Skiing in Kananaskis Country

Cross-Country Skiing

The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, just south of town off Spray Lakes Road (1988 Olympic Way, Canmore; tel. 403/678-2400;https://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/parks_canmore.asp), was developed for the Olympics' cross-country skiing competition, though the facility is now open year-round. In winter, the center offers 70km (43 miles) of scenic cross-country trails, plus the on-site Trail Sports shop (tel. 403/678-6764) for rentals, repairs, and sales. In summer, hikers and mountain bikers take over the trails, and Trail Sports offers bike rentals, skill-building courses, and guided rides.

Downhill Skiing

Kananaskis gained worldwide attention when it hosted the alpine ski events for the Winter Olympics in 1988, and skiing remains a primary attraction in the area. AtNakiska (tel. 800/258-7669 or 403/591-7777; www.skinakiska.com), skiers can follow in the tracks of past Winter Olympians. Very family-friendly, it offers terrain for every age and ability, and is open from early December to mid-April. Adult lift tickets cost C$52.