If you’re looking for an incredible family ski trip, skiing in Panorama should be at the top of your list. Our family has skied at resorts across the Canadian Rockies, and Panorama Mountain Resort stands out for its wide-open runs, ski-in, ski-out village, and relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike the busier resorts in Banff, you’ll find fewer crowds here, which means more time on the slopes and less time waiting in lift lines. But they offer an amazing option for families with younger kids.
Located just 3.5 hours from Calgary, Panorama is close enough for a weekend trip but packed with enough adventure for a longer stay. Plus, after a day on the mountain, you can soak in the resort’s hot spring pools—our favorite way to unwind!
Curious if Panorama is a good ski resort for your family? Please keep reading to find out what makes it special and why we keep coming back. So the short answer is YES! Panorama Mountain Resort is a great ski resort for your family trip.
About Panorama Mountain Resort
Panorama Mountain Resort offers some of the best skiing in Canada, with a mix of gentle slopes, thrilling steeps, and incredible backcountry-style terrain. There’s plenty of space to explore for all ski levels.
Here are some interesting facts about the ski resort in BC:
- Skiable Terrain: Over 2,975 acres
- Vertical Drop: 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)
- Lifts: 10 lifts, including the Mile 1 Express and Summit Quad,
- Runs: 135 named trails ranging from easy beginner runs to extreme double black diamonds.
- Snowfall: An average of 5 meters (16.4 feet) per season.
- Terrain Parks: Fun freestyle areas for skiers and snowboarders.
- Village Base Elevation: 1,150 meters (3,773 feet), with stunning mountain views all around.
With this much terrain and variety, a ski trip to Panorama means endless adventure, including groomers and expert chutes.
Where is Panorama Mountain Resort and How to Get There
Panorama Mountain Resort is located near Invermere in the Columbia Valley in British Columbia. It’s one of the many ski resorts on the famous Powder Highway, not too far from Fernie Alpine Resort.
How to Get to Panorama Mountain Resort
Getting to Panorama Mountain Resort is easier than you might think.
The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), with flights from across Canada and beyond.
It’s about a 3.5-hour drive via Highway 1 and Highway 93 in the Columbia Valley, taking you through the stunning landscapes of Banff and Kootenay National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with breathtaking mountain views along the way.
Don’t Want to Drive?
If you don’t want to drive, you can take the shuttle from Calgary Airport to Panorama Mountain Resort. It leaves the airport at 6 PM. Once you’re at the resort, you can use the FREE Valley Shuttle to visit Invermere.
You can also fly into Cranbrook (YXC) from Vancouver, just 1.5 hours from Panorama.
Reasons Why You Should Plan a Ski Trip to Panorama Mountain Resort
There are many reasons to love skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort, with or without the kids. My favorites are # 1, 2 and 3.
1. Less Crowded Than Other Ski Resorts in the Canadian Rockies
If you’ve skied at Lake Louise or Sunshine Village, you know how busy they can get—especially on weekends. Skiing in Panorama is an entirely different experience. The resort sees fewer crowds, meaning shorter lift lines and more time on the slopes.
We were there recently on a Saturday morning and didn’t have to wait for any of the chairlifts. This makes your day at the resort even more worthwhile since the less time you wait for a chairlift, the more time you have skiing on the hill.
2. The Best Kids’ Ski Section: Discovery Zone
If you’re skiing with little ones, Panorama’s Discovery Zone is one of the best beginner areas. This dedicated, family-friendly section features gentle terrain, magic carpets and a chairlift, making it easy for kids to gain confidence.
Plus, with an award-winning ski school and kids’ programs, even first-time skiers will be up and cruising quickly.
One tricky thing about teaching kids to ski in the Canadian Rockies is that the mountains are huge compared to the East Coast. It’s intimidating and the difference between the magic carpet hill and the beginner slopes IS enormous.
But at Panorama, you can have the best of both worlds, with the two-level magic carpet, one chairlift, and a discounted rate on the ski ticket.
3. One of the Closest “Real” Ski Villages to Calgary
Many ski resorts near Calgary are great for day trips, but there is no real ski village like you can have at Whistler near Vancouver for example or Mont-Tremblant on the East Coast. But Panorama offers a true ski-in, ski-out town, one of the closest to Calgary. Silverstar and Sun Peaks in the Okanagan also offer great ski villages, but it’s a longer drive than Panorama Mountain Resort.
The compact, pedestrian-friendly base area has restaurants, cozy lodges, and après-ski spots, so you can relax and enjoy your stay without driving.
It’s the perfect place for a multi-day getaway where the focus stays on skiing, not logistics.
4. Unique Experiences at the Summit
Panorama isn’t just about the ski experience—it’s the overall winter experience it brings, giving you a little piece of a Swiss Alps experience.
At the summit, you’re treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Purcell Mountains and the Rockies—a perfect reward after a long run down. But you can also truly take in the views from the Summit Hut with a hot drink and some snacks.
You’ll even find lounge chairs on a nice sunny day.
But there is more. You can enjoy an authentic French at the Elkhorn Cabin by the Champagne Chair. You can reserve an intimate lunch featuring a traditional Swiss alpine-style cheese raclette. Featuring dozens of local BC wines, craft beers & our very own glühwein, the Elkhorn Cabin is a perfect place for a quiet and cozy lunch.
6. Variety of Runs for All Skill Levels
No matter your skill level, Panorama has the perfect terrain, with a great combination of beginners, intermediate and advanced runs. With so much variety, everyone in the family can find a run they love!
How Hard Is Skiing at Panorama?
Panorama Mountain Resort offers a great mix of terrain for all skill levels. Here’s what to expect:
- Beginners (15%): The Discovery Zone is one of the best beginner areas in the Rockies, with gentle slopes, magic carpet lifts, and an excellent ski school.
- Intermediates (35%): Panorama has plenty of long, rolling blue runs and fun tree skiing, making it ideal for those looking to improve their skills.
- Advanced (20%) & Experts (30%): The Monster Terrain and steep double black diamond chutes offer some of the most challenging skiing in Canada. Heli-skiing is also available for those craving deep powder and untouched lines.
Overall, skiing in Panorama can be as easy or as extreme as you want. It’s an excellent resort for families and mixed-ability groups since there’s something for everyone.
7. A More Affordable Alternative to Banff & Whistler
If you’re looking for a world-class ski experience without the premium price tag, Panorama is a great choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Ski at Panorama?
The cost of skiing in Panorama depends on the season, age, and how many days you plan to ski.
Note that it’s usually a bit cheaper to book your tickets online (than get them directly at the window). Also, they offer multi-day discounts and discounted price for afternoon-only skiing.
Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Lift Ticket Prices (2024-25 Season, Approximate)
- Adults (18-64): from $135 per day
- Youth (13-17): from $119 per day
- Children (6-12): from $60 per day
- Seniors (65+): from $119 per day
- Kids 5 & Under: Ski free with a paying adult
- Discovery Zone: $76 for adults and $36 for children
Lift tickets are generally more affordable than at Lake Louise (from $149), Sunshine Village (about $174), or Whistler (more than $300).
With fewer crowds, great skiing, and lower prices, Panorama offers incredible value for a family ski vacation.
Canadian Rockies Ski Trip Packing List
✅ Merino wool base layer: I use the top and bottom from Woolove Apparel.
✅ Merino wool socks: I use the top and bottom from Woolove Apparel.
✅ mid-layer
✅ ski pants
✅ ski jacket: I love my new Decathlon Canada ski jacket. It’s warm, comfortable and it has a side pocket for RFID ski lift tickets.
✅ mittens or gloves: I don’t like wearing gloves, but it’s my personal preference. I just received a pair of mittens from Brume World (the Grassland one) and I love them. They are so warm and comfortable.
✅ helmet and goggles
✅ neck warmer: I have one from Decathlon and one from Buff.
✅ toe and hand warmers: We had to purchase them at the resort… it was SO cold.
Final Thoughts
Is Panorama a good ski resort? If you’re looking for a family-friendly, adventure-packed, and less-crowded ski destination, the answer is yes!
Panorama Mountain Resort offers incredible terrain for all skill levels, short lift lines, and a true ski-in, ski-out village—something you won’t find at many resorts near Calgary.
Whether you’re teaching the kids in the Discovery Zone, tackling Monster Terrain, or unwinding in the hot spring pools, there’s something for everyone. Since Panorama is a hidden gem compared to Banff’s busier resorts, it’s easier to enjoy stress-free skiing.
