World-class upgrades at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Originally built to host the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Centre continues to serve both elite athletes and community users. To ensure the centre remains a world-class destination for high-performance sport, recreation and international competition, Alberta’s government invested $27.1 million to expand and renovate the facility, including improved snowmaking and snow storage infrastructure, and the creation of the world’s longest engineered snow trail.
“The expansion of the Canmore Nordic Centre shows how Alberta’s government is investing in infrastructure that benefits Albertans. These upgrades support major events, boost local tourism and support the local economy. Most importantly, they give Alberta families more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together.”
As part of the expansion, the biathlon stadium was upgraded to meet International Biathlon Union standards, securing the Canmore Nordic Centre’s role as a top-tier venue for hosting international competitions while enhancing recreational access and training opportunities for Albertans of all ages and skill levels.
“By investing in world-class facilities like the Canmore Nordic Centre, we are strengthening our position as a premier destination for hosting major sporting events and welcoming athletes and visitors from around the globe each year.”
“Completion of the biathlon building and upgraded shooting range will ensure major events continue in Canmore. Shooting sports matter to Albertans, and biathlon unites two great disciplines. Investing in the Canmore Nordic Centre helps showcase Alberta’s provincial parks and sustain facilities and legacy for generations.”
Event-critical upgrades include the construction of a new biathlon building to support race operations and event logistics, the development of new biathlon trails designed to meet international competition standards, enhancements to the biathlon stadium and firing range, the installation of a new biathlon penalty loop, and improved tunnel access to competition areas for athletes and media during competitions.
“The decision by the province of Alberta to upgrade the biathlon range and stadium and build a new biathlon building at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a game changer. The International Biathlon Union has awarded the upgraded facility the 2029 World Cup finals.”
Additional site improvements include upgrades to the cross-country stadium and day lodge, an extension of the summer roller ski track to provide athletes with more training opportunities, construction of a new tunnel to improve pedestrian and trail circulation, upgrades to underground utilities and site drainage infrastructure including a new sanitary lift station, and an expansion of the parking lot. Remaining exterior work such as landscaping is planned for spring and summer 2026 and will not affect the facility’s operations.
“The recent para cross country and para biathlon world cups demonstrated the value of the Canmore Nordic Centre upgrade. The new biathlon building met technical and hosting needs, and expanded parking improved para athlete access to trails and building.”
Quick facts
- The expansion project generated more than 150 construction and construction-related jobs.
- The Canmore Nordic Centre has over 65 km of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 20 kms of trails supported by the largest Nordic snowmaking network in North America.
- The new “Vista” Biathlon Building will be used as event space year-round for both public and private events, with capacity for over 200 attendees.
- The Canmore Nordic Centre is a hub for elite training and recreational skiing and welcomes more than 890,000 visitors each year.
Related information
Related news
- Investing in the future of the Canmore Nordic Centre (March 11, 2022)