Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The Government of Alberta announced that the $27.1 million expansion of the Canmore Nordic Centre is complete.
Originally built to host the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Centre continues to serve both elite athletes and community users. To ensure the centre remains a world-class destination for high-performance sport, recreation and international competition, Alberta’s government invested $27.1 million to expand and renovate the facility, including improved snowmaking and snow storage infrastructure, and the creation of the world’s longest engineered snow trail.
“The expansion of the Canmore Nordic Centre shows how Alberta’s government is investing in infrastructure that benefits Albertans. These upgrades support major events, boost local tourism and support the local economy. Most importantly, they give Alberta families more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together,” said Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure.
As part of the expansion, the biathlon stadium was upgraded to meet International Biathlon Union standards, securing the Canmore Nordic Centre’s role as a top-tier venue for hosting international competitions while enhancing recreational access and training opportunities for Albertans of all ages and skill levels.
“By investing in world-class facilities like the Canmore Nordic Centre, we are strengthening our position as a premier destination for hosting major sporting events and welcoming athletes and visitors from around the globe each year,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
Event-critical upgrades include the construction of a new biathlon building to support race operations and event logistics, the development of new biathlon trails designed to meet international competition standards, enhancements to the biathlon stadium and firing range, the installation of a new biathlon penalty loop, and improved tunnel access to competition areas for athletes and media during competitions.
“The decision by the province of Alberta to upgrade the biathlon range and stadium and build a new biathlon building at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a game changer. The International Biathlon Union has awarded the upgraded facility the 2029 World Cup finals,” said Ken Davies, event chair, Canmore Biathlon.
Additional site improvements include upgrades to the cross-country stadium and day lodge, an extension of the summer roller ski track to provide athletes with more training opportunities, construction of a new tunnel to improve pedestrian and trail circulation, upgrades to underground utilities and site drainage infrastructure including a new sanitary lift station, and an expansion of the parking lot. Remaining exterior work such as landscaping is planned for spring and summer 2026 and will not affect the facility’s operations.
Featured image: (Alberta Parks)
