Nakiska Day Lodge

At Nakiska, families aren’t just welcome—they’re the priority. From its dedicated beginner zone with a free magic carpet lift to its award-winning kids’ lesson programs and easy-to-navigate base area, everything at this Kananaskis resort is designed with young adventurers (and their parents) in mind. Parents can carve out some solo time knowing their kids are learning in a safe, supportive setting—or join them for laps at the Wanidu Tube Park, where giggles echo across the snow. Add in on-site rentals, warming huts, and kid-friendly dining, and Nakiska becomes more than just a ski hill—it’s a place where winter traditions are born.

Voted Best Family Ski Area in Alberta by Calgary’s Child Magazine, Nakiska Ski Resort has earned its place as the go-to mountain for parents and kids alike. Nestled in the heart of Kananaskis, Nakiska pairs big-mountain scenery with thoughtful family amenities—from a dedicated beginner zone and free magic carpet lift to ski school programs and tubing lanes that thrill every age. Easy access, compact layout, and stress-free services like rentals and on-site dining make it a favourite for day trips and weekend getaways. For families looking to start a ski tradition close to home, Nakiska leads the way.

Born for the 1988 Winter Olympics, Nakiska Ski Resort began as a bold vision—carved into the lower slopes of Mount Allan in just two years to host the world’s best alpine skiers. Today, the same runs that welcomed global athletes and witnessed Canadian Karen Percy’s double bronze medal triumph have become a beloved destination for families, weekend skiers, and national teams alike. With modern lifts, new terrain, and a flame that still burns at its entrance, Nakiska remains a living tribute to Alberta’s Olympic legacy.

Few ski resorts can say they were purpose-built for the Olympics—but Nakiska isn’t just any mountain. Crafted from scratch in the lead-up to the 1988 Calgary Games, this “meeting place” in the heart of Kananaskis was designed to make history. And it did. Since then, Nakiska has grown from Olympic race venue to full-fledged resort, blending competitive pedigree with new glade runs, family-friendly tubing, and a modern high-speed lift network. Every run still echoes with history—but today, anyone can carve their own moment into the mountain.

When the Olympic flame lit up Nakiska in 1988, it marked more than a global sporting event—it ignited a long-term legacy for winter sport in Alberta. Decades later, that flame still burns at the resort’s base, a reminder of the mountain’s roots as a world-class venue. Since then, Nakiska has evolved into both a training ground for elite athletes and a welcoming winter retreat, with continuous upgrades, new terrain, and a commitment to offering the same excitement—minus the stopwatch.

When the snow melts at Nakiska, the adventure doesn’t stop—it just changes pace. The once-snowy runs give way to alpine meadows and high-elevation trails like Centennial Ridge, leading hikers to sweeping summit views above the Kananaskis Valley. From cross-country biking and trail running to paddling on Barrier Lake and teeing off at the nearby Kananaskis Country Golf Course, this corner of the Rockies becomes a warm-weather playground. And with Kananaskis Village just minutes away, guests can pair backcountry adventure with post-hike spa sessions or patio dining in mountain air.

Nakiska may be known for skiing, but come summer, it quietly transforms into a gateway for some of Alberta’s best mountain experiences. Trails lead up from the base toward panoramic ridgelines, while nearby lakes, ranches, and golf courses invite every kind of outdoor pursuit. Whether you’re hiking to the Olympic Summit, watching wildlife in the valley, or soaking in the Nordic Spa after a day on the trails, Nakiska offers more than a ski hill—it’s a year-round basecamp for exploring the best of Kananaskis Country.

Summer reveals another side of Nakiska and its surroundings. The ski resort takes a backseat while the broader Kananaskis Valley comes alive with wildflowers, hiking boots, and bike tires. Just steps from the trail to Mount Allan and minutes from Barrier Lake, horseback rides, or a round of mountain golf, Nakiska remains at the centre of it all—even when the lifts are quiet. For travellers chasing solitude, scenery, and soft adventure, summer in Kananaskis starts here.

Winter in Kananaskis means one thing: Nakiska. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and pine-filled valleys, this purpose-built resort offers 1,000+ acres of skiable terrain, a tubing park, and a full-length ski cross course—all set within one of Alberta’s most scenic natural playgrounds. From first-time skiers to seasoned athletes, everyone finds their rhythm here. And with Kananaskis Village just minutes away, warm meals and wellness retreats are never far from the slopes.

In the heart of Kananaskis, Nakiska Ski Resort delivers winter adventure at every level—backed by a proud Olympic history and framed by some of the Rockies’ most dramatic peaks. Skiers and snowboarders can take their pick of 70 trails, while families enjoy snow tubing, ski school, and forest snowshoeing steps from the base. It’s this rare mix of high-performance terrain and wilderness calm that has made Nakiska a cornerstone of Kananaskis winters for over three decades. And yes—it’s still less than an hour from Calgary.

In the unpredictable world of winter, Nakiska stands out for one simple reason: reliability. Thanks to one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in Canada and consistently cold early-season temperatures in Kananaskis, Nakiska is often the first resort in the country to open each fall. With 75% of its terrain covered by snowmaking and expertly groomed from November through April, it’s a dependable choice for skiers, event organizers, and media crews alike. Whether it’s hosting national teams, international races, or serving as the snowy backdrop for major events like the G7, Nakiska is built to deliver winter—on schedule, every season.