Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Just 5 minutes from the town of Canmore, and a 90 minute drive from Calgary's International Airport, the Canmore Nordic Centre provides exceptional cross-country skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
Designed and developed as the site for the Nordic skiing events for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers over 70 kilometres of world-class cross-country and biathlon trail systems, at an average elevation of 1425 metres, with the trails designed to meet international Nordic competitive standards.
The Centre also has the distinction of being known as one of the top mountain biking centres in North America. Other facilities include a 3km paved roller ski-training loop and a major 18 hole disc golfing course, making this a popular year round destination.
The Nordic Centre has a day lodge which offers a relaxing atmosphere, large stone fireplace, stunning views of Mount Rundle, and comfortable seating to enjoy them from. It also provides a cafeteria, day lockers, washrooms & showers, equipment rental, lessons, maps, information, meeting rooms and can host special events, weddings, sport and corporate functions, parties and bus tours.
Cross-country skiing and biathlon
Canmore Nordic Centre is Canada's premier cross country skiing and biathlon venue and hosts regional, national and international events every winter. With approximately 325,000 recreational skiers visiting the Canmore Nordic Centre annually, the Centre is also a focal point for winter recreation and tourism.
Trails are groomed and trackset to accommodate both classic and skating techniques on the same trail, there are also lit trails for night skiing. A variety of terrain is available to challenge cross-country skiers of intermediate or advanced levels, with some trails suitable for novices. Snow making enhances the conditions and extends the ski season.
For those skiers who feel that they have yet to reach their potential, lessons can be booked with instructors certified by the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI).
To prepare for the Alberta Centennial World Cup 2005 the Canmore Nordic Centre underwent a massive upgrade, with financial investment of $16.5 million. Upgraded race facilities include 24 new team wax rooms, an expanded day lodge and brand new Olympic and Centennial race courses. As a result Canmore Nordic Centre is one of the premier racing and training facilities in the world.
Winter Trail Fees, Rentals & Ski School
Mountain biking
Canmore is one of the finest places in North America to mountain bike, and the Canmore Nordic Centre hosts some of the largest mountain biking events in Western Canada, offering both single and double track trails for beginners and experts.
With professional mountain biking competitors, amateur enthusiasts and spectators gathering annually in this region to take part in numerous mountain biking events, the trails provide challenging and invigorating fun.
This really is the place to ride, and with or without your own equipment you can soon be enjoying the trails as there are suspension bike rentals available (including helmets), and for those riders needing a bit of guidance, biking lessons and tours can also be booked.
Wildlife
Bears and cougars do frequent the Nordic Centre, so it is recommended that you follow the code for safe use of wildlife areas and carry bear spray during bear season.
Location: |
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park |
| 1988 Olympic Way | |
| Canmore | |
| Alberta | |
| T1W 2T6 | |
| http://www.albertaparks.ca/canmore-nordic-centre |