LOCATION: Panorama, BC
DRIVING DISTANCE (YVR): 10hr 18min (872 km)
MARKED RUNS: 135
TERRAIN: 3,000 acres
RATING: 4/5 Stars
Discover New Runs Around Every Corner
Panorama boasts an expansive terrain with acres of variety. Wide-open cruisers to powder-filled tree lines and the steep, exhilarating slopes of Taynton Bowl. It’s the perfect spot to uncover hidden powder stashes.
We rode during spring conditions and were lucky to get a fresh 5cm of snow overnight, with temperatures sitting at -9°C at the summit. While it looked like a powder day, the fresh snow was sitting on top of hard, compacted snow, so it felt like you were riding powder, but really turning on ice. There were lots of runs to choose from and plenty of chairlifts to keep things moving. Although the resort was busy for a random Thursday, there were families and kids everywhere, many visitors with Alberta and Saskatchewan plates.
We made sure to hike up to Taynton Bowl, and based on a local tip, hit the first run along the ridge. Most people hike further in, leaving those early lines surprisingly untouched. When you get to the bottom, you’ll need to take the long cat track back to the base.
After a solid day of riding, we stopped for some après-ski snacks and drinks, then soaked in the hot tubs to ease the sore muscles.
This is an incredible resort village, and definitely worth spending a week to really get to know the area. While there are a few restaurants and shops on-site, the town of Invermere is just a 20-minute drive away, offering all the modern essentials you might need.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS
Groceries
Planning to stay for a few days, you should pick up food and supplies in Invermere before driving up. You’ll save money but cooking at home.
Pick-Up Tickets
If you buy your lift tickets through a third-party site, you’ll still need to pick them up in person the day of, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Coffee Lovers
Be sure to plan a visit to Kicking Horse Café in Invermere. Famous for their delicious coffee. The café, attached to their roasting facility, is a beautiful spot that's well worth a stop. Just be sure to check their hours before heading over.
Pros
- Quiet
- Expansive terrain
- Lots of chairlifts
- Taynton Bowl offers experienced terrain
- Not overcrowded
Cons
- No official overnight winter van camping available (might be able to find a spot along the Toby Creek Road)
- Expensive rental units. If you are on a budget, suggest to stay in Invermere
An experience to remember. Panorama Mountain Resort offers a vast ski area with something for every skill level. If groomed runs are your thing, there’s no shortage of smooth cruisers to carve. For the more adventurous, head into Taynton Bowl for untouched lines—either hike in yourself or take the snowcat to access deeper drop-ins. If you're feeling extra bold (and your budget allows), heliskiing is available right from the resort. With so much terrain to explore, boredom isn't an option. Rumour has it they might be expanding, so next time we’re back, there could be even more to discover.
WEBSITE:
www.panoramaresort.com
