So why are some of the nation's best skiers attracted to this region? Canmore shines once again by being within an hour's drive to not one, not two, but FIVE top notch resorts! Each of them special for their own reasons. They are all incredible and dying to be explored!

When you stay in Canmore, you will have access to the resorts listed below. Click on each link to get more detailed information on each one, including directions on how to get there. Hurry, the slopes beckon!

Ski Nakiska
Kananaskis has two beautiful resorts. Nakiska is the closest one to Canmore.

Ski Fortress Mountain
Kananaskis' second resort but second to none.

Ski Mount Norquay
Maybe you prefer skiing in Banff at Mount Norquay.

Ski Lake Louise
It's an hour away but well worth it. Check out Lake Louise skiing for its limitless off trail advantages and one of the longest runs of all 5 resorts.

Click here for an alpine skiing guide.

Not everyone owns their own skis or wax their personal snowboard every fall. If you are looking to partake in all this great downhill fun but need to get your hands on some equipment first you have the choice between renting and purchasing.

Who'd ever thought that cross-country (or nordic) skiing could be just as extreme as downhill? Yes! it's all about emotion and the senses. Explore the forests and valleys that surround the rockies as you feel the sensation of gliding along a tree-lined trail on a beautiful winter's day. The spectacular scenery will engulf all of your senses and the beauty of the woods filled with snow will magnitize the pure joy streaming through your every thought. Add to this the thrill of spotting some wildlife along the way and you have a recipe for excitement.

The Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) offers a vast network of trails which are used for hiking, biking, rollerskiing and inline skating. However, in the winter months, they are excellent for cross-country sking. Folllow this link for more information and a complete map of the CNC Trail System.

On top of all these trails nearby, Kananaskis Country has anticipated the increase in cross-country skiing popularity by providing a huge number of properly maintained trails. Be it the Mount Shark Trail system with several different trail options or the Kananaskis Village Trails themselves, you will have plenty of snow on which to glide your nordic lumber. For a list of trails in the Kananaskis area, click here.

Add the trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial park and the ones in Banff National Park to all this and you get an outstanding amount of nordic skiing options which will keep you coming back for more every ski season.

• Watch your poles when passing another skier
• Don't stop on the trail for a break - step off so others won't have to.
• Dogs are not permitted on groomed trails, only on non-groomed ones, provided he's on a leash (it doesn't matter if the dog is groomed or not!).
• Don't walk or snowshoe on ski trails - instead, use the edges of the trail.
• Yield to skiers coming downhill - it's easier for you to step aside then it is for them.
• If nature calls, carry a plastic bag to pack out you used pa;er and sanitary supplies.