Calgary

Alberta ski hills Nakiska and Norquay slash season pass prices

Two Alberta ski resorts are selling deeply discounted adult and family season passes.

Nakiska once again slashes its adult pass to $199, and now Norquay is following suit

Heavily discounted passes caused long delays at Nakiska last year. (Graham Mezzaroba)

It would appear there is a price war going on between two Alberta ski resorts.

For the second year in a row, Nakiska is offering adult season ski passes for $199 and now Norquay has beat that price by nine dollars.

Both Norquay and Nakiska have slashed their season pass prices for adults and families, however, the Norquay deal will have blackout dates to avoid overcrowding on the hill. (Bill Joyce/Facebook)

"We're actually celebrating our 90th anniversary this year, and we've been planning to launch with some amazing deals and it just so happens that Norquay 90, the $190 pass, is that deal," said Andre Quenneville, the general manager of Norquay.

Quenneville says that, unlike Nakiska, the Norquay adult season pass has blackout dates over holidays and peak ski times.

For example, you won't be able to use it most weekends in January and February.

Quenneville says Norquay has put those restrictions on their discounted adult pass after hearing about the crowds at Nakiska last season.

"Were just trying to make sure that we don't end up in a similar situation," said Quenneville.

A spokesperson for Nakiska says the hill has already made changes to alleviate the influx of people to the resort, including expanding the guest services area and adding more parking and food stations.

But most importantly, says Matt Mosteller, is more coffee.

"Additional espresso machines. Because people love to ski and drink coffee." 

Norquay season pass deals:

  • Adult: $190 (regular $490)
  • Family: $490 family pass (regular $1,190)

Nakiska season pass deals:

  • Adult: $199 (regular $819)
  • Family: $499 (regular $1,909)

The Nakiska sale is on until June 27 while Norquay's ends on June 19.