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Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies feature an exceptional variety of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that offer a refreshing way to experience winter. Most of the trails travel the major valley bottoms and are in prime condition between mid-December and early March. In several areas groomed loop systems are provided. Within the National Parks, the groomed loop systems include Johnson Lake, Banff Springs Golf Course, Sundance Canyon, Lake Louise, Pipestone, Emerald Lake, Whitehorn, Pyramid Bench and Maligne Lake. Most skiers will find enough cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to fill a day at any one of these areas.
Many of the popular summer hiking trails also serve as cross-country trails, but most involve travel in avalanche terrain and should be avoided by inexperienced or unprepared parties.
As one might expect, there is also excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing outside of the National Parks. Canmore is a particularly popular hub for these activities due to its proximity to Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country, and the Canmore Nordic Centre, host to all Nordic events during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. The Canmore Nordic Centre features over 60 km of well-maintained trails for all levels of ability. The backcountry of Kananaskis just minutes from Canmore features a superb network of trails and consistently great snow conditions that won’t threaten your vacation plans. Ski resorts like Panorama Mountain Village and Fernie also provide maintained trails that are ideal for these activities.
You can rent cross-country ski and snow shoe equipment at most sports stores throughout the Canadian Rockies and at some of the major hotels. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on cross-country ski trails. Please make sure you obtain an avalanche forecast and other pertinent information from a park information centre before heading out on the trails.
X-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Tours
Guided cross-country ski and snow shoe tours are available through Ultimate Rockies and are a great way to explore the Canadian Rockies:
| Tour |
Description |
Departs |
Distance |
Elev Gain |
Difficulty |
Price (Cdn $) |
Vista Lake Snowshoe Tour
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Snowshoe to secluded Vista Lake, nestled beneath Storm Mountain - Travel through the regrowth of the 1968 Vermillion Pass Fire and learn about recent fires and their importance in the environment - At Vista Lake warm up with a hot chocolate and marshmallows or try an outdoor team challenge - Guests should dress in skiwear for this trip, including hats, mitts and warm boots. Your tour includes snowshoes & hiking poles, hot chocolate & light snack, hotel pick up and drop off. |
Banff daily at 8:30am and 1:30pm
Available from Lake Louise Mon, Thu, Sat
Tour available from Dec 1 to Apr 15
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4 hrs
2.8km / 1.7mi
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394ft (120m) |
Easy |
Adults - $55
Children (6-12) -$30
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Wapta Icefields Ski Mountaineer Trip
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This quintessential 'hut to hut' ski tour through the beautiful Wapta Icefields is one of the best ways to experience classical ski-mountaineering. Stretch your physical limits while having great fun skiing from peak to peak, glacier to glacier. Using glacier and avalanche knowledge to find the best route, your certified-guide will lead you south over the glaciers towards the Kicking Horse Pass, the final destination. Your guides are certified by the internationally-recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and also licensed by Parks Canada. There will be an average of 6 participants per guide. Group maximum is 10 plus guides, minimum 5. Trip includes guides, accommodation, meals, 'Back Country Park Fee' and use of avalanche beacons. GST is extra. Cancellation insurance can be purchased for an additional $48. |
Canmore on select dates in Feb, Mar and Apr
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5 days, 4 nights
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n/a
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Moderate |
$890 per person
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* Other trips available upon request including multi-day backcountry Nordic ski and snowshoe adventures
**Exclusive to accommodation guests only
Booking Request Form
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