Choose Between Olympic Cross Country Skiing at Canmore, or the Scenic Trails of Banff in Canada’s Rocky Mountains

Banff, Canada and the surrounding mountains of Banff National Park feature some of the greatest walks and hikes of anywhere in the Canadian Rockies, when it comes picturesque mountain scenery. Short and easy day hikes or a multi-day backpacking hikes through mountain wilderness, either way there is a trail for you.

Of course in the wintertime, when snow blankets these trails, they become some of the greatest cross-country skiing – or Nordic skiing, if you prefer – in North America. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s not far from Banff, be it classic track-set cross-country and groomed skate-skiing trails, or untracked backcountry trails, hut-to-hut traverses,  telemark slopes and rugged ski mountaineering routes.

For most recreational skiers, the cross-country ski season runs from December through March here in Banff National Park. But the snow begins to fall in earnest in November by the middle of the month our local Nordic skiers and competitive athletes are usually hitting the trails, particularly those north of Banff.

Easy-to-moderate cross-country trails in or near Banff:

• Cascade Fire Road, from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot
• Spray River Loop, from the Banff Springs Hotel trailhead
• Sundance Canyon, starting from Cave and Basin Historic Site
• Banff Springs Golf Course, from the Bow Falls parking lot
• Bow River, from the Canoe Docks

Of course if you want to stay in Lake Louise, there are plenty of trails for great Nordic skiing, which will not only give you a great workout, but let you enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery of the Canadian Rockies in winter.

Popular trails in Lake Louise:

• Moraine Lake Road
• The Great Divide (Highway 1A)
• Bow River Loop, starting near the Station Restaurant
• There is also a series of scenic cross-country trails accessible from the top of the Sunshine
• Village Gondola (note that there is a fee for the gondola ride).

If you need assistance arranging a cross country ski outing in Banff National Park, whether you need equipment rental, transportation or a guide for a long hut-to-hut ski tour, contact either Banff Travel or Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. These adventure specialists will fix you up with whatever you need for your Nordic adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

click here for Yamnuska Mountain Adventures 200 – 50 Lincoln Park Canmore, Alberta
click here for Banff Travel Banff, Alberta