Kananaskis Valley (AB), Canada – Snowmaking is underway in the Kananaskis Valley west of Calgary, where officials at Nakiska Ski Area say that they’ll open on Saturday as the first Canadian ski resort to do so this season.
“This is a very happy Halloween for skiers and riders in Canada, as the ski season begins at Canada’s Olympic Mountain, Nakiska,” says Matt Mosteller, director of marketing for the resort’s parent, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR).
Snowmaking efforts first began last week at the ski hill that relies almost entirely upon manmade snow to operate. The resort will be open this and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Skiing and riding will be off the Gold Express Chair on three upper mountain runs: Upper Mapmaker, Middle Mapmaker and Big Bear. Skiers and riders will upload and download on the Olympic Express Chair. The terrain is recommended for advanced and intermediates only.
Lift tickets for opening weekend will be priced at $39.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors, $27.95 for youth 13-17 and $12.95 for children 6-12 (all prices in Canadian dollars). In addition, all RCR season passes will be honored at Nakiska this weekend, including those from Fernie, Kimberley, RCR Rockies Midweek Passes, Fernie Alpine Resort Full Week Season Passes and Kimberley Alpine Resort Full Week Season Passes.
Nakiska will be open on weekends only until the start of seven day a week operation in December.
will be open Saturday, October 29th and Sunday October 30th from 10am-3:30pm. Skiing and Riding will be off the Gold Express Chair on 3 ski runs- Upper Mapmaker, Middle Mapmaker and Big Bear. Skiers and Riders will upload and download on the Olympic Express Chair. Please also note that early season conditions exist and currently we recommend that Intermediate and Advanced skiers only for this early season weekend opener.
BONUS for RCR Passholders – ALL RCR Season Passes are welcome at Nakiska Ski Area this weekend, including Nakiska, Fernie, Kimberley, RCR Rockies Midweek Passes, Fernie Alpine Resort Full Week Season Passes and Kimberley Alpine Resort Full Week Season Passes.
Get the full details including updates on our Countdown to Opening 2011 page.