We've visited COP various times over the past few years. We tried luge, sports hall of fame and today we took to the snow tube park. I called ahead to inquire and we were directed to overflow parking. Within 7 minutes, a free shuttle picked us up to take us to the main lodge where there was a large line up for tickets. It moved quickly and we had our cards in hand within 15 min. We walked to the tube park to pick up our tubes and used our cards to get through a gate that leads to a walking conveyor sort of like those moving walkways at the airport. The conveyor took us up the hill where 5-6 tube lanes were open each with an attendant. The hardest part is navigating past all the people who bunch up at the first 3 lanes rather than walk a few extra feet to lanes 8 or 9. We asked if they were allowing doubles or triples where we could go down as a family of 3 holding on to each other's tubes, but due to extremely icy conditions and the speed travelled, we were only allowed Single rides. There are black mats to slow you down and bumpers to catch you from crashing at the bottom. We even tried a spin where the attendant will push you with a twist so you'll go the entire way down in a spiral. It was hard to stand up after that, so I only did the spin once! We were there about 2.5-3 hours and were exhausted after 7 runs. Definitely going again! read more

As the eensiest Skihill in western Canada, Canada Olympic Park (COP) even manages to be located within city limits. Like many people who grew up in Calgary, I took lessons here when I was little, and then in 6th grade when everyone went on a ski trip. It felt a lot bigger then. The Park itself is actually pretty comprehensive - the regular runs, the bunny hill, and the board park are just a tiny part of it. They have bobsleds on which you can do bobsled runs, and ski jump towers, and a decent route of cross-country ski trails. The lodge is pretty nice. They have some of the best fries and hot cocoa that I've tried from any ski hill around. The rental shop is decent and fast, and very comprehensive. And the gear shop isn't bad either. They do make their own snow. It isn't unusual to glance over as you drive by and see the snow-makers on at full blast. Made snow packs more easily and gets icy faster, but let's face it: a tumble here isn't going to take you very far. It's obvious just by looking at it that COP is not for seasoned skiiers. There are mountains an hours drive away with countless runs on varied terrain. But that's not what it's supposed to be. It's more of a training hill. This is the place I would take a new skiier or snowboarder or a kid, a place where they would actually enjoy themselves. It's also a good place to go and get some practise runs in if you don't have the time to make it out of the city. So I say: Long Live COP and skiing in Calgary! read more

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We went on the bobsleigh experience and here are the things that stuck out for me. 1. Bob sleighing is not so much of a thrill ride but an experience. You don't ever get scared , because it's over in 1 minute. 2. Depending on where you sit, you'll get different amounts of whiplash. I was placed in the back because I was tallest.....and got the most whiplash. My poor neck! 3. It's worth doing one time, but at $150 for a ride it isn't cheap. 4. They have amazing staff there, and give you $5 off beer coupons ! Yay! And a toque! Overall, if you are looking for something fun ,and different to do , this is it! #worldsworsthermit. read more

Canada Olympic Park - Ski Resorts Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I was here for a company event at the Markin Macphail Centre and thoroughly enjoyed the venue. There was lots of parking, it was easy to find and the amenities fit the bill. There were over 500 in attendance and there wasn't really any congestion. I'd have liked better arrangement for coats and bags with everything out in the open, on racks and I'm not sure how secure it would have been. The staff were quick, discreet and professional. I'm sure there must have been options for anyone mobility challenged, but I didn't look for elevators and there were a lot of stairs. I hope we use this facility again. read more

Normally I dislike skiing at COP because it's so busy and usually so icy. However, after the blizzard last weekend we decided not to head to the mountains for skiing and went to COP instead, and it was great! When there's lots of snow, the hill is fantastic. Also, with the road conditions being so poor must have kept the numbers down because I didn't feel it was crowded at all. Sure it's a short hill, but when you don't have to wait in painfully long lines for the lift, you can get tons of little runs in and have just as much fun as the mountain resorts! read more

I was at the COP for the FIBT International Bobsleigh & Skeleton competition Dec 15-20 this year. First of all the good thing about this event and venue: once you are there you have the chance to get very close to the track. Be prepared to get in contact with the athletes, trainers, photographs and have a real hands-on experience of these sports. Sadly there were some huge disappointments as well: * There was basically NO information available about this event * I was there on Monday for the training runs and there were no signs, nobody I asked even from "Winsports" (=COP) knew details about the event or schedule. The FIBT website was only showing a date 'from - to' but without any details about the competition as well. * When I came back Friday for the Skeleton competition it was one of the guys from the German press (ARD) who was finally able to tell me a bit about the event schedule * Due to the lack of information and promotion there was basically no audience which is sad for the athletes and for Calgary as a host town * Finally the feedback I got from talking with the international press and teams is, that they experienced Calgary as one of the worst organized events and they complained about ancient facilities. I was ashamed hearing this kind of bad feedback from visitors and hope that this event can be turned around for the 2015 competition. read more

If you've skied big mountains before, you'll probably be disappointed. If you've never seen the workings of a ski hill before, you'll be amazed. Pretty much, COP is a hill covered in mostly man made snow. They have Alberta's only superpipe (22' halfpipe), a large terrain park and not too much else terrain. It's cool since there's a cool Olympics vibe still happening, plus very tourist friendly. read more

Went here for the bobsled adventure. The price is a bit expensive, but not something you get to do in Texas. Our driver was on the Canadien National Bobsled Team. You go about 60 mph. We took our family which includes 3 boys and we all loved the ride. It was thrilling and makes you appreciate the real bobsledders. read more

I went to lounge eighty eight with my husband last night to enjoy a meal and beverage while our son engaged in night time skiing. We ordered the Prime Rib burger. My burger was served very raw and I sent it back. The server let me know the customer next to me sent his back even more raw than mine. She said it wasn't the new cooks fault because the old cook didn't precook them enough for him to be able to cook properly. My new burger was burned black. See picture. I couldn't eat it. The server said since no managers were on site she could only give me 30% off my meal. She seemed genuinely concerned but couldn't do much about it. I wish people were properly trained in the Resturant business especially where food safety is concerned. I shouldn't have had to pay for a meal I couldn't eat either. read more

Canada Olympic Park - Ski Resorts Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

This is my second time taking lessons at Winsport. The first time I came here was great. This year, however, started off not so great. Registered Adult Ski lesson Level 4 and was told I had to join level 3 because I was the only one registered for Level 4. Sorry, not my fault that I was the only one. Honestly, it did not really matter what level I was as long as I could be on the slope prior to my trip to SkiBig3 in the few days. What made it worse was the person who assigned people to each group allegedly claimed that I registered for Level 3 myself. Excuse me sir, I did not. I have a confirmation that I actually registered for Level4. I completely understand that you did not want to assign 1 instructor for 1 person but DO NOT blame it on me as if it was my fault. Worse, they assigned a person from Level 2 to our group. Poor him - he pizza(ed) all the way down while we went up higher. Good thing that Barb - our instructor- was such a sweetheart and made it all better. All I wanted was not be blamed for. Too much to ask? read more

How are you able to teach your kid to do winter sports if you can't use the bunny hill for free. Not only the gears are expensive.. The lessons and programs and passes. Now you have to pay for using the bunny hill. F*ckin money hoggs. Even for adults who will be assisting their kid getting on the carpet has to buy their own pass aswell. They just want to milk you dry. If anyone reading this post, please advise of other alternatives I can do. I'm teaching my child snowboard. Are there any hills / carpets in the city we can use for free? Thanks in advance! read more

So, I have been to COP a few times to watch hockey.. That is all good, but I had an interesting experience the other day. I went with intentions of checking out the gym there. I went to guest services to inquire about pricing for memberships and drop in fees. I was told about the yearly, monthly and daily options. I was looking for daily for now. They kept telling me that the prices were effective as of May 1. So I asked about working out today. I was told that I couldn't work out until May 1.. I clarified that the gym was not under renovations, it was not. They did not actually give me any reason other than "our system is changing". Doesn't really seem like a valid excuse to turn away new business. Trying to type out my experience there does not justify how strange and awkward it was, but regardless, I will not be back, even in May. read more

They have a new "luge experience" ride at C.O.P. It just opened this past June. The attendant at the chairlift, said it was suppose to open last summer. Okay, so for around $50.00, 4 people can take two rides up and down the hill at C.O.P. Then two more can take a third run. I purchased the "family" ride pass and that entitled us to do that as many as times as we did. You can ride a ski lift/chairlift up to the top 3 People max. to a chairlift. and a robotic arm loads your sled. It's a nice 7 min. or so ride to the top of the hill. You get a quick lesson at the top, on how to operate the sled. middle position of the handle bars, and you can go full speed. Pull back on the bar, and that's the brakes. Let go of the handle bar, and that stops the sled as well. The course itself is pretty fun, it winds itself down the hill and you can pick up some good speed. They have a couple of areas that read "slow" I sorta ignored them. Overall, I had a good time with the family doing this. I would say, if you have a couple of hours to kill one afternoon it's definitely worth the time. I also read that they have a $99.00 special for a zipline/bobsled experience. If you have older kids or a kid at heart this might be more for you. I have smallerish boys, so it was tame enough for them I will def. try it again sometime. read more

Canada Olympic Park - Luge - Ski Resorts Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Really fabulous place, you would not believe all the different sports they have here it's not just skiing and snowboarding, they have you luge both in the summer and the winter and bobsled and four of the biggest ice rinks in the country including where our national Olympic team trains! Figure skating, two amazing gyms, can you believe that they teach over 35,000 snowboarders and skiers every winter! It's really really incredible Iworth a visit. Plus for your first ski and snowboard lessons and they will give you the rentals and the lesson and the ski pass for only $45!!! You're not gonna find a better deal anywhere! At Lake Louise or sunshine it is $110 before taxes just for the lift ticket and that does not include any rentals or Lessons of course!......... also I would like to update my review specifically about the great lounge at the ski chalet at the bottom of the hill at the COP/winsport. It's called 88 and I highly recommend. They have delicious food and great prices and specials on drinks and most importantly they have an incredible waitress/bartender called Melody. Everybody has been to restaurants where they have very loud waitresses with fake laughs who are pretending to enjoy themselves but really they're just after your money for tips. Melody is the opposite.....She is an authentic person with an incredible talent for remembering faces and names, I met her 10 days ago and then briefly introduce my son who she met for maybe 30 seconds... How many people would a busy waitress meet within 10 days...... perhaps over 200? She remembered both of our names today. How is that even possible; she even remembered aspects of my life that I had briefly mentioned. If she is making the effort to retain names and details about people like that i'm hoping she is being properly appreciated and compensated by management. I used to be a waitress for 10 years when I was working on my degrees and I know that it's a very rare and special talent. When I quit my restaurant the owner was shocked to see a huge dip in sales, he doesn't realize how important waitresses are and they create connections with both the walk-in crowd and especially the regulars. I've been to 88 four times now and each time Melody had a large number of tables who were all being entertained by her authentic comedy and attention, these are not fake laughs that people were politely doing they were really authentic belly laughs of clients who really really appreciated their fabulous hostess. And I could hear the conversations people were talking about her as she walked away -everybody loved her. Thank you so much Melody see you again soon! read more

Canada Olympic Park - Ski Resorts Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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COPnvenient! - Having lived in Vancouver, with it being flanked by mountains and the ocean, it's really quite amazing, but in Calgary with the Rockies a mere hour away, it's still so refreshing and convenient to have a ski hill within the city limits. Completely and quickly accessible for a few quick turns and a feeble attempt at being a reasonable facsimile of The Flying Tomato, Shaun White; one can dream, can't they? read more

In city ski area and athletic complex. Doesnt get any better.

Situated to the north of the city, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Canada Olympic Park was the venue for the ski jumping and bobsleigh/luge events for the 1988 Winter Olympics that were held in Calgary. It's still used for these events today, plus there is also room for downhill skiing. In the summer, the venue is used for off-road pedal cycling. There is a small museum commemorating the Olympics and is notable for containing the bobsleigh used by the Jamaican bobsleigh team in Cool Runnings, which was set in and filmed here. However, the venue is starting to look a little tired, especially in comparison to the state-of-the-art facilities being built for the 2010 games in Vancouver-Whistler. It's difficult to access by public transport and visually it's not much to look at, an out-of-season ski jump hill resembles a quarry. It's ok, but I'd only go in if you're passing, you'll find much more interesting snow-related activities further up the Rocky Mountains. read more

We did the bobsled and zipline on the same day. The zipline is so incredible and a lot of fun! I am still suffering from the bobsled ride though!! I got motion sickness plus some severe whiplash. If you have any sort of neck or back pain/ injury DO NOT do the bobsled. They do warn you about this in their waiver but holy smokes I did not think it would be this bad. I have been off work for two days now because I can barely move my neck. Glad I did it but would not do it again. The zipline I would do over and over again though! The staff for both the bobsled and the zipline are so incredibly happy and friendly. Hats off to them for making the experience even better. Keep smiling. read more

I booked my reception to be at Canada Olympic park. My husband and I picked the three attached rooms which is a conference room. The rooms were beautiful, they were 3 separate rooms that could fit up to 300 people easily. The area is stunning and has big windows that bring up beautiful sun in and makes the room look bigger. I was afraid at first to do my venue because I wasn't sure if my decorating would work with the windows. I actually ended up putting down the blinds and making it more dark and romantic. It worked well for me because I had a choice if I wanted it to be a fancy, bright reception or if I wanted to make it a dark, romantic reception look. So what I am trying to say is this venue is great for any look you are looking for. The feedback we received from our guest that the food was the best buffet they have ever tried. My husband hated buffets but still on this day can't get over how great their food was. The service I was received was the best I have received from my whole wedding experience. I worked with a wedding coordinator named Christine. I can't even find the words to describe how well suited this lady is for that job. She had all the patience in the world, and listened to everything I wanted and needed. She actually even sent me emails to keep me smiling and remember not to stress. I can't even begin to explain how much good energy she brings into such a stressful thing. I honestly can say that they receive good, happy customers just from that one lady. If you want someone who cares about your wedding, take her. read more

An OK hill to slide-down, however it is starting to look a little tired now, and with places such as sunshine village, Lake louise etc all just a short(ish) drive down the road, its really not worth it unless you are deperate for a bit of sliding. I had fun though. read more

If plannign on doing your wedding there choose another location. They stole from us and have refused to call me back. Wedding was almost 3 months ago and still nothing. read more

If you actually enjoy skiing down mountains don't go here, bite the bullet and make the drive to the mountains(Lake Louise and Sunshine are my favorites). If you are into the half pipe and that type of thing then it is probably a lot more enjoyable. But I'm a skier who is more into longer runs and just going down the hill without the trick aspect of the sport and certainly don't recommend this hill for anyone that enjoys the same. read more

arrived here with a friend while on business in the area and really only had time to walk around. lots of summer activities set up (mountain biking down the hill, luge ride, ski jumping) and a beautiful view of the city. seems to be a great use of the space and i'm sure that in the winter it's a nice close spot for winter sports too! read more