XC Ski Trails in Kananaskis Country

The Kananaskis is a series of Provincial Parks that feature a wide array of great cross-country ski trails. Our top ten XC ski trails in the Kananaskis include a variety of routes that will take you through snowy forests, open lake shores, and along stunning winter trails. Cross-country skiing in Kananaskis Country is an excellent way to experience the Canadian Rockies in winter.

THE TOP 10 XC SKIS AROUND KANANASKIS TRAIL, ALBERTA

1. Goat Creek to Banff Springs (11.9mi, 584ft, 3-4h): A local’s favourite XC ski trip that starts at the Goat Creek Parking lot above Canmore and follows along the Spray River to Banff. A scenic rest area makes a great place for a snack. No stopping at 2.8mi-3.1mi due to avalanche risk.
2. Canmore Nordic Centre (8.2mi, 512ft, 2-3h): The Canmore Nordic Centre has some of the best cross-country ski trails, with exceptional grooming and trails suitable for all abilities.
3. Ribbon Creek (6.8mi, 945ft, 1.5-3h): When the snow is good, the trails around Ribbon Creek are a joy. Not only are these cross-country ski trails close to Calgary, they also offer nice views, fun descents and the nearby Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for apres-ski meal.
4. Pocaterra (13.9mi, 1709ft, 4-6h): The Pocaterra network of XC trails, near Kananaskis Lakes, offer some of the best snow and grooming in the Rockies. There are a wide variety of trails, from easy to advanced.
5. West Bragg Creek (5.6mi, 499ft, 1-2h): West Bragg Creek offers some of the best XC Skiing near Calgary. The base at West Bragg Creek offers a wide range of trails, from beginner to expert. When the snow is good, skiing at West Bragg Creek is a joy.
6. Elk Pass (7.5mi, 925ft, 2-3h): The cross-country ski to Elk Pass, near Kananaskis Lakes, is a fun ski. This XC Ski trail typically has great snow and good grooming. Combine this with a run up to Blueberry Hill (for experts) for a great day out.
7. Skogan Pass (11.6mi, 2238ft, 2.5-5h): The XC Ski up to Skogan Pass is a classic roiute for skiing in Kananaskis Country. Located adjacent to Nakiska, Skogan Pass is a joy when conditions are good, though the way back down can be a challenging XC Ski for beginners and intermediates.
8. Evan-Thomas and Wedge Pond (6.5mi, 338ft, 2-3h): The Evan Thomas cross-country ski trail in the Kananaskis is a fun trail for beginners and intermediates. Cross-country skiing out to Wedge Pond offers very pretty views. This trail is in the valley bottom, so make sure snow conditions are good.
9. Mt Shark (8.6mi, 581ft, 2.5-4h): The network of XC trails at Mt. Shark offer everything from beginner to expert ski trails. The high elevation means great snow as well.
10. Sandy McNabb (2.7mi, 299ft, 1-1.5h): The Sandy McNabb area near Turner Valley offers a wide range of cross-country ski trails, focusing mostly on intermediate and beginner trails. When the snow conditions are good, cross-country skiing at Sandy McNabb is great. Unfortunately, the warm Chinook winds mean that the season here is short.

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