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Notification Alert

SUMMER OPERATIONS AT NAKISKA

Summer Operations at Nakiska

In the summer of 2027 Nakiska Ski Resort will open for summer activities. We want to offer something for everyone in Alberta and their guests. Our family friendly offering will start with:

30km

of lift serviced mountain biking trails

Over 3km

of lift serviced hiking trails

Sightseeing Trail

with a family interpretive program

Mountain Coaster

for all ages

Amenities

all of the amenities you would expect at the resort base

What to Expect

In the summer of 2026, we’ll start building the foundation for adventure—creating everything needed for an exciting lineup of activities launching in summer 2027. Here’s what we have planned:

McElhanney’s trail design team helped to create our mountain bike and hiking trails. All of the trails are designed with the guidance of former pro mountain biker and now master trail designer Matt Hadley. Based out of Canmore, Matt and the McElhanney team are using top industry practices from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and the Whistler Trail Standards.

For construction, Brady Starr from Golden, BC will build the hiking trails and the advanced technical mountain bike line. Jeff Cook will lead the Lifetime Outdoor Inc. team in building the remaining mountain bike trails and skills development area. Jeff’s work will feature family flow and intermediate options.

When Nakiska opens in summer 2027, it will be Alberta’s only mountain resort offering lift‑serviced mountain biking—an unforgettable alpine experience just under an hour from Calgary.

After reviewing mountain coaster options worldwide, we partnered with trusted leaders Doppelmayr Canada and Sunkid to create an experience for the whole family. Designed by Sunkid’s top European ride designer in fall 2025, the 970‑metre track offers fun for all ages—whether you ride hands‑free or sit back and enjoy the views together.

The mountain coaster will operate in both summer and winter, so if skiing or mountain biking isn’t for you, there is still something to enjoy.

Next summer you’ll be able to use the existing parking and amenities offered in the Nakiska Day Lodge. From there the existing Silver Chairlift will be used for the family interpretive tour, hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing. The mountain coaster will operate out of the winter tubing area out in front of the Nakiska Day Lodge.

If the resort activities don't suit your interests, the parking lots provide convenient access to the nearby hiking and walking trails. You can visit the popular and family friendly Troll Falls walk, plus the hiking trails into Ribbon Creek and the Kananaskis Village. For the more adventurous Centennial Ridge and Skogan Pass are close by.

Mountain Coaster

Gear up for adventure in the mountains as Nakiska unveils Alberta’s very first Mountain Coaster!

Mountain coasters, sometimes called alpine coasters, combine the excitement of riding an urban amusement park roller coaster with the off-the-charts outdoor alpine backdrop, and put the rider in control of the speed. Sliding down a gravity-assisted ride at Nakiska Ski Area will take you through forests, and you will feel the thrill of racing down the slopes at your own pace.

Here is what makes mountain coasters so hip and cool:

  • You decide the speed: you have the controls in your hand: You grip the hand-operated brakes and choose your own adventure. Race down the track at top speed or ease off to soak in the natural surroundings.
  • It's in the Mountains: Forget artificial backdrops. Here, you wind through real forests, cut across the open ski slopes, and carve your way back and forth to the bottom.
  • Excitement for everyone: Mountain coasters offer a rush, but unlike theme park roller coasters, you are in control, making them perfect for families.

More Information

Changes in Crown Land designation

  • First opened in 1986 Nakiska Ski Resort has been a popular recreational destination for Albertans for the past 40 years. Located in the Evan Thomas Recreation Area, within the Kananaskis Valley, Nakiska is sited on Crown Land that is designated for recreational use.
  • Nakiska Ski Resort is located within the Evan Thomas Recreation Area. Nakiska is bordered by the Evan Thomas Recreation Area to the east and south. To the north and west lie the Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. No change in the Nakiska lease area is proposed and there will be no effect on the surrounding lands.
  • All the new activities described will be within the existing Nakiska lease area. No changes in the lease area boundary are necessary or being applied for.

Environmental Review

  • Two environmental reviews have been conducted, the first in 2022, with the second starting in 2025, continuing into 2026.
  • The existing lease area is considered a brown field site with preexisting ski trails, ski lifts, snowmaking infrastructure and supporting utilities dating back to the mid 1980’s. Recognizing this the environmental review targeted large animal activity with a particular focus on grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. That initial analysis identified areas of grizzly bear activity which resulted in moving the planned summer activities from the existing Olympic Chair and Mid Mountain Lodge to the existing Silver Chair and Nakiska Day Lodge. The mountain bike trail network was then designed to avoid recognized areas of activity.
  • The hiking trail network is designed with three levels of difficulty. The expert trail provides out and back access to the existing Centennial Ridge Trail, which traverses above the resort’s existing lease area, leading to Mount Allan. Centennial Ridge Trail is closed annually through the Spring to eliminate human access during the Big Horn lambing season. The resort's expert hiking trail access to Centennial Ridge will duplicate this closure.
  • Within the resort a wildlife monitoring and reporting process will be in place in support of a human wildlife interaction management program. There will be a strong emphasis on a wildlife awareness education programming for both employees and guests.

A Solution for Crowding and Day Use Facility over use

  • The existing parking and public amenities will remain closed during the summer months until Nakiska opens in 2027. Opening the public facilities at Nakiska will help to decompress the existing parking and facilities within the Kananaskis Valley. Nakiska’s existing parking lots provide space for 1600 vehicles. From Nakiska there is excellent access to the south and to the Ribbon Creek trail network, the Kananaskis Village and beyond to the Mount Kidd. To the north and east, trail access is available to Skogan Pass, the highly popular Troll Falls and the Kananaskis Eagle observation site. Troll Falls is the most widely used walking trail within Kananaskis Country.

First Nations

  • Level One First Nations consultation is underway. Advanced notice courtesy letters were sent to the Treaty 7 leaders in December of 2025. A formal application was submitted to the Aboriginal Consultation Office in March of 2026. That application is currently open for Treaty 7 first nations feedback.
  • There are no sites of archeological interest within the existing ski area lease, and access to any sites of interest will not be compromised.
  • RCR has been engaging with the Stoney Nakoda Nations since May of 2024 which led to the signing of a Letter of Understanding. The LOU is designed to guide discussions into the future. In preparation for summer activities RCR will collaborate with the SNN to develop an interpretive guest educational program.

Looking for a job?

  • During the construction phase we anticipate up to 25 short term construction roles.
  • For summer of 2027 we expect to create 35 new roles, with most of those converting from winter seasonal roles, to more meaningful year-round employment.
  • Keep and eye on https://skinakiska.com/careers/

Public Engagement

As we look ahead, we value your perspective. Please take a moment to review this information and the supporting maps, then share your comments and ideas below. Once the engagement process is complete, we will summarize the input received and address key themes. If you include a valid email address, we will follow up with you.

PARTNERS
RCR is inclusive. Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
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