Have Some Skiing Fun At Nakiska

The resort at Nakiska is located in scenic Kananaskis Valley, 90kms west of Calgary. The resort was designed to host the 1988 Winter Olympic Games XV (Calgary). The simple, user-friendly layout is a pleasure to explore and was designed using state-of-the-art computer technology. Consistent snow conditions, even in the early part of the season, are achieved with the aid of one of the best snowmaking systems in the world.

The unspoilt Nakiska village complex was built for the Winter Olympics. This gives the resort the advantage of having top class facilities, especially at the Delta Lodge and Kananaskis Inn. Two mountain lodges (a fully serviced base lodge and a mid-mountain lodge) ensure that skiers can rest and refresh themselves on the slopes.

Nakiska's 28 slopes primarily cater for intermediate level skiers. The pistes are set out logically, with beginner slopes mainly at the bottom of the mountain, experts at the top, and the intermediate runs in between. The wide-open Olympic-length trails are good for cruising and carving.

The ski season runs from early December to the middle of April and, thanks to the snowmaking system, snow coverage on the mountain is from top to bottom. The best option for transportation to the resort is to go by air to Calgary and then take a shuttle bus to Nakiska (one hour).

Skiing in Nakiska

The main strengths of the resort are: its purpose-built design, the impeccably prepared runs, a first class snowmaking system, and the simple and logical layout.

The majority of the 28 pistes at Nakiska have been designed for intermediate skiers. The runs are split according to ability into 16 per cent for beginners, 70 per cent for intermediates and 14 per cent for expert skiers. The longest run is 3.3kms and the total skiable area covers 303 hectares. Servicing the slopes are seven lifts (two high-speed quads, one triple, two doubles and two surface lifts), capable of carrying up to 8,620 people per hour. Cross-country trails total 40kms.

Families travelling with children ages three to five years will be pleased to learn the Kritter World mini adventure park caters for this age group. Childcare is also available for ages 19 months to six years.

Nakiska is Calgary's closest ski resort and can be reached by car in just under an hour. Nakiska's close proximity to Calgary, along with its superb childcare facilities, means the resort is held in high regard by local families. Perfectly groomed slopes are aided by the snow cover provided by Nakiska's exceptional snowmaking equipment.

Good snow coverage aided by snow machines can be found throughout the Nakiska ski season, which starts in mid-December and runs through to April. Calgary is the nearest international airport to the resort; from there, the resort is only 50 minutes away by bus or car.

Après-ski in Nakiska

Accommodation at two hotels is located five minutes (2.5kms) from the slopes, and 420 rooms are available. Day care at Nakiska is provided by a licensed facility with professional staff; children from 19 months to six years are welcomed.

The Finish Line Lounge (on the upper level of the Nakiska day lodge) serves après-ski drinks and pub food. Live music in the lounge provides much of the entertainment at weekends. For lunch, the patio BBQ Pit should be considered, while the Cappuccino Bar provides a perfect way to warm up.

Other services at the resort include: snowboarding (a terrain park and half-pipe), sleigh rides, tobogganing, snowshoeing and ice-skating. Free guided tours, lessons, two cafeterias, a lounge, a gift shop and a rental shop can also be found here. In the hotels, facilities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and exercise areas are there to keep you fit and refreshed.

Transportation in Nakiska

Alberta's resort of Nakiska is located west of Calgary in the Kananaskis Valley. The closest town is Canmore, (56kms; 35 minutes) while Banff is also nearby (83kms; one hour). If you are travelling from Calgary, a transfer by hire car or ski bus is the most convenient way to arrive at Nakiska ski resort.

The simple drive from Calgary to Nakiska by car first takes you west on Trans Canada Highway 1, then south on highway 40 (90kms; 1 hour). The journey is scenic and pleasurable. From Edmonton, you can take highways 16 and then 93 to highway 1.

There is frequent rail service between Vancouver and Calgary, with stops in Banff. From Calgary or Banff, you can transfer to the resort by hire car or bus. Additionally, there are seasonal two-day sightseeing trips by rail, from May to October, featuring the Canadian Rockies by daylight. Both eastbound trips from Vancouver and westbound trips from Calgary/Banff stay overnight in Kamloops, BC.

The nearest international airport to Nakiska ski resort is at Calgary. From the airport, shuttle buses take skiers to the resort. Greyhound buses to the resort are available from Calgary and Banff.