WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is where Calgary’s Olympic legacy meets year-round outdoor fun. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics and reinvented as a four-season sports hub, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park now offers skiing and snowboarding close to the city, mountain bike trails, tube parks, zipline thrills, lessons, camps, and indoor high-performance facilities—all just a short drive from downtown.
This guide explains everything you need to know about WinSport / Canada Olympic Park: how to get there, what to do in each season, where to eat, and how to plan your visit whether you’re a beginner, a family with kids, or an adrenaline-seeker.
Where Is WinSport / Canada Olympic Park?
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is located in west Calgary, along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
- Area: Western edge of the city, near the communities of Cougar Ridge, Crestmont, and Bowness
- Distance from downtown: About 15–20 minutes by car in normal traffic
- Landscape: A prominent hill with ski runs, jumps, and visible Olympic structures
Because it sits right beside the highway, you can’t miss WinSport / Canada Olympic Park when driving toward the Rocky Mountains.
Why Visit WinSport / Canada Olympic Park?
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is more than an old Olympic site—it’s an active sports and recreation complex for locals and visitors.
Olympic legacy you can actually use
The hill and some facilities were built or upgraded for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Today, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park carries that history forward by:
- Hosting training for developing and high-performance athletes
- Offering lessons and camps for beginners and kids
- Opening many features to the public, so anyone can experience the site
You’re not just looking at Olympic history—you’re skiing, riding, or biking on it.
Easy access from Calgary
Unlike mountain resorts that require a long drive, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is inside the city:
- Ideal for after-work skiing or riding
- Convenient for families who want a few hours of activity, not a full road trip
- A good place to practice skills before heading to bigger mountain resorts in the Rockies
Year-round things to do
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is a true four-season destination:
- Winter: skiing, snowboarding, terrain parks, lessons, tubing
- Spring/Summer/Fall: mountain biking, mini golf, ziplines and other seasonal attractions
- Year-round: indoor skating, training facilities, events (availability varies)
This flexibility makes WinSport / Canada Olympic Park a smart addition to any Calgary itinerary, no matter the month.
Winter at WinSport / Canada Olympic Park: Skiing, Riding, and Tubing
Winter is when the Olympic roots of WinSport / Canada Olympic Park are most obvious.
Skiing and snowboarding
The hill is not as large as full mountain resorts, but it’s perfect for:
- Beginners learning to ski or snowboard
- Families who want close-to-home runs
- Locals practicing turns or park skills mid-week
Features typically include:
- A variety of groomed runs from beginner to intermediate
- Chairlifts and surface lifts to access different slopes
- Terrain parks with jumps and features for freestyle riders (layout changes by season)
For current run status and lift information, always check the official WinSport website before heading out.
Lessons and rentals
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is well known for its ski and snowboard school:
- Group and private lessons for kids and adults
- Longer multi-week programs during the winter
- Rental equipment (skis, boards, boots, helmets) available on-site
Booking ahead is strongly recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak season.
Tube Park
If you want winter fun without skis or a board, the tube park at WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is a great option:
- Specially prepared lanes for inner-tube sliding
- Carpet lifts or tow systems to bring you back up the hill
- Helmets and simple rules make it family-friendly
Time slots and age/height requirements can change, so confirm details on the official site before planning a tubing day.
Summer at WinSport / Canada Olympic Park: Mountain Biking, Ziplines, and More
When the snow melts, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park shifts into a summer adventure zone.
Mountain biking
The hill converts to a bike park with:
- Lift-access trails of varying difficulty
- Features like berms, jumps, and technical sections
- Options for both downhill riders and progressing intermediates
Riders are expected to wear appropriate protective gear and follow park rules. Trail maps and difficulty ratings help you choose safe routes for your skill level.
Summer attractions (varies by year)
Depending on the season and operations, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park may offer:
- Ziplines or aerial attractions
- Mini golf or family-oriented outdoor activities
- Seasonal events and festivals
Because specific attractions can change, it’s best to check current offerings, age requirements, and hours on the official WinSport website before visiting.
Year-Round Facilities at WinSport / Canada Olympic Park
Beyond the hill itself, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park includes indoor spaces used by both the public and athletes.
Arenas and ice facilities
WinSport operates indoor ice rinks that may be used for:
- Public skating (on specific days/times)
- Hockey, figure skating, and ringette programs
- High-performance training and events
Schedules vary by season, so check current public-skate times if you want to add indoor ice to your visit.
Performance and training spaces
As a hub for sport development, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park also contains:
- High-performance training centres and gyms
- Facilities used by Canadian athletes in sports like bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, hockey, and more
These areas are not always open to casual visitors, but they underline WinSport’s ongoing role in Canadian sport.
Food, Services, and Amenities
A visit to WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is made easier by on-site services.
Food and drink
Depending on the season and operations, you may find:
- Cafeteria-style options in main lodge areas
- Grab-and-go snacks and hot drinks
- Seasonal kiosks or food trucks during busy times
Food choices can change, so many visitors bring snacks or simple meals, especially when coming with children.
Rentals, tickets, and passes
On site you can typically:
- Buy day tickets or passes for lifts, tube park, or attractions
- Purchase or pick up pre-booked lessons and programs
- Rent equipment (skis, snowboards, bikes or protective gear, depending on season)
Exact products, pricing, and refund policies change. Always confirm current details on the official WinSport site before purchasing.
Parking and access
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park offers on-site parking lots near the main lodge and hill. Parking conditions and fees can be updated, so watch for:
- Signage at each lot
- Traffic control during busy events
Because the park is near major roads, arrival and departure are usually straightforward outside of big events.
Planning Your Visit to WinSport / Canada Olympic Park
How to get there
By car:
- Follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from downtown Calgary.
- Exit near the clearly signed access for WinSport / Canada Olympic Park.
- Follow internal roads to the main parking lots.
By transit:
- Use Calgary Transit buses that serve the area around WinSport / Canada Olympic Park.
- Routes and schedules vary—check the official transit trip planner for the latest information.
How much time do you need?
Time depends on what you want to do:
- Quick taste: 1.5–3 hours (tube park session, a few ski runs, or a short bike session)
- Half day: 3–5 hours (lessons + free riding, or a longer bike session with breaks)
- Full day: Lessons, lunch, and extended time on the hill or in the bike park
If you’re combining WinSport / Canada Olympic Park with downtown sightseeing or a drive to the mountains, a half-day visit works well.
What to bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing and layers (Calgary conditions can change quickly)
- Gloves, goggles, and helmets for winter sports
- Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat) in all seasons
- Water bottle and snacks
- For biking: proper helmet, pads, and a bike suited to the terrain (or plan to rent)
Quick Overview Table: WinSport / Canada Olympic Park
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main focus | All-season sports and recreation on Calgary’s 1988 Olympic hill |
| Location | West Calgary, along the Trans-Canada Highway |
| Winter activities | Skiing, snowboarding, terrain parks, tube park, lessons, rentals |
| Summer activities | Lift-access mountain biking, seasonal attractions (e.g., ziplines) |
| Year-round features | Ice rinks, training facilities, programs and camps |
| Best for | Families, beginners, locals, and visitors wanting close-to-city adventure |
| Typical visit duration | 2–6 hours, depending on activities |
| Official information | See the WinSport / Canada Olympic Park website (search “WinSport Calgary”) |
FAQ about WinSport / Canada Olympic Park
Is WinSport / Canada Olympic Park suitable for beginners?
Yes. WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is very beginner-friendly:
- Dedicated learning areas for new skiers and snowboarders
- Lessons for kids and adults
- Gradual slopes where you can build confidence before heading to the mountains
It’s one of the best places in Calgary to try a winter sport for the first time.
Can I rent equipment at WinSport / Canada Olympic Park?
Typically, yes. WinSport offers rental gear for skiing and snowboarding, and may provide bike or protective gear rentals in summer. Selection and policies change, so check the latest rental information and consider reserving in advance during busy times.
Is WinSport / Canada Olympic Park open year-round?
Operations are seasonal by activity:
- Winter focuses on skiing, snowboarding, and the tube park.
- Warmer months focus on mountain biking and summer attractions.
- Indoor arenas and high-performance facilities may have year-round programming.
Always confirm current opening dates and hours on the official website before visiting.
How far is WinSport / Canada Olympic Park from the Rocky Mountains?
WinSport itself is inside Calgary, but it sits on the route toward the mountains. From WinSport, most visitors continue west toward Kananaskis or Banff National Park. WinSport is perfect for a warm-up day before a mountain trip, or for shorter city-based adventures when you don’t want a long drive.
Is WinSport / Canada Olympic Park good for families?
Yes. Families appreciate:
- Close-to-home or hotel location
- Structured lessons and programs
- The tube park for non-skiers
- Clear signage and facilities designed for kids and beginners
Planning ahead with bookings and checking height/age requirements makes the experience smoother.
Conclusion
WinSport / Canada Olympic Park is where Calgary’s Olympic past meets today’s outdoor lifestyle. With accessible skiing and snowboarding, a lively tube park, lift-access mountain biking, lessons for all ages, and ongoing athlete development, it’s one of the city’s most versatile attractions.
Whether you’re learning your first turns, squeezing in an evening ride after work, or giving kids a safe place to discover winter sports, WinSport / Canada Olympic Park offers a full-scale adventure park without leaving Calgary.
