With Alberta’s shorter sunlight hours in the winter, it can be tough to get outside or enjoy the outdoors. But you know that spending more time outside has incredible health benefits for your mind, body and soul. From increasing your vitamin D and reducing stress, any time spent in nature will provide your body with the boost it needs.
That’s why we love cross-country skiing! It’s a great heart-pumping activity you can enjoy when there’s enough snow to cover the ground, and it’s quite affordable too. Once you rent or purchase your gear, it’s generally free (or a small trail fee) to explore new places in and around Calgary.
Below you’ll find some of our top recommended inner-city cross-country ski trails, as well as a few out-of-city options. Never gone before? Now is the perfect time to try!
Ready to spend MORE time outside this season? Get our free, 21-page Outdoor Winter Motivation Guide, packed with tips, activities, Calgary parks bingo and more!
Feeling too cozy indoors? Read 7 convincing health benefits of spending more time outside.
Cross-Country Ski Areas In Calgary, Alberta
If you want to x-country ski in Calgary on City-maintained trails, here are a few things to remember before you go:
- Obey all posted signage
- Don’t remove or go under roped-off areas
- Yield to grooming equipment
- Slower skiers yield to faster skiers
- No dogs allowed (sorry puppers)
- Stay off storm ponds and the Glenmore Reservoir
The weather in Calgary can be unpredictable (shocking, we know), so check trail reports, snow statuses and grooming details before you go.
East Village Loop
This trail just off the Bow River found in Fort Calgary is short but sweet with a distance of 1km. It’s groomed weekly, however the track is not lit, so make sure to bring a headlamp if you’re going in the evening. You can find more information here.
Bowness Park
This Calgary park can have tracks set, but it’s always pending weather and foot traffic (often they get trampled as a popular city park). However, Bowness Park has a lot more to offer than just cross-country skiing! If you’re heading that way, make a day of it and plan your adventure using our Exploring Bowness Park In The Winter blog.
North Glenmore Park & South Glenmore Park
With both of these Calgary parks being high-traffic and not always high-priority, tracks are generally set when there is enough snow on the ground. Find a 2.2km track in South Glenmore Park, or go off track to loop the 15km reservoir, snow pending.
North Glenmore is often equipped with a 2.3km track and a 750m track, popular for skiers and snowshoers alike. Feel free to blaze your own trail if the tracks aren’t up to par. And if the snow isn’t great, switch your x-country skis for ice skates and zip around the ice trail.
Confederation Golf Course
When fall rolls into winter, the Foothills Nordic Ski Club transforms this lush golf course into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiers — and is our top pick in the city. With groomed trails for all levels, you’ll find something to glide around on. Long, short, hilly or flat, take to these slopes if you’re just getting started or want to work up a sweat. As a bonus, you can also enjoy the Lions Festival of Lights during the holiday season if you ski the loops in the southeast.
Lakeview Golf Course
Found in Calgary’s southwest, this little area offers a groomed trail through the slopes of the seasonal golf course. Enjoy views of the Glenmore Reservoir as you get in some cardio!
Maple Ridge Golf Course
Groomed weekly (weather permitting), these trails are some of the best in the city if you can catch it at the right time. With a loop that takes you along the perimeter of the golf course, this route has plenty of gentle ups and downs.
Shaganappi Golf Course
Catch the city skyline view from these 5km+ of cross-country trails found above the city. Maintained by volunteers of the Shaganappi Nordic Operations Club, you’ll also find snowshoe and fatbike trails in the area.
Popular X-Country Ski Trails Outside Of Calgary
West Bragg Creek Recreation Area
Truly a winter oasis for x-country skiers, snowshoers and fat bikers alike. With over 60km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiers, you’ll find a trail here for every skill level. Find more in-depth trail descriptions and lengths here.
Bill Milne
Probably considered one of the best beginner cross-country trails near Calgary is the Bill Milne Trail. Depending what your goal is, you can make this trip as long or as short as you like, simply enjoying mountain views along the way. It’s great for families and beginners alike, as it’s quite flat with many trails in the area.
Spray River West Trail
This 11.4km out-and-back trail goes along Goat Creek Trail right outside of Banff. At the halfway mark, you have the option to continue on the east side of the river, however this side is a multi-use trail and the track sets are not always in the best condition. We chose to ski-in and ski-out on the west side, enjoying rolling hills and riverside views. Great for beginners and intermediate x-country skiers alike.
Lake O’Hara
Not recommended for beginners, as you’ll be going up some fairly steep sections, which of course you’ll have to come down. But this 10km one-way trail is all about the end result — and our new favourite x-country destination outside of the city. Once you reach the finish line, you’re rewarded with a stunning view and option of a delicious, warm meal if you go while the lodge is still open for lunch. If you have the time and budget, you could consider staying at Lake O’Hara Lodge throughout the year (but be warned, the waitlist is long).
There ya have it! Twelve areas for you to explore Calgary and our Rocky Mountains in the wintertime on cross-country skis. Know of other x-country trails or areas we should check out? Share them below so our community can enjoy them too!
