Numerous recreational opportunities, from skiing to ice fishing, can be enjoyed by the whole family in Kananaskis Country during the 2002 - 2003 winter season.

Fortress Mountain and Nakiska offer you great skiing and snow boarding opportunities. Nakiska opened on December 13, 2002 and Fortress Mountain Opening Day is tentatively set for December 20, 2002.

Cross-country skiers of all abilities can enjoy hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails in Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park, Sheep River Provincial Park and Evan Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. The winter trails program at the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Ribbon Creek, Mount Shark, Smith- Dorrien, West Bragg Creek, Sandy McNabb and Cataract (snowmobiles) areas will be available to visitors at the same levels as last year, wherever possible. The winter program at the Canmore Nordic Centre will be conducted as per normal - a new fee schedule is in effect- $7.50 for adults, Juniors (12-17) $6.00, Seniors (55 plus) $6.00, Child (6-11) $4.50, Child under 6-Free.

The Visitor Information Centre at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (hours: Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is open for visitors to drop by with your lunch and enjoy the view or relax by the fire. You will also find entertaining displays dealing with the natural and cultural history of the area and information on facilities and recreation opportunities. For more information, call the Centre at (403) 591-6322, (for toll free access within Alberta, dial 310-0000 and then the number) or visit the Kananaskis web site at: www.cd.gov.ab.ca/parks/kananaskis.

Drop by the day lodge in the Canmore Nordic Centre (hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week) and enjoy picture-window views of soaring Mount Rundle in a relaxing atmosphere, enhanced by the large stone fireplace and comfortable seating. Other services include a cafeteria, meeting rooms, maps and information, day lockers, showers, washrooms, equipment rentals, and lessons. For more information call (403) 678-2400.

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Spray Valley Provincial Park and in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Check with the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Visitor Centre for ice conditions (403) 591-6322.

Alberta's parks and protected areas conserve many of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the province's natural and cultural heritage, while enjoying a range of outdoor recreation facilities and services.

For more information about Alberta's parks, call 780-427-3582 (toll-free 1-866-427-3582) or visit the parks and protected areas web site at www.cd.gov.ab.ca/gateway

Contact:

Cheryl Robb
Communications
Alberta Community Development
(780) 427-6530