The Hinton Nordic Centre (formerly Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre) is proud of its history! The following is a list of events that we’ve hosted since the Nordic Centre was first opened:
2017 – Western Canadian Biathlon Championships
2015 – Combined North American and Canadian Biathlon Championships
2014 – Alberta Biathlon Championships
2013 – Alberta Biathlon Championships
2012 – Western Canadian Biathlon Championships
2011 – Alberta Biathlon Championships
2010 – Combined Alberta and Western Canadian Biathlon Championships
2009 – Alberta Biathlon Championships
2008 – Calforex Cup #4 Biathlon Competition
2007 – Alberta Cup #5 and Alberta Cup #6 – Cross Country Ski Competition
2006 – Alberta Winter Games: Cross Country and Biathlon Competitions
2006 – Cadet Provincial Biathlon Championships
2005 – Western Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships
2005 – NorAm Cup – Cross Country Ski Competition
Other major events in our history include:
1994 – World Cup Biathlon Competition
1984 – Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships
Some of our History
The Hinton Nordic Centre (formerly Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre) was originally built in 1985 through the dedication of the Hinton Nordic Skiers (HNS), a non-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers.
With racing as its main focus, the government heavily subsidized the construction of the Centre and its operations through grants. The land encompassing the Nordic Centre was designated a special place in 2001 and was incorporated into William A. Switzer Provincial Park. We work cooperatively with Alberta Parks and are currently receiving valuable logistical support as well as a yearly contract worth $10,000 to provide them with ski trail grooming services.
Although a general decline in financial support from the government has presented new challenges, the Hinton Nordic Skiers have sought out new partnerships and so far have met the challenges very successfully. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Centre and are responsible for everything from trail cleanup in the fall to grooming during the ski season to fundraising during the summer. Through these efforts the groomers are kept running and the lodge kept warm and welcoming.