FATMAP by Strava

Panorama Ridge

Banff National Park

This is an extremely popular ski tour with simple terrain and lovely views.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.5 km
Gradient
18˚
Panorama Ridge Map

This is a very popular ski tour and for good reason - it is straightforward, low hazard and affords a lovely view. You park at the Taylor lake parking lot and tour up a well beaten path. This is a multi use snowshoe, hiking and ski touring trail, be courteous of other users and be sure to keep an eye out for downhill traffic especially later in the day.

Description

You will either want to follow the FATMAP track to veer toward Panorama Ridge after you have ascended 600 meters or follow a usually-well-worked in skin track that veers to the right from the main Taylor Lake trail. If you don't veer to the right you will head to Taylor Lake. It is very easy to find your way to Panorama ridge from Taylor Lake as well, so don't fear if you miss the turn.

Once you come out of treeline into an open expansive valley you will start ascending through low angled mixed forest. There are tonnes of beautiful, huge larch trees here that make travel very easy. You ascend through mellow trees to the ridge. At this point you follow the ridge to the obvious highpoint. It is important to note that this is the area of most significant avalanche danger on this route, proceed with caution practicing good route finding techniques and making sure you have consulted the avalanche bulletin. Even if you don't top out on the ridge the low angle larch trees make for some lovely ski laps. The top of Panorama ridge is spectacular and you will surely want to snap a few photos. The total ascent is deceptively over 1000 meters so this makes for a great day tour. A bobsled style descent back through the forest makes for a quick and fun exit, just make sure you holler around blind corners!

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Face
  • Alpine
  • Tree Skiing
  • Single Descent

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area