The Best Banff Snowshoeing!

Snowshoe on Top of the World at Sunshine Meadows - Banff Snowshoeing Trip Report: January 22, 2021

By: Rob Brennan

With a high pressure system upon us, I decided to head up to Sunshine Village and take advantage of the bluebird conditions for some of Banff's best snowshoeing. High pressure systems are typically coupled with cold and crisp days with little cloud cover -  and this day was no exception. The views of Banff National Park and Assiniboine Provincial Park stretched as far as the eye could see!

I find that the coldest part of these outings is the gondola and chairlift rides - if you can stay bundled and protected from the elements through this, staying warm is relatively easy while snowshoeing (providing you keep moving!). The best advice on days like these is to wear multiple layers and have a backpack to shed layers as needed. As you start snowshoeing, your body heats up quickly and the cold becomes barely noticeable. Also - be aware of the sun - with no clouds in the sky and the reflection from the snow - you are susceptible to sunburn - sunscreen is highly recommended.

The snow conditions were great! The snow was fully supportive with snowshoe penetration of between 6 and 10cms. There was a fine layer of surface hoar (essentially feathery frozen dew) that gives the top of the snow surface a glistening, gem like quality. On sunny days, it just adds a little bit of magic to the snowshoe trip! 

The day was perfect and just a reminder of how amazing Banff can be in the winter.
Trip details below:

Weather Conditions at 9:50am:
-18C; Humidity 66%; Wind 4.7km from N

Trip Details:
Total Distance Travelled: 4.17km
Elevation Gained: 92m
Elevation Loss: 321m (thank-you gondola and chairlift!!)
Max Elevation: 2383m (Top of Standish lift)
Min Elevation: 2164m (Rock Isle Lake)