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Cross-Country Ski Cascade Valley
A century ago, the Cascade Valley was home to small mining communities, and for thousands of years before that it was the traditional lands of local Indigenous peoples. It’s safe to say that this area has history, and you would swear you can feel it out on the trails.
The cross-country ski trail here is spacious and sunny. Many skiers go the 6 km to the Cascade River bridge, but if conditions are good we recommend continuing another 9 km on peaceful single track set trail to Stoney Creek.
Good To Know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1-3 hrs or 3-6 hrs
- When
- Dec - Mar
The Experience
- Length: 6.3 km one way to Cascade River Bridge or 15.1m one way to Stoney Creek
- Elevation gain: 250 m or 435 m
- Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day-use area parking lot
- Double trackset with skating lane to Cascade River Bridge and then single track set for the rest of the trail to Stoney Creek
Location
- Distance from Banff:
- 14km
- Distance from Lake Louise:
- 70km
Parking
Parking is available at the Lake Minnewanka day use are parking lot. The trail starts a short walk from there.
When to go
Operating Dates
| Month | Operating Status |
|---|---|
| Jan | |
| Feb | |
| Mar | |
| Apr | |
| May | |
| Jun | |
| Jul | |
| Aug | |
| Sep | |
| Oct | |
| Nov | |
| Dec |
Dates can vary based on conditions
Local Tips
The full route through the Cascade Valley trends slightly uphill, making for a speedy return trip.
This fairly open trail can be impacted by the sun on warm days, so we recommend checking the trail report for recent grooming.
You'll find a Parks Canada Wardens Cabin at Stoney Creek and an open area where you can sit in the sun and break for lunch.
New to cross-country skiing? Sign up for a lesson to learn the ropes.
Useful Links
Check the Parks Canada Trail Report for up to date conditions.
Let's do this
Cross-country ski rentals available from
