Introduction: Why Panorama Deserves a Spot on Your Ski Bucket List

Tucked along British Columbia’s legendary Powder Highway, Panorama Mountain Resort flies somewhat under the radar compared to its more famous neighbours. But don’t let that fool you, this place packs a serious punch. With nearly 3,000 skiable acres, a jaw-dropping 1,300m (4,265ft) vertical drop, and some of the most space per skier of any resort in the world, Panorama offers something increasingly rare in the ski world: genuine serenity on world-class terrain.

Removed from the Banff and Vancouver crowds, Panorama delivers a true ski escape. Whether you’re a family looking to build confidence on gentle blues, an intermediate chasing long rolling cruisers, or an expert hunting powder stashes in the legendary Taynton Bowl, this resort has you covered.

Resort Overview: By the Numbers

Before we dive into the trails and MTNhacks, let’s look at the stats that make Panorama one of Canada’s most impressive ski destinations:

Base Elevation	1,150m / 3,773ft
Summit Elevation	2,450m / 8,038ft
Vertical Drop	1,300m / 4,265ft (Top 10 in North America)
Average Snowfall	520cm / 204 inches
Skiable Terrain	2,975 acres
Named Trails	135-144
Longest Run	6.5km (Taynton Bowl)
Uphill Capacity	8,500 skiers per hour

Terrain Breakdown:

• 15% Beginner (Green)
• 35% Intermediate (Blue)
• 20% Advanced (Black)
• 30% Expert (Double Black)

Fun Fact: Panorama was ranked #1 in the world for most space per skier among the 100 largest ski areas, according to a 2019 European report. That means more room to carve, fewer lift lines, and a more relaxed mountain experience.

MAP

Best Ways to Get to Panorama: Your Travel Guide; SUV’s, DriveBC and Shuttles

From Calgary International Airport (YYC)

The most common gateway is Calgary International Airport, approximately 3.5 hours by car. The drive takes you through the stunning Kootenay National Park – a scenic journey that sets the tone for your mountain adventure.

Before you leave the airport, check DriveBC for traffic and road conditions. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and road closures aren’t uncommon during storms.

Transportation Options

Option	Duration	Best For
Rental SUV (AWD/4WD)	~3.5 hrs	Families and groups (most cost-effective)
Bus/Shuttle	~4 hrs	Solo travellers or couples
Private Transfer	~4 hrs	Premium experience

MTNhack: If you’re driving, opt for an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires or chains. The road to Panorama can be tricky when storms roll in.

Parking and Getting Around

• Free parking is available at the resort, with lower lots serviced by the complimentary village gondola
• Lots fill up on weekends and holidays – arrive early
• The free community shuttle runs scheduled loops during the day for easy access to grocery shopping (Sobeys in town or Joe’s NOFRILLS opposite McDonald’s), off-mountain dining, and other fast-food fixes such as A&W Canada, Subway and Dairy Queen (conveniently grouped together)

If you’re staying in Invermere (20 minutes down the valley), keep a close eye on the weather, the drive can become treacherous when a storm hits.

Best Ways to Get to Panorama: Your Travel Guide; SUV’s, DriveBC and Shuttles

From Calgary International Airport (YYC)

The most common gateway is Calgary International Airport, approximately 3.5 hours by car. The drive takes you through the stunning Kootenay National Park – a scenic journey that sets the tone for your mountain adventure.

Before you leave the airport, check DriveBC for traffic and road conditions. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and road closures aren’t uncommon during storms.

Transportation Options

Option	Duration	Best For
Rental SUV (AWD/4WD)	~3.5 hrs	Families and groups (most cost-effective)
Bus/Shuttle	~4 hrs	Solo travellers or couples
Private Transfer	~4 hrs	Premium experience

MTNhack: If you’re driving, opt for an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires or chains. The road to Panorama can be tricky when storms roll in.

Parking and Getting Around

• Free parking is available at the resort, with lower lots serviced by the complimentary village gondola
• Lots fill up on weekends and holidays – arrive early
• The free community shuttle runs scheduled loops during the day for easy access to grocery shopping (Sobeys in town or Joe’s NOFRILLS opposite McDonald’s), off-mountain dining, and other fast-food fixes such as A&W Canada, Subway and Dairy Queen (conveniently grouped together)

If you’re staying in Invermere (20 minutes down the valley), keep a close eye on the weather, the drive can become treacherous when a storm hits.

Panorama Trail Map Guide: Best Runs for Beginners, Intermediates, and Experts

Beginner Terrain (15%)

Panorama is exceptionally beginner friendly. Highway 1 and Beginner provide dedicated learning areas away from main ski traffic, perfect for introducing young kids to the slopes.

For beginner snowboarders: Skip the POMA lift and head to Stringer instead. Eagle Glide and New Timer offer short trails away from the crowds for those confident riding lifts.

Confident beginners looking to explore can take Canadian Way through to the Sun Bowl Area for a range of blue trails. Just make sure your legs aren’t too tired; it’s a long way down to the Sunbird lift!

Great beginner runs to try:

• Powder Trail
• Showoff
• Outrider (has a few steeper sections, so approach with caution)

Intermediate Terrain (35%)

Intermediate skiers have plenty to explore across the front side and beyond.

Lower slopes (warm-up runs):

• Old Timer
• Showoff

Mid-mountain (off the express lift):

• Skyline
• Roller Coaster

Quieter blue runs:

• Little Dipper
• Heaven Can Wait

Sun Bowl area:

• Schobers Dream
• Solarium

For intermediates looking to level up:

• Hay Fever (black)
• Fritz’s (black)
• View of 1000 Peaks (for the truly intrepid)

MTNhack: Founders Ridge provides a genuine escape from crowds when the resort is busy.

Advanced and Expert Terrain (50% Combined)

This is where Panorama truly shines. With 50% of the mountain dedicated to advanced and expert terrain, skilled skiers and riders will find endless challenges.

Lower mountain advanced trails (great for testing legs or when the weather socks-in the upper mountain):

• Various black diamond runs that aren’t overly technical

Mid-mountain options (off the ridge):

• Downhill
• Millennium

Summit Quad area:

• Roy’s Run
• HLH

The Crown Jewel: Taynton Bowl

Formerly a heli-skiing area, Taynton Bowl is now within bounds, meaning it’s patrolled, avalanche-controlled, and requires no backcountry gear. This 750-acre bowl is entirely black and double-black terrain, offering some of the best steep-and-deep skiing in Canada.

MTNhack: Taynton Bowl holds powder days after a storm. The tranquillity and phenomenal snow quality make the effort to get there absolutely worthwhile.

Getting to Taynton Bowl requires commitment:

• Taynton Trail plus 3 lifts = 35-minute round trip
• Add hiking up to Outback Ridge from Get Me Down = 45 minutes

You won’t set any personal bests for vertical laps, but the experience is unforgettable.

Tree Skiing and Gladed Zones

Panorama has extensive gladed zones across the resort. In Taynton Bowl, ride the ridge lines – Funnel and Cauldron are long tracked-out gullies that offer exceptional tree skiing.

Terrain Parks

The terrain parks are located on the lower slopes. While Horseshoe wasn’t established during recent visits, Stringer offers fun features for anyone looking to build terrain park skills.

Monster X Snowcat

On busy days, and when conditions suit – ride the Monster X snowcats up to Goldie Plateau. This gets you away from the crowds, saves your legs, and allows you to experience the full 1,300m vertical in one run.

On-Mountain Fuel Stops for Coffee, Crepes and Views

Panorama’s on-mountain facilities are best described as cosy:

Facility	Vibe
Hut One	Simple	Crepe café
Elkhorn Cabin	Casual	Broader café range
Summit Hut	Scenic	Café at the summit with outdoor deck and fireplace; perfect for hot or cold drinks with a view

Spring vs. Winter Skiing at Panorama: Aspect, Snow Quality and Lifts

Winter Weather

• January and February bring cold Canadian temperatures – pack accordingly
• Average winter temperature: -5°C / 25°F
• The upper mountain and Summit Quad can be weather affected, limiting terrain when storms set in

Aspect and Snow Quality

• Summit Quad and trails right of Champagne Express have a southerly aspect; great for soaking up sun on cold days, but snow quality can suffer in spring
• Trails left of Champagne Express (including Taynton Bowl) have noticeably better snow quality

Snowfall Stats

• Average annual snowfall: 520cm / 204 inches
• Panorama also has the best snowmaking in western Canada with 40% of main named runs covered

Panorama Lifts Explained: The Good, The Challenging and The Strategy

The Numbers

Panorama’s lift system includes:

• 1 Village Gondola
• 2 Express Quad Chairs
• 2 Quad Chairs
• 1 Triple Chair
• 1 Double Chair
• 1 Platter
• 2 Carpet Lifts
• 2 Monster X snowcats

The Frustration

Here’s the honest truth: Panorama provides an immense amount of terrain serviced by only a handful of lifts, which can be frustrating. There are only two express lifts, and a handful of trails off them if you’re wanting to stick to easier loading and unloading.

Escaping the crowds and accessing outer zones requires:

• Traversing in or out
• Multiple lift rides to loop back around

The Strategy

Mile 1, Champagne, and Summit lifts carry most of the ski traffic. Sunbird lift can be a great place to start the day lapping greens, blues, or testing skills on black trails. When the queue starts to form with skiers from Sun Bowl, move up the resort as crowds will be more dispersed.

 

Panorama Ski Trip Tips and MTNhacks: Making the Most of Your Visit

1. Book Lift Tickets Online

Get your lift passes through the resort website. Look for multi-day specials and sales, especially around Black Friday, for significant discounts on window prices.

2. Start at Sunbird

Mile 1, Champagne, and Summit lifts carry most of the ski traffic. Sunbird lift is a great place to start the day lapping greens, blues, or testing skills on black trails. When the queue starts to form with skiers from Sun Bowl, then move up the resort as the crowds will be a little more dispersed.

3. Take a Free Mountain Tour

Orientate yourself by taking a free mountain tour with a Panorama Snow Host. Check for meeting times – usually twice daily at 10am and 1:30pm at the Ski Tip Lodge. You might make friends with other similar-skilled skiers and riders.

4. Relax in the Hot Pools

Staying on mountain? Relax in one of the hot pools located at the base. Your booking includes towel, locker, and showers. Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools; the Panorama Springs are a must after a long day on the slopes.

5. Use the Late-Night Shuttle

The late-night party shuttle is great if you’re staying in Invermere and wish to enjoy après or weekend events without worrying about driving.

6. Explore Beyond Skiing

Panorama offers plenty of off-slope activities:

• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing (20+ km of groomed trails at the Nordic Centre)
• Paragliding
• RK Heliski right at the village for a next-level experience

Panorama Ski-in/Ski-out Hotels: On-Mountain Lodges vs. Invermere Budget Stays

On-Mountain: Ski-In/Ski-Out Convenience

Most accommodation across the village is ski-in/ski-out, although some may require a short hike to access trails. The village is compact, with most activities a short walk or village gondola ride away.

Popular lodging options:

Lodge	Highlight
The Approach	Newly reimagined hotel, multi-million dollar upgrade
Peaks Lodge	Newest accommodation, steps from hot pools
Panorama Springs Lodge	Home of Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools
Tamarack Lodge	Great value ski-in/ski-out
Horsethief Lodge	Long-time favourite, easy mountain access
Ski Tip Lodge	Excellent value, centre of village

Budget-Friendly: Invermere

More budget-friendly options are available in Invermere, which is 20 minutes down the road in the valley. If you’re self-catering:

• There’s a general store at Panorama, or
• Consider the valley shuttle for a trip to a supermarket in Invermere to stock up

The Panorama store has essentials, but selection is limited.

 

Summary: Is Panorama Right for You?

In our opinion, Panorama is a resort for families and groups looking for a genuine ski holiday escape.

Who will love Panorama:

• Families with beginners and intermediates – there’s sufficient terrain for all levels, with confident beginners testing skills on blues to see more of the resort
• Intermediate skiers – long rolling blues provide endless carving opportunities
• Advanced and expert skiers – the terrain across the resort, especially Taynton Bowl, will keep you entertained for days
• Anyone seeking solitude -with the most space per skier in the world, you’ll rarely fight for fresh tracks

What to consider:

• The lift system can be frustrating; there are only two express lifts servicing a massive amount of terrain
• Traversing to and from outer zones can be annoying, especially for snowboarders
• Weather can impact upper mountain access

The verdict: The excellent snow quality, lack of crowds, and epic terrain, especially in Taynton Bowl, make any frustrations worthwhile. You’ll marvel at the views and peaceful surroundings every time you pause for a breather.