5 Cross-Country Ski Trails In Banff National Park
- Jan 26, 2021|
- Sports
Banff and Lake Louise offer every level of cross-country skier the chance to get out on groomed and maintained trails surrounded by fabled landscapes. Try these five trails and get out gliding on the snow of Banff National Park.
5 Nordic Ski Trails
- Tunnel Mountain Trails
- Moraine Lake Road
- Great Divide/Old 1A
- Cascade Valley
- Spray River West Trail
1. Tunnel Mountain Trails - Banff Townsite
Distance and elevation: 8 km of trails with very few hills
Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Village II
Right in the Banff townsite and very accessible to any level of skier, the Tunnel Mountain Trails are the perfect place to go for a quick rip when you don't have much time or to try cross-country skiing for the first time.
With loops of trackset trails (both single and double) through Tunnel Mountain Campground, you can ski for as long as you like. The trails all link up with one another so that you can create your own fun loops and courses on this easy and quick spot for nordic skiing close to all accommodations in Banff.
2. Moraine Lake Road - Lake Louise
Distance and elevation: 15.6 km (9.6 mi.) return, 250 m elevation gain
Trailhead: Lake Louise Drive
This trail includes both gently rolling and hilly stretches as it climbs steadily. It is a double-track set with a skating lane. Following the track set trail will reach a viewpoint of Consolation Valley and Ten Peaks.
Warning: Travelling beyond the viewpoint requires avalanche training and equipment as the road crosses large avalanche paths.
3. Great Divide or "Old 1A" - Lake Louise
Distance and elevation: 20 km (12.4 km) return, 60 m elevation loss
Trailhead: Lake Louise Drive
This double set track with a skating lane trail, which is mostly flat with some gentle downhill, will take you to the “Great Divide” – the BC / Alberta border. If you are up for it, continue for around another 3.5km (irregular grooms) to the Lake O’Hara parking lot in Yoho National Park.
4. Cascade Valley - Banff
Distance and elevation:
- To Cascade River Bridge: 6.3 km (12.6 km return), 135m elevation gain, 50m loss
- To Stoney Creek: 15.1 km (30.2 km return), 250m elevation gain, 85m loss
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area parking lot
This wide, track-set trail is a great place to strap on your skis for gently rolling hills. Up to Cascade River Bridge, this is a double-track-set route with a skate skiing lane. Past the bridge to Stoney Creek, there is a single track-set lane.
Start your journey on this trail by heading to the Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area parking lot, then walk down to the road closure. This is where your skiing starts. This trail takes you on the annual winter road closure near Cascade Mountain, and then you ski in the shadow of the classic mountain - providing magnificent views and tree-lined paths for you to ski down. This is a popular trail, so be prepared for other skiers.
5. Spray River West Trail - Banff
Distance and elevation: 5.7 km (3.5 mi.) one way from Spray River West trailhead to Spray River bridge West
Trailhead: Park at Spray River West trailhead, behind Fairmont Banff Springs
The entire trail is double track set with a skate skiing lane. This trail is a locals’ favourite offering rolling terrain in a picturesque river valley with views of Fairmont Banff Springs. Bring a snack; there is a picnic spot beside the river near the bridge. Avalanche hazard: Infrequent avalanche paths from both Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain cross the Spray River at 4.5 - 5 km from the Spray River trailheads. Do not stop in this area.
Learn how to Ski
If you've never strapped on skis or are looking for a refresher, Bikescape will get you out on the trail and teach you all the basics of this fabulous sport with their cross-country ski lessons.
Get your rentals
Plenty of shops in Banff and Lake Louise offer rentals to get you out on the trails.