Skogan Pass XC Ski Trail

The cross-country ski trail up to Skogan Pass is a bit of a legend. When you’re just learning to cross-country ski, the goal of reaching Skogan Pass, with almost 2297ft of climbing, is a major goal. In truth, the XC Ski trail up Skogan Pass is actually not as hard as it sounds, as the grading is very well done, and there are few places that feel “really steep”. That said, if you have the wrong wax or there hasn’t been recent grooming, the Skogan Pass ski trail can be challenging.

Starting in front of Nakiska Ski Hill Day lodge, walk or ski north, with the Magic Carpet and Silver chair on your left. You will then ski down to your right on the Sweetgrass ski run (#24), and the Olympic Chair will be on your left. You will merge and cross the Sundance ski run (#25) and then head downhill, where you soon go under the Bronze chair and into the trees briefly. You will come out on Powderface (run #28), which you cross and head into the trees on the other side. Here the route turns to the left and you head in a NW direction.

Follow this route as it ascends along a break in the trees. After roughly 0.8mi go right at the fork, and soon pass over Marmot Creek (you may miss the creek in winter).

Continue on this ski trail for 0.8mi, until you are presented with an option of taking the Sunburst Variant (to the right), which adds 0.6mi to the route. For the more direct ascent to Skogan Pass, and if this is your first time on this trail, cut back to the left (our map also shows the more direct route to Skogan Pass).

In about 2625ft pass the turnoff for the High Level ski route on your right (which connects with the Sunburst trail). Go left here and continue to Skogan Pass. Maybe consider taking this variant on your return descent.

In another 0.7mi you have another option for a little diversion on a trail called the Skogan Loop, on your left. This route adds additional distance, but has two nice viewpoints. Again, for your first time we suggest going right here and staying on the Skogan Pass ski trail, bypassing the Skogan Loop.

In 0.9mi pass the other end of the Skogan Loop (it’s on your left), and from here it’s 1.4mi to Skogan Pass.

Once at Skogan Pass, you have nice views down to the Bow Valley and Canmore. It’s fun to explore a bit around Skogan Pass, and find a pretty viewpoint for lunch or a snack.

Once you’re ready, it’s a quick descent back down, with only a few uphill portions. It can also be very challenging in icy conditions, as it can be fast. The section between Marmot Creek and Ruthie’s Trail is the steepest section in our opinion.

In general, you should be able to get down in half the time it took you to ascend.