The closest ski hill to Calgary (you could do it in an hour going 10 over) Nakiska is just a little baby. Born in 1986 in order to host the Olympic ski events for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, Nakiska was many European ski fans first glimpse at skiing in the Canadian wilderness. The downhill and super-g courses that graced Nakiska’s white, steep, and curvy body, produced victory for Canadians as ski racer Karen Percy took home two bronze medals. Alberto Tomba took home the rest.
I remember watching some Olympic races at Nakiska with my dad. As a little ten-year-old racer I kept thinking that the whole scene was just the coolest thing I had ever witnessed. Fans from all over the world waving flags, cheering on their racers - who knew people actually got excited to watch ski racing. (Oh how much I had to learn about Austrian ski racing fans).
This mountain, true to its age, is found of technology. New lifts, lots of grooming, great facilities and nice and close to Kananaskis village make it a very comfy place to go with the fam. There are a lot of steep pitches and you will definitely see skiers testing out their tucks imagining their own little downhill is going on live.
Though she has a little bit of a nasty reputation for being icy, those who love her, will disagree saying she always warms up after a few practice runs.
My friend Erin, whose family members all got season tickets, like every year forever, tells me:
“The snow [in the area] is inconsistent/unreliable and as a result Nakiska has some of the best snow making infrastructure and practices I've ever seen. The prevailing conditions are "hard packed on groomed" so if you like speed, this is the mountain for you. Make sure you sharpen your edges before you go and be ready to rip!”
Nuff said. Thanks Erin.
And news just in: Canadian Olympic hopefuls for 2010 will be back on Nakiska training and getting ready to rock it in Whistler. GO Team Canada!
