As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, through Budget 2022, Alberta’s government is investing $17.5 million over the next two years to support upgrades and enhancements to the facility, including the redevelopment of the biathlon stadium to meet international event requirements.

Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Centre serves as a training and competition centre for athletes from around the world and supports extensive outdoor recreation opportunities like cross-country skiing, biathlon, mountain biking, hiking and trail running.  

The facility welcomes almost one million visitors annually and serves as a major four-season economic driver for the Bow Valley Corridor and the Town of Canmore.

“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is making life better for Albertans through investments like this. $17.5 million for the Canmore Nordic Centre will create jobs and will ensure that Canmore remains a world-class destination for recreation-seeking Albertans and international competitions alike. It’s a great day for Canmore!”

Jason Kenney, Premier

This investment will create 90 jobs and support upgrades to the Canmore Nordic Centre’s biathlon facilities and trails, snowmaking and storage facilities, and off-season training capabilities. Major international events, including the 2024 International Biathlon Union World Cup and the 2024 FIS Ski World Cup, are already planned for the facility.

“Investing in our provincial parks and public lands are priorities for Albertans, which is why we introduced the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. We’re already seeing the benefits for the Albertans who enjoy Kananaskis Country and we’ll see many more new projects in the future thanks to the pass.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

“This investment is one of the major highlights of Budget 2022 for Kananaskis Country. These upgrades will ensure the Canmore Nordic Centre is able to continue hosting international events, which bring tourists from around the world to the region, each generating over $5 million for the local tourism industry.”

Miranda Rosin, MLA for Banff-Kananaskis

This investment is complemented by revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Launched on June 1, 2021, the pass has generated $12 million and revenues are being reinvested to provide visitor services, hire staff and conservation officers, groom winter trails, support public safety, encourage outdoor recreation and operate specialized facilities, including the Canmore Nordic Centre.

“Alberta’s investment in Canmore Nordic Centre upgrades is well-placed and appreciated. The Nordic Centre plays an iconic role for sport in Canmore and, in both winter and summer, has a huge beneficial impact on residents, visitors and athletes from all over the world. We are so fortunate to have this world-class facility here, and we’re grateful that kids in our community have the opportunity to be inspired by the amateur and professional athletes who use it.” 

Sean Krausert, mayor, Town of Canmore

“It is very encouraging to see our government make investments that will benefit all Albertans while bringing visitors from across Canada and around the world to the region. The Canmore Nordic Centre is a hub for outdoor recreation, and these investments will bring visitors of all ages and world-class athletes together to discover what Canada’s only Biathlon World Cup and Olympic facility has to offer.”

Ken Davies, chair, Canmore Biathlon World Cups

Quick facts

  • The facility offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 65 kilometres of groomed machine-made and natural snow trails.
  • Construction is expected to begin this summer and will be completed in early 2024.