Kananaskis normally has less snow, extreme temperature changes, and more wind then the neighboring mountain ranges. This often results in an unstable snowpack with high avalanche danger. Always be aware of slope angle and overhead snow load. Visit Kananaskis Avalanche Forecast for the latest Avalanche Conditions.
The areas below are dedicated winter trails and most are maintained for skiing only. Snowshoeing is not permitted on ski trails, however it is possible to snowshoe on many of the low lying hiking trails located on northern slopes.
Click on Highlighted areas for full descriptions. More Trails Coming Soon...
1.Canmore Nordic Centre - The Nordic Centre was created for the '88 Olympics and has since hosted numerous high profile events. A world class venue located on the border of Canmore in the shadows of Rundle Mountain offering the best x-country ski trails in the Kananaskis region. Enjoy top quality groomed and track set runs complete with a biathlon shooting range and a beautiful day lodge to warm up in, on those cold days.
2. Mount Shark Trails - Coming Soon...
3. Chester/Sawmill Trails - Coming Soon...
4. Peter Lougheed Trails - Nordic ski trails in the heart of Kananaskis. Arguably the most scenic and serene area of Kananskis with trails winding throughout the beautiful landscape. You'll find over 75 km of groomed cross-country ski trails with the majority in the easy - intermediate range and a few difficult sections. Trail lengths vary from .6km to 10km one-way. The Pocaterra Hut and Visitor Information Centre are open for ski information and warm-up areas.
5. Ribbon Creek and Wedge Pond Trails- Surrounding the base of Nakiska Ski Hill and venturing out to pristine viewpoints. Enjoy ~60km of scenic, maintained trails in a beautiful setting. If you get cold or hungry, Nakiska Ski Hill and Kananskis Village both provide refreshments, meals and more.
6. Sibbald Area - A small collection of nine trails centered on HWY 68 and Powderface Road intersection. Some of the closest trails next to Calgary but also the driest area in Kananaskis. Be prepared for a wide variety of conditions.
7.West Bragg Creek Trails - A network of 26 ski and snowshoe trails next door to Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This area is prone to chinooks with snow cover varying widely across the season. When conditions are good, trails will be track set and groomed but during minimal snow conditions, grooming and track setting is often avoided in order to maintain snow coverage. Trails vary in length from 1.1km to 15km round trip with most trails in the easy - intermediate difficulty range. Difficulty varies greatly with snow conditions. This area also hosts a number of excellent hiking and snowshoeing trails.
8. Sandy McNabb Trails - Located straight west of Turner Valley/Black Diamond, this area is centered on the Sandy McNabb Campground. Eight trails with 18 variations can be combined to make your day as short or as long as you want. Toilets are located at the campground but no other amenities are available so come prepared. Chinooks have a big effect on this area so come prepared for major variations in trail conditions.