Panorama
Panorama Ski Resort, CanadaPanorama is not a high profile ski resort when compared to the neighbouring
ski resorts near Banff and
Lake Louise. Considering that Panorama commonly flies under the radar, you could easily be mistaken for thinking that Panorama is just a small pokey ski resort. This is certainly not the case. Panorama has plenty of terrain and vertical that is significant by North American standards, and these long leg burning runs can take you right to the door of your accommodation.
Panorama may have once been a locals’ ski hill, but now it has evolved into an impressive ski holiday destination. With the development of the village to include more accommodation, restaurants, hot pools, and the addition of more ski terrain and high speed lifts, Panorama is now competing with the “big boys”. There are still plenty of people who don’t know much about Panorama, but this is advantageous to those that do.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
Panorama is renowned for the big ski vertical at 1,220 metres. The 2,800 acres (1,152 hectares) of
ski terrain at Panorama is all below the tree line, so there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the gladed areas. The pièce de résistance of the resort is the double black diamond tree skiing in the Extreme Dream Zone, and also the backcountry-type area in Taynton Bowl, formerly heli-skiing terrain. Much of the terrain is well suited to intermediates with many wide cruising groomers, and there are also beginner trails and terrain parks. The annual snowfall at Panorama is not particularly high, but the light dry snow that falls is well retained.
Where is Panorama?
Panorama Mountain Village is located in the Purcell Mountains of BC Canada, 18km west of the town of Invermere. The closest gateway airport is Calgary (3-3.5 hours), from which there are airport shuttles available. There are also shuttles from Banff, which is 2 hours north of Panorama.
Even though Panorama is a ski holiday destination in itself, it is well
located to form part of a Canada road trip extravaganza that could include the
ski resorts around Banff,
Big White,
Silver Star,
Fernie,
Revelstoke, Kimberley,
Whitewater or
Red Mountain. Alternatively for those basing themselves at Panorama, it is possible to visit
Kicking Horse ski resort for the day with a shuttle bus and interchangeable lift tickets available.
Accommodation and Facilities
The Panorama village has great
accommodation and
amenities as a result of recent development. The “progress” hasn’t gone too far though, and the village retains its intimate feel. Some of the condo lodgings are slope-side and ski-in ski-out, and the highlight of the village is the Panorama Springs Hot Pools. Some skiers also stay in nearby Invermere which has more shops and restaurants.
Why Ski at Panorama?
Panorama is particularly loved by families who make the most of the convenient lay out of the village and ski area, and because of the various family friendly activities on offer. 20-somethings also love Panorama for the terrain, the parks and pipe, and the nightlife culture. The partying Gen Ys are of benefit to others seeking fresh tracks, because the resort is often deserted until late morning when the Gen-Ys arise. Although one of the great things about Panorama is that the ski area is generally uncrowded at any time of the day.
And if you want to completely get away from the crowds and get unlimited fresh tracks, go heli-skiing.
RK heli-ski is located in the village and offers single and multi-day packages. What more could you ask for?