Partnering with Nordiq Alberta to groom ski trails

Albertans will enjoy cross-country skiing on groomed trails this winter at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Sheep River Provincial Park.

To support grooming operations, Nordiq Alberta is selling day and season passes to park at trail head parking lots in Kananaskis Country. Revenue from sales will pay for grooming costs.

“Alberta’s government is excited to announce a trail grooming partnership for Kananaskis this winter with Nordiq Alberta. Non-profit organizations and parks societies have been valuable partners in preserving and maintaining our province’s wild places for decades. We are continuing to build on these successful partnerships to create memorable experiences for visitors, protect our wild places, and ensure services are sustainable for taxpayers.”

“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.”

“Kananaskis is a world-class cross-country skiing destination. As a local business, we are proud to be working with Nordiq Alberta and Alberta Environment and Parks, and so grateful for their hard work and cooperation to restore grooming on these incredible trails. This pilot program will help ensure adventure seekers, families, aspiring athletes, and first-time skiers all have the chance to get outside and enjoy Kananaskis this winter.”

Improving parks and creating jobs

Alberta taxpayers are spending $43 million to improve and maintain recreation infrastructure in Alberta Parks and public lands, including more than $15 million in the Kananaskis region. Almost 300 jobs will be created to support construction across the province.

“I am tremendously excited about this partnership with Nordiq Alberta that will ensure our cross-country ski trails remain groomed for the upcoming winter season. This partnership is good for the physical and mental health of Albertans, good for our province’s recreational tourism industry, and good for small businesses that rent the equipment used on these trails. With Minister Nixon’s help, we have found a way to keep our beautiful Kananaskis Country open for recreation without adding cost pressure to the taxpayer, and that is something I’m proud of.”

Quick facts – grooming

• A day parking pass is $10 and a season parking pass is $50.
• The passes are for trail head parking lots at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Sheep River Provincial Park.
• One parking pass is required per vehicle.
• Passes can be purchased at kananaskisgrooming.ca
• Winter trail grooming will begin Dec. 1 or sooner, depending on snow conditions.
• The partnership with Nordiq Alberta is a one-year pilot.

Quick facts – improving parks

• Kananaskis Country parks improvement projects include:
  • Renovating William Watson Lodge and replacing the main lodge at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
  • Reconfiguring parking, refurbishing the trail system and providing ecological protections at Big Hill Spring Provincial Park.
  • Developing, expanding and modernizing the Barrier Lake Day Use Area.
  • Upgrading washrooms and group shelters, as well as refurbishing accessible trails and replacing fences at Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
  • Building a new four-season educational facility at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.