• Scout Loves & Scout Tips
• Scout Review
• Panorama Skiing
• Panorama For Families

• Panorama Accommodation
• Resort Activities
• Getting There and Around
• When To Go
• Facts & Figures

Scout Review

Panorama is one of Scout's favourite ski resorts in Canada for so many reasons. This lesser known resort is situated in the heart of British Columbia's Canadian Rockies and is wonderful for all types of skiers. We particularly love it for families. A purpose built resort, it has a compact base area with a variety of lodging on offer. The skiing and facilities are fantastic and crowds are non-existant. Most importantly, thanks to some amazing early bird deals that Scout has access to, Panorama is THE cheapest major ski resort in the world when it comes to a lift and lodging package, according to the numbers we've crunched. Yes, not just Canada, but the world.

Yet it feels anything but cheap. Despite it's value price point, Panaorama is an excellent resort to ski. It's got plenty of varied terrain (almost 3,000 acres) from long, wide and empty groomers to steeps and chutes in the back bowls, gladed tree skiing and perfect, segregated areas for first-timers to learn. There's a good network of chairlifts including a gondola and two express quads, and even a snowcat to take you higher. 

The village at Panorama is compact and has everything you need. Granted, there's not a lot of it but with some recent additions to the dining scene and with most accommodations being self-catered you certainly won't go hungry. And yes, it may not have the nightlife of Whistler, but there is a decent bar that has live music till late and several others for enjoying a few apres drinks. The kids will go crazy at the Candy Cabin, which will give them plenty of energy for whizzing around on the ice rink or having fun in the Panorama Springs pools. 

With easy access from Cranbrook airport or a slightly longer drive from Calgary (3 1/2 hours) it's not even that hard to get to. So what are you waiting for?

Panorama Skiing

Panorama boasts almost 3000 acres of skiable terrain with over 50% of all runs suitable for beginners or intermediates. Wide cruisy groomers interconnect seamlessly throughout the resort, making it super easy to navigate and find your favourite run (try a leg burning 6.5km long run from summit to village). With the terrain situated all below tree line, there are ample opportunities for tree skiing, including the double black diamond ‘Extreme Dream Zone’.

We love Panorama for first-timers since the learner areas are mostly segregated from the rest of the ski runs, meaning beginners won't get intimidated by others ripping around them. And, once they gain their confidence, there are some easy intermediate runs for them to progress to. 

Advanced and expert skiers and boarders can hike to Tayton Bowl and enjoy of backcountry-like conditions within the safety of the resort area. Former heli-ski terrain, these chutes are playful and provide great vertical to challenge your skills. A terrain expansion of this area, aptly named ‘Where The Wild Things Are’, provides even more in-boundary patrolled options to explore this season. Plus, save those legs for the skiing and catch the Monster X Snowcat (running every Saturday and Sunday) to access even more of the fantastic advanced terrain (you can purchase a single ride, 4 pack or season pass)

Panorama receives low annual snowfall compared to other resorts in BC, but the light dry snow sticks around with the colder conditions, and snowmaking is consistent all the way up to the summit. Plus, having almost non-existent crowds means you'll be sure to find plenty of powder pockets days after the storm.

It’s surprising Panorama has remained under the radar over the years, although, the bonus being visitors enjoy generally uncrowded slopes, with no competition for fresh tracks.

Download the Trail Map

Panorama For Families

Being a compact and uncrowded resort, Panorama is perfect for families. It is a bit of a hike to get to the resort from Calgary, with a 3.5 hour transfer from the airport, however, once you arrive, everything you will need for your perfect ski holiday is all within walking distance. Most of the condo accommodation best suited to families is located at the base of the resort, right alongside the ski rentals, lessons, cafes, and restaurants - basically, all in the one convenient location.

The ski school is well organised, with great programs tailored to each age and ablity level. Snowbirds is one of the most popular options for beginners - a private lesson designed exclusively for 3-5 year olds to explore the resort area under the guidance of a qualified instructor. For first timers, the Discovery Programs are best value, providing a full-day group lesson, lift ticket, rentals, and lunch, and are open to kids aged 6-15 years.

One of the best parts of Panorama is their designated beginner area, The Discovery Zone, which is perfect for those starting out or wanted to ski easier terrain. You can purchase lift tickets just for this area at a reduced price, making it even better value for families.

Other than skiing, there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. An afternoon spent ice-skating is bound to bring plenty of laughs, or head to the Panorama hot pools for waterslide and splash-pool fun.

Panorama Accommodation

From basic lodge-style rooms, to higher-end ski-in/out condos, you’re spoilt for choice at Panorama, with accommodation to suit every need and budget. The premium condos are the top end, however if you're looking for 5 star luxury then it may not meet your standards.

Stay in the Upper Village in well located slopeside condos and townhomes (all fully self-contained), close to resort facilities, hot pools, and restaurants, or base yourself in the Lower Village, with ski access to the mountain and only a short gondola ride to the Upper Village. Even the most economic lodging option, Pine Inn, is barely metres from the slopes. Combined with fantastic Early Bird Deals, it is now even more affordable to stay right in the middle of the action at Panorama. 

Find a great map of the Panorama Village Area and location of our favourite lodging properties here.

Resort Activities

There’s more to Panorama than just great skiing. Relax in Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools after a day on the mountain, with free access for all Panorama lodging guests. Kids will enjoy a variety of waterslides and splash pools, whilst adults can unwind in the soothing hot tubs, surrounded by the mountain views.

Take advantage of the incredible BC terrain with a heli-skiing experience. RK. Heliski is Canada’s highest heli-ski operation, and with almost 1500 square kilometres of big mountain terrain, is the perfect opportunity to take your skiing to the next level.

For the adventurous, take to the sky with a tandem paragliding session, explore the wilderness on a snowmobile with Toby Creek Adventures, or channel your inner Nordic with over 20km of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Getting There and Around

Getting to Panorama is relatively straightforward. Flying to Calgary International Airport is the easiest option, then a transfer (about 3.5 hours drive) to the resort. The drive itself is quite spectacular and the resort provides an almost seamless service for international visitors. Smaller Cranbrook airport is a bit closer (just under 2 hours) however there are no scheduled shuttles so only best if renting a car.

A few resort shuttles are available (2 times daily) for those coming from downtown Banff – the drive being just under 2 hours.

Day trips are now also available from Banff to Panorama every Tuesday throughout the ski season. The cost is approx. CAD$99 + GST and includes your return transfer and lift ticket - a great option for those skiing the Big 3 in Banff. Day trips are also available to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Being such a compact resort, there is no need for a shuttle service around Panorama. A free open-air gondola provides ease of access between the accommodation and facilities of Lower and Upper Villages, meaning everything you’ll need for your ski vacation is within walking distance.

When To Go

Panorama Mountain Resort operates from early-December through to the start of April.

January can be incredibly cold in BC, with the temperature dropping to a chilly -11℃, however the resort receives the majority of its snowfall during this month. On average, February receives less snowfall so expect more bluebird runs, and the odd powder day.