Alberta Ski Jump Area

Introduction

The Alberta Ski Jump Area, located within Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park (COP) on the Paskapoo Slopes, stands as a monument to Canada’s winter sports heritage and Olympic history. Transformed from a modest local ski area in the 1980s, it played a central role in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and remains a significant cultural and recreational destination. This guide provides detailed information about visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, attractions, and practical travel tips to help you plan your visit to this iconic site (WinSport, Visit Calgary).

History and Cultural Significance

The Alberta Ski Jump Area was originally developed as part of Calgary’s successful bid for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Before its Olympic transformation, the site—known as Paskapoo Hill—served as a local ski spot from the 1960s (Visit Calgary). Between 1984 and 1986, a major investment led to the construction of world-class ski jumps and facilities, including five ski jumping hills, bobsleigh and luge tracks, and aerial slopes, all designed to meet international standards (Ski Jumping Hills). The ski jump towers quickly became symbols of Calgary’s Olympic ambitions and sporting excellence.

The site also holds deep cultural value due to its location on the Paskapoo Slopes, which are of archaeological and Indigenous significance, with evidence of human activity dating back over 8,500 years (Wikipedia: Paskapoo Slopes).

Key Olympic Milestones

• 1986: Official inauguration of the ski jumping hills.
• 1988: Hosted the XV Olympic Winter Games ski jumping events, attracting international attention and record crowds. Finnish jumper Matti Nykänen won three gold medals, and Britain’s Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards became a beloved underdog (Wikipedia DE).
• 1997: Venue for Junior World Ski Championships.
• 2005–2006 & 2013: Major modernization projects to maintain world-class standards.

The Olympic legacy endures, with the ski jumps serving as a training ground for Canadian athletes and a focal point for Calgary’s Olympic identity (Ski Jumping Canada).

Post-Olympic Legacy and Current Status

Following the Olympics, the Alberta Ski Jump Area remained a hub for training, competitions, and community programs, regularly hosting club, national, and international events (Ski Jumping Hills). In 2018, however, the ski jump complex ceased active use, though many other attractions and facilities at Canada Olympic Park continue to thrive.

The site’s ongoing integration with WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) ensures that it remains a vibrant destination for winter and summer sports, as well as tourism and cultural engagement (WinSport).

Visiting Information

Hours of Operation

• Winter (November–April): 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by activity)
• Summer (May–October): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some activities until dusk)
• Guided Tours: Typically available late spring to early fall; check current schedules online

Always confirm current hours and seasonal availability on the WinSport website.

Tickets & Admission

• General Admission: $12 CAD
• Seniors (65+): $8 CAD
• Children (6–12): $6 CAD
• Children under 6: Free

Admission for specific activities (skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, etc.) varies:

• Lift Tickets: $25–$60 (discounts for children, seniors, and multi-day passes)
• Zipline & Adventure Rides: $40–$120 depending on the activity
• Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame: $10–$20

Tickets can be purchased online or at the park entrance. Group and school packages are available (Alberta Tourist Guide, WinSport).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair-accessible facilities, including ramps, elevators, and restrooms
• Adaptive equipment rentals for sports
• Assistance services available—contact ahead for arrangements
• Most guided tours and observation areas are accessible (Wikipedia: Paskapoo Slopes)

Getting There & Parking

• By Car: 20 minutes from downtown Calgary, just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1)
• By Transit: Calgary Transit Bus Route 300 stops near the park entrance; service varies by season
• Parking: Ample free on-site parking, which can fill during major events

Facilities & Amenities

• Visitor Centre: For information, tickets, and orientation
• Restrooms: Throughout the park
• Dining: Cafés and snack bars on-site
• Retail: Gift shops with Olympic and local merchandise
• Lockers & Rentals: Equipment for skiing, snowboarding, biking, etc.
• Safety: First aid stations and trained staff on duty

Activities & Attractions

Winter Sports

• Skiing & Snowboarding: 4 km of slopes, six lifts, and a renowned superpipe (Skiresort.info)
• Snowtubing: Family-friendly tubing lanes (Go Travel Daily)
• Ice Skating: Public sessions at the indoor rink (helmets mandatory)
• Bobsleigh & Luge Experiences: Ride with professional drivers, available seasonally (Go Travel Daily)

Summer Adventures

• Zipline the Monster: North America’s steepest and fastest zipline from the 110-meter ski jump tower (The Planet D)
• Freefall & Adventure Courses: Simulated controlled jumps and climbing experiences
• Mountain Biking: 11 trails of varying difficulty accessible via chairlift (Wikipedia)
• Mini Golf: 18-hole course with mountain views

Guided Tours & Unique Experiences

• Ski Jump Tower Tours: Behind-the-scenes access and panoramic views of Calgary and the Rockies
• Interactive Exhibits: Learn about Olympic history, ski jumping science, and athlete stories
• Public Clinics: Introductory ski jumping and multi-sport camps (Alberta Ski Jumping)

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

• Interactive exhibits and memorabilia celebrating Canadian athletes (Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame)

Travel Tips & Nearby Points of Interest

• What to Bring: Layered clothing, sturdy footwear, camera, water/snacks
• Best Times to Visit: Winter (December–March) for ski events; summer for sightseeing and biking
• Nearby: Downtown Calgary attractions, Banff National Park (1 hour west), Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower
• Environmental Respect: Stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and follow conservation guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Alberta Ski Jump Area visiting hours?
A: Winter: 9 AM–9 PM; Summer: 10 AM–6 PM. Hours vary by activity—check the WinSport website for updates.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Online via the WinSport booking portal, or at the park entrance.

Q: Is the area wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, most facilities and tours are accessible; adaptive equipment is available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, seasonally—book online or at the visitor center.

Q: Can beginners try ski jumping?
A: Introductory clinics are offered for newcomers; check Alberta Ski Jumping for details.