In 1988 the Winter Olympics came to Alberta, the events being held in several venues in and around Calgary. All of the the cross-country ski and biathlon events took place here at the Canmore Nordic Centre above the town of Canmore. Since that time the facilities here had become obsolete due to advancements in technology and changing international competition standards. As a result the facilities have been upgraded by the Government of Alberta, allowing the centre to once again stage international competition.
Today the centre is home to the Canadian cross-country ski and biathlon teams, as well as being a training facility for the public. In the winter the Canmore Nordic Centre provides a plethora of cross-country ski trails, as well providing skiing lessons. There is also a biathlon range. In the summer it becomes a mountain bike paradise, with miles and miles of trails, as well as a mountain bike skills park, a disc golf course and four all-season orienteering courses. The centre has also become a provincial park.
Front and centre in the park is the day lodge, a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics and still in use today. It has a large dining area, a full service kitchen, medical facility, information counter, trail pass sales, washrooms, change rooms, showers (until 5:00 p.m.), day lockers, fireplace and seating, meeting/function rooms and facility administration offices. Altogether, it is one of the most complete day lodge facilities one will find.
Following is a rundown of the present status of the centre.
CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE
Background
• In 1988, Alberta hosted the world for the Winter Olympics in Calgary.
• The Canmore Nordic Centre was the venue for all cross-country ski and biathlon events.
• Over time, changing technology and standards meant the Canmore Nordic Centre was no longer able to host international events.
• In 2004, the Government of Alberta committed to bringing the Canmore Nordic Centre back to full international standards.
• The renewal was also planned to improve the recreational experience for everyone who uses Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
• In January 2008, the final phase of the multi-year renewal was completed.
Competition Highlights
• Recertified to host any international biathlon or cross country ski events
• 12.5 kilometres of new cross-country ski and biathlon competition courses that meet top Federation Internationale du Ski and International Biathlon Union requirements
• Expanded and modernized cross-country and biathlon stadiums that meet international standards
• High-capacity snowmaking system for stadiums and all competition courses (13.5 km)
• Warm-up and wax test area adjacent to a new fully ventilated team waxing facility
• Expanded and renewed biathlon technical building
• Home to Canada's national biathlon and cross-country ski teams
Recreational Highlights
• Expanded and renewed Day Lodge, food services, parking and roadways
• 6.5 kilometres of lit, 12 metre wide recreational ski trails
• High-capacity snow making system for 7.5 km of recreational trails
• 5.5 km paved roller ski trail
• Mountain bike skills park
• 18-hole disc golf course
• All-season orienteering course
From the Canmore Nordic Centre