Alberta is continuing to build upon the province’s strong reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events and sports fans, hosting five major national and international competitions over the next two months. These events will drive thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators to the province, invigorating the local economies of the host communities and showcasing Alberta’s beauty, vibrancy and world-class facilities on the global stage.
Alberta’s government has committed more than $440,000 through the Major Sport Event grant program to support the success of these five events.
“Alberta is a rising star in sport tourism, garnering recognition as a must-see destination for sports fans worldwide, and it’s because of the continued success of the major national and international events we host each year. With each event we host, we’re driving economic growth, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses – and, most importantly, we’re creating lasting feelings of pride in our province and our athletes. Alberta’s government is proud to support events that build community, while giving a platform for our athletes to shine.”
From Feb. 19 to 22, the 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle and Halfpipe World Cups will be taking place at Winsport in Calgary. The events will feature about 380 of the world’s best snowboarders and are anticipated to generate more than $3 million for Calgary’s economy. Alberta’s government is providing a total of $250,000 in funding to the Canadian Snowboard Federation for the planning, staging and delivery of the two World Cups.
In addition to the FIS Snowboard World Cups, there are two other major national and international sporting events taking place in Calgary this week: the Western Transmountain Festival and the World Youth Open dodgeball tournament. The Western Transmountain Festival is currently ongoing at Calgary’s Brookfield Residential YMCA, where local swimmers are competing alongside Canada’s top swimming talent, including Team Canada Olympians. The inaugural World Youth Open dodgeball tournament will be taking place from Feb. 18 to 22, with more than 200 participants flocking to Calgary’s MNP Community and Sport Centre to take part in the fun.
"The impressive lineup of sporting events leading into March underscores the year-round impact that sport tourism brings to our city and province, driving visitation even during traditionally softer months. In February alone, sporting events secured by Tourism Calgary are projected to generate more than $11.2 million in economic impact, reinforcing the vital role these events play in our local economy."
Additionally, the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals will return to the Canmore Nordic Centre March 17-23. More than 800 skiers will race in sprints, distance events, and team competitions on Canmore’s iconic trails. Alberta’s government has committed $95,000 in Major Sport Event grants for the planning, staging and delivery of the competition, which is expected to contribute $4.6 million to Alberta’s economy.
“The Canmore community welcomes the energy of more than 800 athletes and their support teams to our mountain home for the 2025 Nordiq Canada Nationals. Together, we work to grow winter experiences through sport tourism, providing our local businesses with important support during quieter months.”
Alberta’s Major Sport Event grant program provides up to $250,000 to eligible sport events to help with costs associated with hosting national and international competitions, including facility rentals, venue enhancements, promotional and marketing campaigns, and more. Applications for the next round of Major Sport Event grants are open until April 1, 2025.
Quick facts
- International and national sport events funded in this intake:
- 2025 Western Transmountain Festival – Calgary - Feb. 14-22, 2025
- World Dodgeball Federation World Youth Open – Calgary - Feb. 18-22, 2025
- 2025 FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup - Calgary - Feb. 19-21, 2025
- 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup – Calgary - Feb. 20-22, 2025
- 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals – Canmore - Mar. 17-23, 2025
Related information
- FIS Halfpipe and Slopestyle World Cup
- Western Transmountain Festival
- World Dodgeball Federation World Youth Open
- 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals
- Major Sport Event Grant Program
Related news
- Strengthening Alberta’s sport legacy (Aug. 8, 2024)