Canmore, AB – 2026
April 8 — Grooming & Snowmaking Workshops
April 9 — Conference Day 1
April 10 — Conference Day 2
General Information
Join us for an exhilarating experience in the mountains of the Canmore area where the thrill of skiing blends seamlessly with the spirit of learning and networking. Our conference, set amidst the snow-capped mountains and the beautiful downtown area of the region is not just an event; it’s a journey into the future of the cross country ski industry. The dates are April 8 – April 10.
The Conference will be an amazing blend of education, networking, socializing, and, of course, skiing. We’ve taken everything you love about our Conference and made it even better!
Come early and stay late to make the most of area’s renowned skiing and shopping opportunities as our schedule is designed to offer you the flexibility to enjoy the trails, the Conference and the surrounding resort experience.
All sessions, meals and lodging take place at Canmore with lodging at the Coast Hotel and skiing and groomer demos at Canmore Nordic Center.
Attending a CCSAA Conference is the single most professionally productive, informative, and inspiring part of my year. Every time, I can look forward to enjoying new faces as well as longtime friends, new research and products and concepts. These meetings are a unique, cutting-edge resource for anyone in the Nordic ski business.
Register Now
Complete conference cost includes the Wednesday Grooming Workshop and 2 days of meals.
All afternoon sessions and meals take place at the Coast Hotel, skiing and grooming will be the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Book Lodging
April 8
Snowmaking and Grooming Workshop
Snowmaking
The snowmaking workshop will kick off at noon at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Over the course of two hours, we’ll dive into a hands-on tour of a real Nordic installation. You’ll walk the trails and explore the pump house. It promises to be a highly informative and engaging session. Location: Canmore Nordic Centre Meet at the lodge.
Grooming
The grooming session will be on snow where the group will inspect and discuss the product the machines are putting down. The groups will view proper grooming and improper grooming and discuss technique challenges. We will also view interactions and proper track setting. Bring your questions and ideas. We will also tour the Canmore Maintenance Facility.
April 9
Skiing, Grooming, Indoor Sessions, Vendor Expo, Socials & More
AM – Skiing the Canmore Trails and Groomer Demos.
Attendee and vendor introductions – Let’s take some time to make new connections.
Session #1 –Keynote – The Canmore Story – The Canmore history and business model from inception to now and moving forward.
Session #2 – Panel Discussion (choose one to attend)
Panel #1 – Community Connections
Panel #2 – Maximizing Nordic Pulse
Session #3 – Discussion Groups – (choose one to attend)
Group #1 – Working with the Forest Service
Group #2 – Risk Management
Group #3 – Landowner Relations
Group #4 – is Tracking Snowdepth Right for You?
CCSAA Annual Meeting
April 10
Skiing, Grooming, Indoor Sessions, Vendor Expo, Socials & More
AM – Skiing the Canmore Trails, Groomer Demos
Session #4 – Snow Forecasting Modeling? (details to come soon)
Session #5 – Panel Discussion
Panel #1 – Staff Training Programs
Panel #2 –Safety
Session #6 – Discussion Groups – (choose one to attend)
Group #1 – Season Passes, Punch Passes and Memberships –
Group #2 – Operating under a Government Umbrella –
Group #3 – Operating as a Non-Profit
Group #4 – Pet Friendly Skiing, Grooming, signage and More
The Conference Begins!
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Event Highlights
Register Now
Complete conference cost includes the Wednesday Grooming Workshop and 2 days of meals.
All afternoon sessions and meals take place at the Coast Hotel, skiing and grooming will be the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Book Lodging
Snowmaking and Grooming Workshops
Snowmaking
The snowmaking workshop will kick off at noon at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Over the course of the hour, we’ll dive into a hands-on tour of a real Nordic installation. You’ll walk the trails and explore the pump house. It promises to be a highly informative and engaging session. Location: Canmore Nordic Centre Meet at the lodge.
The grooming session will be on snow where the group will inspect and discuss the product the machines are putting down. The groups will view proper grooming and improper grooming and discuss technique challenges. We will also view interactions and proper track setting. Bring your questions and ideas. We will also tour the Soldier Hollow maintenance facility. Location: Canmore Nordic Centre . Follows the snowmaking workshop.
Session #1 –Keynote – The Canmore Story
The Canmore history and business model from inception to now and moving forward.
Session #3 – Discussion Groups – (choose one to attend)
Group #1 – Working with the Forest Service
Group #2 – Risk Management
Group #3 – Landowner Relations
Group #4 – is Tracking Snowdepth Right for You?
Session #5 – Panel Discussion (choose one to attend)
Panel #1 – Staff Training Programs – The Staff Training discussion will focus on what makes training effective at cross country ski areas, highlighting both best practices and common pitfalls. Participants will share experiences, explore dos and don’ts, and consider why strong staff development is vital for creating a successful guest experience.
Panel #2 –Safety – Ski Patrol, Injuries, Extraction, Trail Markings and First Responders. Hear input from Canadian and US ski areas on how they prioritize safety at their ski areas. Join the conversation.
Session #2 – Panel Discussion (choose one to attend)
Panel #1 – Community Connections – Getting your local community involved, from leveraging volunteers to hosting community events, we’ll discuss a variety of ways to stay connected with the community.
Panel #2 – Maximizing Nordic Pulse – Learn about current capabilities and hear from some users helping to develop the software. Come prepared to share what would you like to see added to Nordic Pulse functionality.
Session #4 – Snow Forecasting Modeling?
(detail to come soon)
Session #6 – Discussion Groups – (choose one to attend)
Group #1 – Season Passes, Punch Passes and Memberships – What’s the best approach to keeping your revenue growing.
Group #2 – Operating Under a Government Umbrella – Municipal, County, and Provincial Parks – Learnings from working collaboratively with government partners.
Group #3 – Operating as a Non-Profit – From fundraising to working with your board, come ready with what’s working and not from your community ski area.
Group #4 – Pet Friendly Skiing, Grooming, signage and More – Come ready to share your successes and questions around dog friendly grooming, signage, designated trails, leashes and more.
Social Events and Networking
For years, Conference attendees have agreed that time spent together on the trails, over lunch or at a social event is one of the most important elements of the Conferences. Please join us at 5 pm after the Snowmaking and Grooming Workshops for happy hour.
It will not only be great fun but will allow participants to have that time over a drink to build those critical relationships. Details to come.
Lodging Booking Deadline
LODGING BLOCK CLOSES MARCH 9
Coast Hotel, Canmore, AB,
Standard Room – $145can
Book Here!
Canmore Nordic Centre Parking
All vehicles parking at the Canmore Nordic Centre require the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. It is best if people buy the pass online: https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass The pass can be purchased as soon as people know their license plate rental #’s.
Only one pass per personal or commercial passenger vehicle is required. There is no extra cost for trailers or additional passengers. Pass purchases are non-transferable to another vehicle.
Personal vehicles
- Day pass – $15 (registers one vehicle)
- Yearly pass – $90 (registers up to 3 vehicles)
Ski Rentals
We have reduced rate ski rentals from Trail Sports. Please use code: CCSA20. They are located at the Nordic Centre.
1 on 1 Meetings and Right Seat/Left Seat Grooming
Thank you for your interest in the 1-on-1 meeting program. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to schedule a 30-minute conversation with representatives from companies you would like to connect with. They are designed for deeper discussions about your specific projects, needs, or operational questions.
Feel free to bring details about your project or plans. Having this information on hand will help manufacturers provide more meaningful insight and guidance.
All 1-on-1 meetings will take place in the Canmore Nordic Centre Base Lodge or in the on-snow demo area.
Right Seat / Left Seat Cat Sessions
This one-hour session gives operators the opportunity to spend time in a snowcat with another operator discussing grooming techniques. Participants will rotate seats, spending 30 minutes in each position, driving, observing, and sharing ideas.
If you sign up for a cat session, please confirm that the time slot corresponds with the specific machine you would like to operate.
Cat sessions will meet in the Cat Demo Area in the stadium.
Group Ski
On Snow – TBD
Vendor Trade Show
The vendor trade show is always a highlight and a great source of learning and knowledge sharing. Participating vendors will showcase their products and be available to discuss their offerings during each of the primary snow days.
Vendors as of 4/1/26 include:
- PistenBully
- Prinoth
- Ski Cat Snowcat Rentals
- SMI Snowmakers
- Inter-Mtn/Mr Snow
- Nordic Pulse
- Nordic Group International
- Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes
- TechnoAlpin Canada
- Yellowstone Track Systems
- Pro Alpine Ventures – Alpina
- Path Payments
- Nicholas Hill Group
Getting to Canmore
Coming Soon
By Air
The closest airport to Canmore and Kananaskis is Calgary International Airport (YYC). From the airport, Canmore is just over an hour away by shuttle, bus, or personal vehicle.
By Shuttle/Bus
Once you’ve landed at Calgary International Airport, there are several shuttle, bus, or private transportation operators to get from the airport or from downtown Calgary to Canmore. We recommend reviewing these options to find the best fit for your travel needs.
By Car
With a rental car or personal vehicle, the drive from Calgary to Canmore is just over one hour.
In the winter, you can expect snow and ice on the roads. Be sure to drive with appropriate tires and equipment to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Make The Most of Your Conference Attendance
Attending the CCSAA Annual Conference can be an invaluable experience for networking, learning, and growing your business or expertise in the cross-country skiing industry. To make the most of your attendance, download these suggestions.
Silent Auction
We will again have a silent auction as part of the Fall Conference. If you have an item or service, please contact Reese for information on getting it listed.
Please remember to bid high and often as your silent auction dollars help CCSAA continue to work for you, the members.
Live Auction Update – Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes will offer a LIVE Auction item of a 2-pg feature valued at $1,200; or one full page ad if a supplier purchases it.
