Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Calgary is an exhilarating way to get active and enjoy the beauty of our snow-covered landscapes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can be done in any park, plus there are several dedicated cross-country skiing tracks available in and around Calgary.
For your safety, do not ski or snowshoe on areas that are not designated for these activities.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are prohibited on storm ponds and on the Glenmore Reservoir. Ice in these areas is unstable and dangerous due to rapid changes in water depth.
Note: Skating is prohibited by City Bylaw on any storm pond or on the Glenmore Reservoir. Water in those locations is subject to rapid changes in water depth which causes ice to be unstable and dangerous.
Groomed areas
Sites that are maintained by Ski Clubs Groomed cross country areas are maintained and are trackset by a machine for easier skiing by these clubs. For more information about these sites, visit the website of the club that is doing the maintenance.
- West Confederation Park - Foothills Nordic Ski Club, in partnership with The City is exploring the opportunity to provide cross country skiing.
- South Glenmore Park - maintained by Calgary Parks. Typically trackset on Wednesdays.
- Bowness Park - maintained by Calgary Parks.
Cross country skiing at City of Calgary golf courses
Due to weather and conditions Cross country skiing on The City of Calgary Golf Course locations is now done for winter 2021.
- Shaganappi Point Golf Course
- Nordic ski trails at Shaganappi are maintained by volunteers from the Shaganappi Nordic Operations Club. Grooming for skate skiing will be done a minimum once a week, more frequently depending on volunteer availability.
- Both tracksetting and grooming will be done as conditions allow. Walkers and those snowshoeing please stay completely off groomed trails, as any sunken footprints are a hazard to skiers, and also make the snow melt faster in low snow conditions.
- View Shaganappi Winter trail map
- Confederation Golf Course - maintained by Foothills Nordic Ski Club volunteers.
- Maple Ridge Golf Course - As of December 30, 2020 track setting will begin in mid-January 2021 - dependent on availability of equipment. Typically tracks are set on Tuesdays and are maintained.
Rules of use:
- Do not remove or go under roped or barricaded areas.
- Follow all signs while on site.
- Yield to grooming equipment.
- Dogs are not allowed on the golf course.
- Maintain physical distancing at all times (2 metres).
- Foot traffic and snow shoeing - stay to the outside of the lane opposite the classic tracks.
Additional information:
- Public access - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Parking lot access varies by location. Maple Ridge Golf Course - street parking only (parking lot closed)
- Golf Course clubhouses closed during winter.
- No concessions or washrooms on site.
Ungroomed areas
Sites that are ungroomed are open to the public but do not recieve tracksetting. Parks and schoolyards offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, but unless it's immediately after a snowfall, skiable areas can be rough due to competing uses such as pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists. Some more popular ungroomed areas include:
Outside Calgary
The following natural areas typically offer good terrain, varied ski trails and optimal snow conditions:
- West Bragg Creek
- Ribbon Creek
- Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre)
- Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley)
- Canmore Nordic Centre
- Peter Lougheed Park
- Mt. Shark Trails
- Smith Dorrien
- Chateau Lake Louise
- Emerald Lake/Field Trails
Note: Some ski areas now charge user fees. Please check before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the trails?
We ask that only skiers use the trail. Snow shoeing and dog walkers generally trample down the track. We ask that walkers use pathways.
What are the hours of operation?
Track setting starts when there is sufficient snow and ends when temperatures are too warm to keep snow where it is needed for the track. Hours of operation are park hours. View the park’s webpage for hours.
Do I have to pay?
All City of Calgary parks are free of charge. Other ski areas may charge user fees. View park’s webpage to check before you head out.
Can I bring my dogs with me?
Dogs are not allowed on golf courses. In other parks they must be on a leash at all times.