Nakiska is located in the heart of the beautiful Kananaskis Valley and was originally created for hosting the alpine events of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Nakiska is the closest ski / snowboard mountain to Calgary which can be reach in 50 minutes from the city. Originally designed for alpine ski racing in mind, the mountain contains a variety of terrain for all skill levels with the majority of runs being suitable for family visitors (intermediate and novice). The mountain offers plenty for a nice day on the slopes inluding 28 different runs, a vertical drop of 2400 feet, and little or no line-ups. The mountain boasts one of the most sophisticated snow making machines from the Olympics which ensure that the snow coverage is adequate at all times of the ski / snowboard season. If you are looking for long cruising, groomed runs, and carving then we recommend Nakiska as your ski / snowboard mountain destination.