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.
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.
- 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.
- Confederation Golf Course - maintained by Foothills Nordic Ski Club volunteers.
- West Confederation Park - Foothills Nordic Ski Club, in partnership with The City is exploring the opportunity to provide cross country skiing.
- Maple Ridge Golf Course - Typically trackset on Tuesdays and is maintained by Calgary Parks.
- South Glenmore Park - maintained by Calgary Parks. Typically trackset on Wednesdays.
- Bowness Park - maintained by Calgary Parks.
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
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.