Ribbon Creek cross country skiing area has become one of our favorite ones recently. From snow quality and scenery to its convenient distance from Calgary, I personally believe it’s one of the top destinations for Nordic skiing in the entire Kananaskis region. The views here are stunning, the facilities are well-developed, and it’s not only ideal for cross-country skiing, but also features multi-use trails for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and fat biking – making it perfect for all kinds of winter outdoor lovers.
Location & Access
Ribbon Creek cross country skiing area is located in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, right beside the well-known Nakiska downhill ski resort. It’s about a one-hour drive from Calgary. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west, exit onto Highway 40 South, and turn right at the sign for “Kananaskis Village / Nakiska”. Follow Mt Allan Drive, then turn left onto Centennial Drive, and finally right onto Ribbon Creek Road, which leads to the main parking lot. Note: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parking.
Parking Areas & Recommended Trailheads
Ribbon Creek Day Use Area
- Most recommended start point, with washrooms and trail signage
- Access to classic trails like Hidden, Terrace, Aspen, and Kovach
- Two XC-only trailheads + one multi-use trail access
- Ideal for: intermediate/advanced skiers, loop skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and fat bikers
Kananaskis Village Parking
- Best for guests staying at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge or Mt Kidd Manor
- Access to Bill Milne Trail and Terrace Trail
- A multi-use access point (snowshoe, fat bike)
- Ideal for: beginner and recreational skiers, families and hotel guests
- Scenic open views just a short walk from the lot
Kovach Pond Parking Lot / Troll Falls Trailhead
- Close to Hay Meadow and Troll Falls snowshoe trails
- Flatter terrain, suitable for beginners and families
- Ideal for: families with kids, snowshoers
Stoney Trail Parking Lot (Most Challenging)
- Closest to Highway 40, one starting point for Skogan Pass Trail
- Significant elevation gain, more primitive with no restrooms
- Ideal for: advanced skiers seeking a challenge
Ribbon Creek Maps & Live Trail Reports
Ribbon Creek cross country skiing area is managed by Alberta Parks. Some trails are double track-set, ideal for classic skiing. Certain trails are multi-use, shared with snowshoers, hikers, and fat bikers – but non-skiers must avoid stepping on the groomed ski tracks.
Some 900 meters of the trail network are shared-use. Please follow winter trail etiquette and respect all users.
Useful links for Ribbon Creek cross country skiing:
Our Route Suggestions & Ski Experience
The Ribbon Creek network includes Terrace, Kovach, Aspen, Ribbon Creek, and Skogan Pass trails—totaling ~40 km and offering various loop combinations. Here are our two favorite moderate-intensity loops, suited for skiers with some experience.
🟢 Loop 1: From Ribbon Creek Day Use Area
Distance: 11.4 km loop with notable elevation
Start by heading left across the small bridge onto Terrace North Trail (green). It begins with a steady climb—just a warm-up for what’s ahead. After reaching the top, turn left and ski ~1.8 km past the back of Mt Kidd Manor and Woody’s Pub to reach the Kananaskis Village parking lot. I used the restroom at Mt Kidd Manor while my partner waxed his skis—it was around noon and slightly sticky snow.
Leaving the Village, the view opens up with dramatic mountain panoramas. Enter Kovach Trail (blue) and begin a long 3 km climb. We wondered if clockwise was the tougher direction—it felt like we climbed forever! The last 500m is steep, gaining ~80m, the toughest part of the loop. But with distant peaks coming into view, it was worth the effort.
Around 6 km in, we hit the high point and descended steeply—finally time to relax and enjoy some speed (watch out in icy conditions). Around 7.5 km we crossed Ribbon Creek and joined Ribbon Creek Trail, a photogenic forested section ideal for a short break.
We took a left uphill to Coal Mine Trail, steeper but offering stunning views of the valley. Eventually, we returned to the trail junction and turned right back to the Day Use parking lot. My AllTrails recorded 11.4 km total.
🟢 Loop 2: From Kananaskis Village Parking Lot
Distance: 7.4 km loop, gentler with less elevation
From the lot, take Terrace Trail (not Terrace South) counter-clockwise—it’s easier this way. Terrace links into Kovach Trail, and after meeting Link Trail, a long uphill begins. Once that’s done, it’s mostly a gentle downhill.
Want to skip the climb? Take a left onto Aspen Trail early—it’s shorter and easier. At the end of the loop, just before returning, the trees open up to reveal a snow-covered meadow framed by distant peaks. It’s a scenic spot perfect for a pause, whether winter or summer.
Trail Junctions & Shared-Use Notes
Ribbon Creek cross country skiing’s winter core trails connect with Hidden Trail and Ribbon Creek Snowshoe Trail. From the Day Use area, head 300 m and turn left onto Coal Mine Trail, ascending to the main Ribbon Creek Winter Trail.
About 1.2 km in, there’s a winding downhill section followed by a 900 m shared-use zone—skiers, hikers, snowshoers, and fat bikers all share this space. Skiers have priority on groomed tracks—please keep a safe distance.
Beyond the main 4.4 km Ribbon Creek trail, the path enters an ungroomed, avalanche-prone zone—return from here for safety.
Scenic Mountain Views Along the Trails
From various points along the Ribbon Creek cross country skiing trails, you can enjoy spectacular views of:
- Mount Kidd – The area’s signature peak, with twin summits visible from Kovach and Terrace Trails
- Little Kidd – A distinct smaller peak, visible from the Kovach Lookout, often mistaken for Mt Kidd
- Mount Lorette – Sleek profile to the southeast
- Mount Allan – Towering over Nakiska Ski Area, 1988 Winter Olympics alpine site
- Midnight Peak & Skogan Peak – Further north, visible on clear days from higher elevation trails
Recommended Lodging & Activities Nearby
- Hotels in Kananaskis Village like Kananaskis Mountain Lodge – Right next to the ski trails; great for weekend getaways, with rentals and a kids’ zone
- Troll Falls Hike – Accessible by snowshoe or on foot; family- and dog-friendly
- Blacktail Bar – A solid après-ski dining choice
More Cross-Country Skiing Routes in Kananaskis
Looking for more Nordic adventures in the region? We also recommend:
- Mount Shark – Highest elevation, most reliable snow
- Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Largest area, trails for all levels
- West Bragg Creek – Closest to Calgary for a quick trip
And for beginners just starting out, Canmore Nordic Centre is the top choice – easy access, rentals, lessons, and groomed beginner trails. Day pass: $20 CAD.
