Snowshoeing

Level 1 – Easy

Up to 7km on flat or rolling terrain with a maximum of 150m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 2–3 hours (plus lunch) at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks. Intended for those with little or no snowshoeing experience in fair physical condition. Trips meet at 9 am.

BOW RIVER MARSH The Bow River Marsh loop starts in Banff and explores the winter wetlands. We’ll hike along the meandering Bow River and see the ponds and marshes that are integral to its health. 5km, 50m gain

HOGARTH LAKES This loop is a great location for new snowshoers. A flat forest trail leads to a series of small frozen lakes. We’ll hike through plentiful snow along the shoreline and enjoy the gentle terrain. 5km, 50m gain

PENSTOCK LOOP We’ll head down to the wintry Kananaskis Lakes and see some of the history involved with their use for water storage and power generation. The trail takes a winding route through the forest, and enjoys a spectacular view of the Opal Range. 6km, 100m gain

LOWER KANANASKIS LAKE This is a fun, scenic loop. We’ll snowshoe along a gently rolling forest trail out to an icy peninsula. After lunch we’ll take in the views as we return along the shore of the frozen lake. 7km, 50m gain

WARSPITE CIRQUE This hike in the Smith-Dorrien Valley ascends one steady hill through mature forest, then finishes at a picturesque lake in a subalpine cirque. We’ll take it slow and steady and be rewarded by tall mountains and deep snow. 5km, 150m gain

Level 2 – Moderate

A 7–9km hike on rolling terrain with up to 250m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. An excellent trip for those with little snowshoeing experience in moderate physical condition. Trips meet at 9 am.

BURSTALL MEADOWS This trail follows a chain of snow-covered lakes up the Burstall valley. We’ll hike below steep mountain walls, and if time permits, may continue up the valley for a view of the Robertson Glacier. 8km, 200m gain

SAWMILL LOOP A fun route that goes up and down rolling hills through open forest on the sunny eastern side of the Smith-Dorrien Valley. The area has lots of snow and great views of the surrounding peaks. 7km, 200m gain

MURRAY LOOKOUT A snowy trip in the Smith- Dorrien Valley, this route ascends a lesser-used trail to a great viewpoint over the valley to the peaks and glaciers on the Continental Divide. After the lookout we’ll return via a different path and practice skills in the hilly terrain. 6.5km, 225m gain

MARUSHKA LAKE This little-visited lake is tucked under the dramatic Mount Shark, but some of the best views are simply along the way looking out over the Spray Lakes Reservoir. This route is likely to offer trail-breaking practice. 9km, 200m gain

Level 3 – Challenging

A 8–12km trip on hilly terrain gaining up to 350m of elevation. We snowshoe for 4–6 hours at a moderate pace. For those who have some snowshoe experience and are in good physical condition. Trips meet at 8 am.

RAWSON LAKE This trail is a steady hike from Upper Kananaskis Lake. We’ll start off on the lakeshore, and pass by the frozen Sarrail Creek Falls before turning uphill to ascend moderate switchbacks through mature forest to a picturesque subalpine tarn tucked in a bowl below Mount Sarrail. 8km, 300m gain

ELK PASS Here’s an opportunity to snowshoe to the Alberta/BC border. In the abundant snowpack of the Kananaskis Lakes region this longer trail gains steadily to the pass where we’ll enjoy views of multiple surrounding mountain ranges. 11km, 250m gain

CHESTER LAKE A classic in both summer and winter. We’ll ascend a steep hillside through dense forest and deep snow, then meander through rolling open meadows to the frozen lake tucked below the dramatic Mount Chester. 7km, 310m gain

RUMMEL LAKE This longer trip begins in an open forest across from Tent Ridge. We’ll gain elevation quickly and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir before reaching the lake in a broad bowl below Mount Galatea. 9km, 350m gain