I skied Goat creek today, and when I arrived in Banff I hurried over to Tunnel Mountain because I had received an invitation from Banff National Park to attend an event:
Tunnel Mountain ski area “Grand Opening”
Parks Canada, the Town of Banff along with the Banff Nordic Ski & Track Setters Society is hosting an event on Wednesday, December 16 at the Tunnel Mountain Cross Country Ski Area.
Thanks to generous donors, the Tunnel Mountain Cross Country Ski Area has a new snowmobile for tracksetting cross country ski trails at the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds.
Jim and Diane were enjoying the great conditions at the Tunnel Mountain ski area
I guess it could be called their official “Grand Opening.” After a cool trip down Goat creek, I was appreciative of the hot chocolate which they were offering.
The Tunnel Mountain ski area has been vastly improved since its inception a couple years ago. They’ve opened up a new area with four loops which is more sheltered than the original area. You are treated to some spectacular views from the surrounding mountains including a full frontal of Rundle and glimpses of Cascade and many others.
The Banff website describes them: “Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground provides basic level track set cross country and skate skiing trails close to the Town of Banff. Dusk to dawn lighting will expand your skiing experience into the evening.”
Tunnel Mountain ski area
The snow coverage is excellent and so was the grooming. The trails were set with one classic track and a skating lane. I skied what I would describe as the “perimeter” of the entire system and my GPS indicated I had gone 5.1K.
These are remarkably easy trails, so if you are a novice skier, this would be a good place to get some practice.
If you bring lunch, you’ll have no trouble finding your own picnic table; there are hundreds of them. There are warm indoor bathrooms nearby.
Bob, thanks for getting the word out on this. I have two little novice skiers and as much as I hate it…we are often looking for areas with almost zero hills until they get a little confidence. This will provide a nice day trip and a continued great introduction to skiing for my little ones. Besides, the bribing can continue with promises of hot chocolate in the townsite.
Glad you and Cheryl were able to attend today, Bob. And thanks for getting the word out about the TMC ski trails!
I didn’t even know they existed!