Canmore and Kananaskis have a fantastic trail network with track-setting for cross-country skiing. If you’re just starting out, or you aren’t looking for a difficult day, there are some great trails that are beginner-friendly but still pack a bang for your buck! Here are some of our favourites.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

There are many great trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park for all levels of skiers. If you’re looking for an easy day with great rewards, try one of the following:

Amos: This trail is narrow and winding through the trees. It connects with intermediate loops including Linx, Wheeler, and Woolley.
Distance: 2.5 km

Lodgepole: Enjoy this trail through classic lodgepole pine forests. There is one steep hill on the trail, but otherwise it’s pretty easy. Watch for cars when crossing the road!
Distance: 4.2 km

Lower Lake: Take the trail to access the Lower Lake Group Camp for an easy-breezy ski.
Distance: 1.4 km

Mount Shark Trail System

This area was created as an alternate ski area for the 1988 winter Olympics. It has many loops throughout the trees and some great views for relatively little effort. Here are some of the easy trails in the area.

Orion: This loop is a great way to get acquainted with the terrain in this area. It’s short, sweet, and it’s a great way to get out for an easy ski!
Distance: 2 km

Virgo: Another loop that offers a great ski without too much effort. Watch the sineage on this loop, it connects with intermediate and difficult trails, so you may accidentally get more than you bargained for if you’re not careful!
Distance: 2.8 km

Watridge Lake: This out-and-back is one of the longer ones on our list, but don’t let that sway you! If you’re looking for a longer route that’s still suitable for beginners, this ski to the lake has great mountain views and forested sections and ends at the lake.
Distance: 7.4 km

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

Built for the 1988 winter Olympics, the Nordic Centre is still the training grounds for high-performance athletes and it hosts international Nordic and Biathlon events throughout the winter. It’s also perfect for a recreational ski since it’s close to Canmore and easy to access. Here are some easy trails:

Banff Loop: This loop is perfect for those looking to try new skills. It features great scenery, some gentle hills and it stays close to the Chandra Crawford Warming Hut!
Distance: 5 km

Banff Trail: For a longer ski, the out-and-back Banff Trail provides a great way to enjoy a gentle ski over a greater distance. This trail technically goes all the way to Banff, but it’s only groomed for 5.5 km. We recommend turning back here to complete your ski.
Distance: 11 km

Trail Etiquette

There are a few rules to follow to make sure everyone can enjoy their time on the trails.

• Yield to downhill skiers. Step off the trail to let downhill skiers pass. You can take this time to catch your breath!

• Stay off the trail! Unless you’re cross-country skiing, stay off the trail! Don’t snowshoe, walk, or otherwise stop on the track-set trails. This ruins it for everyone. If you are skiing and you need to stop, step to the side to let others go past. Also, leave your pets at home! Little paw prints can destroy track-set trails.

• Tuck in your poles. When passing, tuck in your poles to avoid interfering with another skier.

• Keep the trail clean. Pack out what you pack in, make sure you aren’t accidentally littering, and if you need to go to the bathroom, bring a plastic bag to pack out your used paper and supplies!

Taylor Jaine