year-end weekend events and activities! Enjoy appearances by the Easter Bunny, live music from DJs, and engaging entertainment like face painting and balloon twisting. Soak up the sun, groove to tunes, and take in the last moments on the slopes for the season.

7. Year-end Sales

We all love a good deal! As the ski season draws to a close, prepare for some incredible deals at the Sports Alpine Ski and Snowboard Boutique. Explore a wide selection of stylish outerwear and trendy urban wear, all at unbeatable prices. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your gear and gear up for your next mountain adventure.

8. Ski in the morning & Hike in the afternoon

Experience the ultimate adventure in the Canadian Rockies: ski and hike on the same day! Nearby trails like Troll Falls or the Green Monster provide stunning frozen waterfall hikes, allowing you to make the most of your day in the Rockies.

End the Season in Style

With fewer crowds, enticing package deals, and extended daylight hours, spring skiing at Nakiska becomes an irresistible invitation to bid farewell to the season in style. Embrace the freedom to explore groomed runs on hero snow, refine your technique, and chase bluebird powder days amidst the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Get your last turns in now while you have the chance, friends, and happy spring ridin’!

Feel the crunch of fresh snow under your boots, the glow of a firepit warming your cheeks, and the melodies of festive tunes drifting through the crisp mountain air. This December 24th and 25th, Nakiska Ski Area is the place to be, where Santa himself will be hitting the slopes from 10:30am to 2:00pm, spreading holiday cheer in the heart of the Rockies.

A Snowy Wonderland

Picture this: snow-dusted trees, the distant laughter of the slopes, and the majestic Rockies providing the perfect backdrop for your holiday escape. Santa’s arrival takes the Christmas vibes to a whole new level! Snap a photo as he waves from the chairlift or share a laugh when he pauses for a chat—Santa’s reflective goggles and jolly wave make for a photo-op you’ll treasure forever.

Shreddin’ with the Big Guy

How often can you say you’ve shared turns with Santa? Whether you’re a seasoned pro carving lines or a first-timer learning the ropes, Nakiska’s slopes offer something for everyone. And when Santa cruises by, decked out in his red suit and reflective goggles, you’ll want to follow his lead.

Take a lesson from Nakiska’s expert instructors and make it a day to remember. Who knows, you might even see Santa throw down a few tricks on his snowboard!

Festive Activities

Beyond the slopes, Nakiska offers plenty of festive activities to keep the entire family entertained. Warm up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa at the cozy base area, where the fire pit creates a gathering place for stories. Enjoy après-skis on the deck of the Finish Line Lounge while laughing with your buds over who had the best bail of the day. Though the Wanidu Tube Park isn’t open just yet, stay tuned for updates as a little snowfall could change that in time for the Christmas holidays. Keep your fingers crossed, do your snow dances, and be ready for some high-speed, downhill fun!

Your Holiday Adventure Awaits

Nakiska isn’t about flashy decorations or over-the-top festivities. Here, the holiday spirit feels unhurried and genuine, inviting you to breathe in the mountain air, soak up the scenery, and truly savour the moments that matter. Whether you’re carving turns on the slopes or soaking in the Hallmark-worthy views, Nakiska is the perfect destination for families and winter enthusiasts alike.

Reserve your lift tickets, book a lesson, and get ready to create incredible moments with your loved ones. Plan your visit now and let Nakiska be the highlight of your holidays. December 24th and 25th are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to experience skiing with Santa!

Nakiska has been known as a cherished family skiing destination for decades. For the Kucera family, it’s more than just a ski hill—it’s the backdrop of a lifetime of memories, spanning three generations, nearly forty years and counting.

John Kucera is a Canadian skiing World Champion and Olympian who now coaches the next generation of athletes with Alpine Canada. John and his mother, Zdena Kucera, sat down with us to talk about their love for Nakiska and what passing the love of skiing to John’s two daughters means to him and his family.

A Family Tradition Takes Root

The story begins when Zdena Kucera and her husband immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia (now separate countries Czechia and Slovakia). Settling in Alberta, they were drawn to Nakiska, a place that soon became their home away from home. “My husband loved skiing,” Zdena recalls. “He joined the Ski Patrol and brought the whole family into it. We spent every weekend of the winter in the mountains, first in hostels and later in our motorhome at Kananaskis Village.”

It was at Nakiska that Zdena’s son, John, first strapped on skis at just 18 months old, quickly mastering the sport. By the time he joined the Nancy Greene program, John was already outpacing his peers, skiing with a confidence that hinted at his future success as a World Champion downhill skier.

From High Performance Racer to Dad

John’s journey took him from the bunny hills to the more technical runs of Nakiska to the world stage, where he represented Canada as an Olympic and World Cup athlete. He made his World Cup debut in 2004 and two years later won his first victory and went on to compete at the 2006 Olympics in Torino. He then won gold at the 2009 World Championships in France.  While John has skied at resorts and down famed runs across the globe throughout his many years of international competition, Nakiska has always remained close to his heart.

“Nakiska has a family feel,” John explains. “It’s the place where I learned to ski, where my parents built a community, and now, where I bring my own kids.”

With two daughters of his own, aged six and three, John is continuing the family tradition. Both girls started skiing before they turned two, just as John did. “It’s not about racing,” John emphasizes. “It’s about having fun as a family and enjoying the outdoors.”

A Mountain for Every Generation

Zdena still joins the family on the slopes. Skiing alongside her grandchildren has brought her immense joy. “It’s wonderful to see Anna showing me the ropes on the mountain,” she says with a laugh. “I’m so happy to watch them grow up here, just like their father did.”

Nakiska’s family-friendly terrain makes it an ideal spot for multi-generational adventures. The variety of runs, from gentle green runs to thrilling black diamond runs, caters to all skill levels. “We started Anna on the bunny hill, and now she’s exploring the glades and even the black diamonds,” John shares. “It’s a mountain you can grow up on.”

A Place Like No Other

For the Kuceras, Nakiska is more than a ski resort; it’s a part of their family’s story. The memories of weekends spent skiing, the friendships formed, and the milestones celebrated here have created an unbreakable bond with the mountain.

“Every time we come back, it feels like coming home,” John reflects. “And that’s something really special.”

That second home seems to be increasingly felt by John’s daughters, the eldest is now competing at Nakiska. Says John with a chuckle “She is competing. She’d like to think that she’s faster than me, but I think I still got her…for now at least.”

As the two daughters carve their own paths on Nakiska’s slopes, the Kucera family’s legacy continues—a reminder that skiing is not just a sport, but a way of bringing generations together.

Nakiska offers more than breathtaking views and world-class slopes—it’s a hub of opportunity for job seekers and career enthusiasts alike. Offering part-time, full-time, seasonal, or year-round roles, our ski resort provides a dynamic workplace that brings together people passionate about staying active, outdoor adventure and hospitality.

A Thriving Snow Village of Professionals

The opportunities are as diverse as our mountain landscape at Nakiska. Roles span various fields, from hands-on technical positions like lift mechanics, millwrights, electricians, chefs, diesel mechanics, snowmaking crews and snowcat drivers to guest-facing roles like ski patrol, rental shop managers, lift operations, ski school instructors and guest services.

Behind the scenes, we rely on skilled individuals to keep the operations seamless, including our sales and finance teams, food and beverage managers and maintenance managers.

Alberta is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, and our ski resort fosters meaningful jobs that give individuals a chance to make a difference and work in our beautiful mountain playground. As our tourism sector in Alberta continues to grow, it could provide additional opportunities for meaningful mountain employment as well, opening the door to even more career-building opportunities.

Sports and tourism are so much more than just recreation in Alberta—they are important economic drivers that support skills development, build communities and create lasting impact. Nakiska attracts visitors, boosts tourism, and sustains jobs in rural areas, supporting professionals across a broad number of industries.

For many, the love of skiing and snowboarding begins in childhood and evolves into a lifelong passion. Our ski area provides a pathway for individuals to transform that passion into a fulfilling career, whether in tourism, resort operations, or the broader winter sports industry. Working with us is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that celebrates the true Canadian spirit that embraces outdoor recreation.

Our ski area is more than a destination—it’s a cornerstone of Alberta’s thriving tourism and winter sports culture. By offering diverse opportunities and contributing to economic growth, Nakiska continues to inspire and contribute to Alberta’s dynamic future.

At Nakiska, we recognize that maintaining the beauty and stability of our natural environment is as important as providing an exceptional recreational experience. One unique practice we implement on our slopes is mulching.

But what exactly is mulching and why is it such an important practice?

What is Mulching?

Mulching involves covering the soil with organic or inorganic materials to create a protective layer. Organic mulches include natural materials such as wood chips, leaves, straw and compost, while inorganic mulches can be made from stones or synthetic materials. In most cases, organic mulches are favoured for their environmental benefits as they break down and contribute nutrients to the soil over time.

The Importance of Mulching

At Nakiska, we utilize organic mulch from tree felling, which is selective tree removal as required for creating gladed terrain, trail widening, or removing dead or diseased trees. By mulching felled trees on-site, it eliminates trucking and transport of the logs, and re-introducing mulch to the logged area offers many benefits:

1. Soil Health Enhancement: Organic mulch enriches the soil as it decomposes, releasing vital nutrients that promote plant growth. This enriches the ecosystem and creates a healthier environment for the diverse foliage that inhabits the ski area.
2. Erosion Control: Ski slopes can be susceptible to erosion, especially during heavy rains or rapid snowmelt. By applying a layer of mulch, it creates a barrier that helps stabilize the soil and reduces runoff. The roots of removed trees and vegetation are left untouched in the ground, further stabilizing the terrain and preventing erosion, especially on steeper sections of mulched areas. This is particularly crucial for maintaining the integrity of our ski slopes and surrounding ecosystems.
3. Wildlife Protection: We time our tree removal appropriately to ensure we aren’t disturbing nesting sites of migratory birds, taking care to remove trees that aren’t being for nesting.
4. Moisture Retention: In our efforts to manage water resources sustainably, mulching helps retain moisture in the soil. This is particularly important during the dry summer months when the risk of forest fires increases. Mulching helps reduce flammable materials and slows the spread of flames, ensuring that our slopes remain healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
5. Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Before the practice of mulching was introduced, felled trees would be burned onsite or trucked off the mountain. Mulching on-site eliminates   tree and timber burning, avoiding the release of carbon into the atmosphere. This practice helps maintain a lower carbon footprint and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Mulching Practices at Nakiska 

Our approach to mulching is guided by a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Here are some of the practices we implement:

1. Selective Tree Felling: We carefully plan tree removal to minimize ecological disruption. This ensures that only necessary trees are removed and we prioritize the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
2. Natural Mulch Application: After tree felling, we leave behind a natural layer of mulch to protect the soil. This mulch serves multiple purposes from enhancing soil quality to preventing erosion and promoting healthy regrowth.
3. Ecosystem Monitoring: We continually monitor the effects of our mulching practices on the surrounding environment. This allows us to adapt our methods as needed, ensuring that we are effectively supporting the local ecosystem, including not disturbing any nesting sites or other wildlife considerations.

By continuing to refine our sustainable practices, our mulching practices are just one way we can develop our slopes while supporting the diverse wildlife and ecosystems in our vicinity.

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.