9 best places to cross-country ski in and around Calgary
Not up for the adrenaline rush of flying down a mountain, but still want to get on a pair of skis this winter? There are plenty of fun spots to cross-country ski in and around Calgary.
Whether you’re a novice looking to pick up a new winter sport or are already an expert at this Nordic activity, there’s bound to be a perfect trail for you in YYC.
So step into your bindings, pick up those poles, and get ready to glide across the snow this season. Here are nine of the best places to cross-country ski in and around Calgary.
While we have your attention, here are six spots to explore in Calgary for awesome winter walks, and seven things that make winter in Calgary downright spectacular.
Before you head out, be sure to check the status of each location!
East Village Nordic Loop
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Cross-country ski right in the heart of Calgary at the East Village Nordic Loop, a one-kilometre ski and snowshoe trail on the Fort Calgary lands. The bring-your-own-gear loop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (given that there’s enough snow), with the track groomed every Friday. It can be accessed from the Fort Calgary parking lot, at 8th Avenue and 6th Street SE, and from the Elbow River Traverse Bridge.
Where: Fort Calgary — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: Free
South Glenmore Park
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While the cross-country ski trails aren’t currently being groomed at South Glenmore Park, this spot is popular enough that there are often tracks left by other skiers, making it fairly easy to use. Accessible from the 90th Avenue SW parking lots, this is a nice, flat location for skiing that offers incredible views of the reservoir.
Where: South Glenmore Park — 90th Ave. and 24th St. SW
Cost: Free
Lakeview Golf Course
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Lakeview Golf Course is home to a groomed ski trail (weather dependent) maintained by Calgary Parks. The track loops through the golf course with some minor ups and downs and offers pretty views of the Glenmore Reservoir and dam.
Where: Lakeview Golf Course — 5840 19th St. SW
Cost: Free
Confederation Golf Course
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Confederation Golf Course ski trails are frequently maintained by volunteers from the Foothills Nordic Ski Club, with tracks looping throughout the park and ranging from 0.13 to 2.16 kilometres in length. The parking lot opens from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. Gates are always open for walk-ins.
Where: Confederation Golf Course — 3204 Collingwood Dr. NW
Cost: Free
Bowness Park
City of Calgary
Calgary Parks maintains the ski trails at Bowness, where you can glide along beside the Bow River. If you’re not tired after your ski session, try out the unique winter sport of ice biking on the frozen lagoon and ice trail at Bowness Park. The park itself is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Bowness Park — 8900 48th Ave. NW
Cost: Free
Shaganappi Point Golf Course
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Cross-country skiing at Shaganappi Point offers iconic views of the downtown Calgary skyline, and you can try skate skiing and snowshoeing here. Trails are groomed at least once a week when there’s enough snow by volunteers from the Shaganappi Nordic Operations Club.
When: All gates to the Shaganappi Point Golf Course are open 24/7 during winter operations
Where: Shaganappi Point Golf Course — 1200 26th St. SW
Cost: Free
Fish Creek Provincial Park
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Fish Creek Provincial Park’s cross-country ski areas are open to the public but don’t receive track-setting, so it’s advisable that you know what you’re doing before heading out to make your own trails. As one of the largest urban parks in North America, there are plenty of beautiful spots to ski in Fish Creek. The park itself is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Fish Creek Provincial Park (multiple day-use areas)
Cost: Free
West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area
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This spot is about a 50-minute drive from downtown Calgary, but it’s worth the trip. With over 66 kilometres of groomed trails and 15 different loops, everyone from beginners to advanced skiers will find suitable terrain at the West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area.
Where: West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area (located west of the Bragg Creek townsite, at the end of West Bragg Creek Road)
Cost: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle at provincial parks and public land sites in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley, including the West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation area. Pick up a day-use pass for $15 or an annual pass for $90.
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
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If you don’t mind heading a little further out of the city, Canmore Nordic Centre is a classic spot for cross-country skiing in Alberta. Home of the cross-country ski competition during the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the Nordic centre boasts more than 65 kilometres of groomed and natural trails to test out your skills. This spot also offers a day lodge, where you can pop in to warm up, grab a meal from the cafe, and use the change rooms and showers.
When: Lodge open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park — 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore
Cost: Adult day passes are available from the day lodge for $20, or $240 for a regular season pass