University of Calgary
Snowshoe Trip Information
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Snowshoe Trip Information All snowshoe trips include snowshoes and experienced guide. Some trips include van transportation to and from the trailhead. Van trips cost $85, carpool trips cost $65. Whether by van or by carpool, all trips meet near the University of Calgary. For any questions regarding the snowshoeing program, please call the Coordinator at 403-210-8446 or email hike@ucalgary.ca. |
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| Snowshoe Locations and Difficulty Ratings | |
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Level 1 Snowshoe Trips: Level 1 hikes are up to 7km on flat or gently rolling terrain with a maximum of 150m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 2-3 hours (plus lunch!) at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks. For those with little or no snowshoeing experience, in fair physical condition. Trips meet at 9:00 am. |
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The Bow River Marsh Loop starts in Banff and explores the winter wetlands. We'll hike along the meandering Bow River and see the ponds and marshes that are integral to its health, then stop for afternoon coffee in Banff. 5km, 50m gain The Hogarth Lakes loop is a great location for new snowshoers! A flat forest trail leads to a series of small frozen lakes. We'll hike through plentiful snow along the shoreline and enjoy the gentle terrain. 5km, 50m gain The Penstock Loop is another great starter trail. We head down to the wintry Kananaskis Lakes and see some of the history of their use for water storage and power generation. The trail takes a winding route through the forest, and enjoys a spectacular view of the Opal Range. 6km, 100m gain Lower Kananaskis Lake is a fun, scenic loop. We'll snowshoe along a gently rolling forest trail out to an icy peninsula. After lunch, we'll take in the views as we return along the frozen lake. 7km, 50m gain The Black Prince Loop, in the Smith-Dorrien Valley ascends one steady hill through mature forest, then finishes at a picturesque lake in a subalpine cirque. We'll take it slow and steady and be rewarded by tall mountains and deep snow. 5km, 150m gain |
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Level 2 Snowshoe Trips: Level 2 hikes take a 7-9km route on rolling terrain with up to 250m of elevation gain. We snowshoe for 3-4 hours at a relaxed pace. An excellent choice for those with little snowshoeing experience in moderate physical condition. Trips meet at 9:00 am. |
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The Burstall Meadows trail follows a chain of snow-covered lakes up the Burstall valley, We'll hike below steep mountain walls, and if time permits, may continue up the valley for a view of the Robertson Glacier. 8km, 200m gain The Evan-Thomas Creek trail explores the valley between the Fisher and Opal Ranges. The trail is relatively gentle, with a small steady elevation gain as we hike in to see views of The Wedge and some popular ice climbs. 9km, 200m gain The Sawmill Loop is a fun route that goes up and down rolling hills through open forest on the sunny eastern side of the Smith-Dorrien Valley. The area has lots of snow, and great views of the surrounding peaks. 7km, 200m gain |
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Level 3 Snowshoe Hikes: Level 3 hikes are an 8-12km trip on hilly terrain gaining up to 250m of elevation. We snowshoe for 4-6 hours at a moderate pace. For those who have some snowshoe experience and are in good physical shape. Trips meet at 8:00 am. |
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The Rawson Lake trail is a steady hike from Upper Kananaskis Lake. We'll start off on the lakeshore, and pass by the frozen Sarrail Creek Falls, before turning uphill to ascent moderate switchbacks through mature forest. When the trail levels, we've nearly reached the lake -a picturesque subalpine tarn tucked in a bowl below Mount Sarrail. 8km, 300m gain The Elk Pass trail provides a opportunity to snowshoe to the Alberta/BC border, and overlook the Elk Lakes Provincial Park. In the abundant snowpack of the Kananaskis Lakes region, we'll take a longer trail that gains steadily to the pass, where we enjoy views of multiple surrounding mountain ranges. 11km, 250m gain The Ink Pots are a cluster of cold-water springs in Banff National Park. We'll snowshoe along a rolling trail over the far eastern edge of Helena Ridge, then continue up-valley to a view of the Sawback Range and the icy pools. 12km, 225m gain The Chester Lake trail is a classic in both summer and winter. We'll ascend a steep hillside through dense forest and deep snow, then meander through rolling open meadows to the frozen lake, tucked below the dramatic Mount Chester. 7km, 310m gain The Rummel Lake trail is a longer trip that begins in an open forest across from Tent Ridge. We gain elevation quickly and are rewarded with spectacular views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir, and the route in to Mount Assinniboine. The trail continues through mixed forest until we reach the lake in a broad bowl below Mount Galatea. 9km, 350m gain Tower Lake is by far our most challenging trip, and is not suitable for beginners due to the length and elevation gain required. If you're in good physical shape, join us for a long, steady uphill journey to the backside of Castle Mountain where we'll enjoy views of the open forest, high rock walls, and if time permits, a stop at a subalpine lake. 16km, 700m gain |
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