You may remember this February when Alberta Environment and Parks announced funding cuts which included the trail grooming program. This was devastating news for the Kananaskis business community and local skiers. Our magnificently groomed ski trails attract thousands of visitors each Winter. Many of our children skied for the first time on these trails, numerous school and senior groups come here every week, and aspiring athletes and Olympians train on these very trails.

The economic impact associated with the loss of the grooming program to our business, all other Kananaskis businesses, surrounding ski shops, and supporting businesses would have been great. This paired with the pandemic, which has hit the Tourism industry extremely hard was setting the stage for a difficult winter season. This announcement brings the Kananaskis business community great joy and relief.

“Nordiq Alberta is proud to be able to represent the voices of our member clubs and skiers, as well as trail users, business owners and residents to advocate for continued cross-country ski trail grooming in Kananaskis. We are grateful for the support we have received to make this program a reality. Whether by purchasing a parking pass or volunteering, we can each do our part to keep cross-country ski trails maintained in Kananaskis.” – Chris Reitz, chair, Nordiq Alberta

What does this partnership look like?

Nordiq Alberta will sell parking passes online and in select retail locations, including Kananaskis Outfitters. The money collected from these parking passes will be remitted to Alberta Environment and Parks to fund the grooming program.

You can purchase a seasons pass for $50, or a day pass for $10. This applies to your vehicle and not to each user. Your pass is valid for skiing and fat biking in the Village/Ribbon Creek area and skiing at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Mount Shark, and Sandy McNabb. Compared to many other groomed ski areas this is very affordable.

How can you support?

Nobody likes user fees. But if we have to choose between groomed tracks and a $10 – $50 fee. We’re fine to pay, and we hope you will be too.

L-R: Minister Nixon, MLA Whitney Issik, MLA Jeremy Nixon, MLA Miranda Rosin,  Michelle Faerden – Kananaskis Outfitters, Chris Reitz – Nordiq Alberta.

Live Grooming Report Links