Nakiska Ski Resort

Nakiska Ski Resort is a popular ski and snowboarding destination located in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. It is situated approximately 83 kilometers west of Calgary, and it's easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway.

The resort was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics and was the site of the alpine events, including downhill, slalom, and super-G. It is now owned and operated by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels of skiers and riders. Nakiska Ski Resort has 71 runs spread across 1,021 acres (413 hectares) of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of 784 meters (2,572 feet). The resort's runs are divided into 17% beginner, 70% intermediate, and 13% advanced terrain, making it a great choice for families and skiers of all abilities.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers a variety of amenities, including ski and snowboard rentals, dining options, and lessons for all levels of skiers and riders. There are also several nearby accommodation options available for visitors to the resort. Overall, Nakiska Ski Resort is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in Alberta, thanks to its convenient location, diverse terrain, and range of amenities.

Nakiska Lift system

Nakiska’s lift system is named after its Olympic heritage with Gold, Silver and Bronze chairs and then the Olympic chair which is the longest. The Bronze chair is the only fixed grip chair and is in the beginner zone. The other chairs are all high-speed quads to get you around the mountain.

A unique part of the new Gold Chair (added 2009) which takes riders up summit of the resort is that it goes under the existing Olympic chair which adds an interesting element for riders on both chairs.  

Nakiska Ski Resort Mountain Stats

Nakiska Snow

Nakiska is at a lower elevation when compared to the other major resort in Alberta so it doesn’t see nearly as much snow as somewhere like Lake Louise or Banff Sunshine however they do get around 3m of natural snowfall and being an official training centre they have a super powerful snowmaking system and grooming team. By Christmas each year a good 80% of the resort is running and then once in the middle of winter (Feb) the resort is normally running at 100% open terrain.

If a good storm rolls through they can see days where the snow dumps deep and if that’s the case most riders will be heading straight for the Monster Glades which is a special gladed region off the left-hand side of the summit access by the Gold Chair. Each lap on the Gold Chair will allow you to spot a new line or relive your chest deep line you just did.

Where is Nakiska

Nakiska is Calgary’s closest mountain. At 83 km (52 miles) from the Calgary City limits, Nakiska is a short 49-minute drive. Head west on Highway 1, then south on Highway 40, and you’ll be skiing or riding in under an hour.

Staying in Banff?
At 81 km (50 miles) Nakiska’s closer than you might think. This time go east on Highway 1 and then south on Highway 40. Total travel time: well under 1 hour.

Canmore – Even Closer
Closer still is Canmore at only 56 km (35 miles), with its many hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts options. Total travel time: 35 minutes, using the same route along highways 1 and 40.

Driving Distances from Nakiska

• Kananaskis Village 2.5 km

• Canmore 56 km

• Banff 81 km

• Calgary 83 km 

The closest major airport is Calgary International which serves domestic Canadian services, a range of options from across the border in the USA and a limited number of services from Europe and the UK. Car hire or access to shuttle busses is readily available from Calgary and this is the entry point for most who are doing a multi resort visit to the resorts Alberta has on offer.

Nakiska Snow News