Nakiska's cheap passes frustrate skiers forced to wait in long lines

A combination of warm weather and cheap skiing is leading to long lines and frustrated skiers at one of Alberta's ski destinations.

Nakiska, which is located in Kananaskis Country on the slopes of Mount Allan, bills itself as "Calgary's closest mountain." The hill entices skiers with the slogan "Drive Less, Ski More."

In the fall, the hill offered massive discounts on season passes. Adult passes were selling for $199 — $600 less than regular price, while the price of family passes dropped from nearly $1,505 to only $459.

The promotion was a success, catching the attention of skiers across Western Canada.

But the "ski jams" that have resulted are leading many to ask whether the hill sold too many passes.

On the Tuesday edition of The Calgary Eyeopener, skier Bart Beaty explained what his weekend was like at the hill.

"I have never seen it so busy," said Beaty. "By midday, [the lines] had gotten ridiculous. The silver chair, for example, the line looked like it stretched all the way, basically to the lodge."

"I heard one woman in line later say that she had stood in that line for two hours to get up the hill."

Nakiska spokesperson Matt Mosteller offered a different take, saying that he has "heard nothing but positive experiences."

For those who were frustrated with the delays, Mosteller offered this suggestion to skiers.

"When you see lift lines, a great tip is to eat earlier or eat later, and then ski during the regular lunchtimes."