Calgary, AB – December 3, 2008 – Nakiska is preparing to open to the public on Saturday, December 6th for the 2008/09 winter season.

The ski resort, known as “Calgary’s Closest Mountain”, has been busy being in the spotlight this season as an ideal training site for a number of international ski teams. Nakiska has hosted hundreds of athletes since early November, and was named an official Alpine Canada Alpin National Training Centre earlier this fall.

A number of improvements have been made at Nakiska over the past 18 months, enhancing the skiing and riding experience as well as the overall look and feel of the resort’s facilities and lodges.

Nakiska is known for its smooth, corduroy-perfect conditions. This year, thanks to new pumps and equipment, Nakiska has increased its snowmaking capacity by 33%. Transformations have taken place at the main Daylodge, including a new deck, roof, washrooms and floors. The Finish Line Lounge, located on the upper level, has been completely re-furbished. Come and relax in style! New racks and computer kiosks in the rental shop will help guests retrieve their equipment and get up on the mountain faster, and Nakiska’s new “North Axe” meeting space caters to groups of up to 50 people.

Ski clubs now have a place to call their own throughout the season, as the new Mapmaker Race Centre is a dedicated racing run available for clubs and teams to train all season long. Nakiska is the preferred pre-season homebase for ski teams from Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, France and more, thanks to its world-class facilities, snow and dedicated race track.

Nakiska was also recently named as a key stop along the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route.

Snow storms this week have brought 35cm of new snow to the upper mountain, 25cm at mid-mountain, and 15cm at the base. Combined with Nakiska’s world-class snowmaking system, conditions are expected to be very good for opening day.

For Saturday’s opening day, skiers and riders can expect the following lifts and runs to be open:
Gold Chair: Whoop Up, Mapmaker and Red Crow
Silver Chair: Homesteader
The resort is also working hard to open Alberta’s longest Magic Carpet and the beginner’s area.
Other facilities in operation will include the Daylodge, Slopeside Café, the newly renovated Finish Line Lounge, Sports Alpine Retail, TELUS Winter Sports School, Rental Shop and Daycare.

Ski and Stay at Nakiska. Ski and stay at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis from just $238 per family, including lift, lodging and rentals.

Package includes:
1 night accommodation in a Delta room (2 adults and 2 cuildren)
Two Adult lift tickets valid at Nakiska Ski Area
Two Child/youth tickets valid at Nakiska Ski Area
1 day of ski or board rentals for the family.

From $238 per family, plus taxes, based on double occupancy, includes child lift and lodging.
Package valid December 5-19, 2008.
Some restrictions and blackout dates apply. Call for details.

To book, call 1-800-258-7669 or visit skircr.com/vacations.

Visit skinakiska.com for ski condition updates and applicable rates for opening weekend.