We try to avoid skiing the Canadian Rockies on weekends.

For Rocco’s birthday we made the 55min drive from west Calgary to Nakiska, the ski destination built for the 1988 Olympics.

Construction was mocked at the time as Mt. Allan hardly ever gets any snow. It’s on the “dry” side of the Rockies.

Happily, I can report we had a great day. If you like sliding and gliding, this is your hill. Ideal for beginners and veterans who don’t want to fall.

Actually, the resort has been improved and expanded recently:

In 2008 Nakiska Ski Area was named the official Training Centre of Alpine Canada (ACA). Each year Nakiska, welcomes Alpine Teams from around the world for early season ski training. During the summer of 2008 the ski area embarked on a series of renovations. Snowmaking enhancements increased capacity by 33%.

The 100 metre Monster Magic Carpet was added and the creation of a dedicated Training Run was completed on Mapmaker.

In 2009, in preparation for the 2010 Olympics, more enhancements occurred. A new High Speed Quad lift was installed (Gold Chair Express) replacing the original fixed grip chairlift. The ride time is 4.7 min compared to the old time of 9.7 min.

In 2009 new ski trails were also created with the addition of … Monster Glades.

Mid-week one lodge was closed. As were some of the runs.