Backcountry Skiing in Banff National Park: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
4.70
(23 reviews)
Discover the stunning scenery and incredible off-piste terrains of Canada’s oldest national park!
Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, on Alberta’s western border, Banff National Park is a veritable playground for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. From single-day freerides to multi-day hut-to-hut traverses, there’s plenty to experience on your skis. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Backcountry Skiing trips in Banff National Park. The mountains are calling!
Top backcountry skiing trips | Canada
(4.8)
FAQs: Backcountry Skiing in Canada
What should I know about Backcountry Skiing Banff National Park?
Sitting just 110 to 180 kilometers west of Calgary, in the iconic Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is a veritable backcountry skiing paradise.
Aside from the Wapta Traverse, which attracts plenty of skiers (but not too many) each season, there are plenty of other parts of this incredible landscape to explore on your skis.
Other fan favourites include heading to Lake Louise for a day or more of incredible freeriding in the surrounding mountains. Ski mountaineering is another popular pastime, with many guides offering ascents of Mount Andromeda, Mount Fairview and Mount Hector, among many others.
Several variations of the Wapta Traverse are also quite popular, including doing the classic route in reverse as well as making various detours on the classic route to climb some nearby mountains.
Why should I choose Banff National Park for my Backcountry Skiing adventure?
The Wapta Traverse
There are plenty of great ways to experience the Canadian backcountry. However, heading out on a four or five-day hut-to-hut expedition along the Wapta Traverse may be one of the best. Heading from Peyto Lake to the Great Divide, the classic backcountry route offers skiers the chance to summit mountain peaks, enjoy incredible descents, all with incredible views of the park in every direction.
Stunning scenery
Boasting massive icefields, thick evergreen forests and a multitude of snow-capped mountains, few places in Canada – or on Earth – serve as a more picturesque backdrop for backcountry skiing than Banff National Park. Strapping on a pair of backcountry skis is by far the best way to explore the pristine scenery of this winter wonderlandscape.
Avoid the crowds
Not only is Banff National Park the oldest in Canada, but it is also one of the largest. Sprawling over 6,600 square kilometers, it is easy to escape from civilization and head into deep into the backcountry. Escape the crowds of the nearby ski resorts and enjoy some peace, quiet and unspoiled snow of the Canadian Rocky Mountain wilderness.
What can I expect from the weather during my Backcountry Skiing trip in Banff National Park?
During the winter, average daily temperatures range from -5 ºC to -15 ºC in Banff National Park. Snow also falls quite frequently, with between 30 and 40 centimeters falling each month.
How can I get to Banff National Park?
Any backcountry skiing trip to Banff National Park, begins with a flight into the international airports in Calgary (YCC). From here it is easiest to rent a car and make the two hour drive to the park.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Banff National Park region?
English
What's the country code for the Banff National Park region?
+1
What currency is accepted around Banff National Park?
Canadian dollar (CAD)
When is the best time to travel to Banff National Park for Backcountry Skiing?
November to April
What people are saying about Backcountry Skiing |
Henry
5.00
I had such a great experience skiing backcountry for the first time! Jeff was an amazing guide and really helped us learn how to use backcountry equipment and avalanche gear. My only concern was that we were forced to change the date of our trip quite last minute and we were not given much information about the trip until only 1-2 days in advance. However, the trip itself was incredible! Thank you for such an amazing experience!
Laurence
5.00
Great day of touring in the amazing surroundings around Lake Louise - the vue and silky powder snow were worth the effort of climbing!
5.00
Really enjoyed our time with our guide, Troy. 5/5 Experience! Highly recommend.
George
5.00
Owen
5.00
The Bow-Yoho Traverse April 1 to April 7, 2019. Tom, the guides (Mel and Ken) and an assistant (John) led this trip with care, kindness, humour and expertise. When conditions required it, we were able to form 2 or 3 groups according to abilities and motivation. That was fabulous. Staying the first night in Field with supper and breakfast provided is a great way to begin the trip. The shuttle at the start and at the end was well-planned. When I signed up for the trip I had concerns about the quality of the food. Tom reassured me. He was right. Michelle Heerchop's 'Touch of Love" provided the food. It was varied, tasty and nutritious. I am very very pleased that I was able to be part of this trip. I highly recommend Tom's Sawback Alpine Adventures.
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