Are you trying to embrace winter a bit more this year? Moraine Lake is a popular spot in the summertime, and Moraine Lake Rd transforms into a fantastic cross-country ski trail in winter. If you’re looking for fun in the snow, cross-country skiing Moraine Lake Road is a great option for beginner and advanced skiers alike. While the classic and skate trails don’t go down to the lake, Moraine Lake Rd is the perfect place to enjoy Banff in winter!
Last Updated: February 11, 2024
In November 2020, I drove out to Banff National Park from Calgary to spend the morning cross-country skiing. Spending time outside was especially important for me in the midst of the pandemic. On a cold Sunday morning, I woke up early, packed my ski gear into the car, and drove two hours to Moraine Lake Road. I found a freshly groomed trail and exceptional weather, and couldn’t have asked for a better ski day!
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Table of Contents
XC Skiing Moraine Lake Road in Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park, south of Lake Louise
Distance: 18 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length)
Elevation: 270-metre elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Season: Mid-November to April
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash.
Features: Moraine Lake Road is typically one of the earliest available XC ski trails in Banff National Park. Accessible to beginner and young skiers, this double track set trail is fairly flat without steep climbs or downhill sections. With clear skies above, visitors have the chance to find stunning mountain views of the Lake Louise area and Mount Temple off in the distance.
Moraine Lake Road XC Ski Map
Finding the Trailhead
If you’re driving from Calgary, take the Trans Canada Highway west until you reach the Lake Louise exit. Pass through the quaint village and head toward Lake Louise. You’ll find the sign for Moraine Lake and the road entrance on the left. Moraine Lake Road begins about 14 km south of Lake Louise. Visitors can park on the shoulder or next to the road closure. Driving from Calgary will take around two hours.
Read next: Johnston Canyon Hike in Beautiful Banff National Park
Moraine Lake Road Cross-Country Skiing — Banff in Winter
As my second cross-country ski of the season, I was really happy to find excellent ski conditions along Moraine Lake Road. I turned around a bit before the end of the trail, finishing 17 km out and back in 3.5 hours. Moraine Lake Road isn’t an overly challenging ski, with minimal elevation gain and you can turn around anytime. Between mid-November and February, many visitors choose to ski half of the way and then turn back. You’ll gain about 270 metres over 9 km before reaching the end of the trackset trail. Moraine Lake Road is a great option for beginner skiers and children looking for a longer route.
When I arrived at 9:00am, I was somewhat surprised to find very few others out for a Sunday morning ski. That being said, I crossed paths with many others on the return trip. It’s always fun to see people enjoying the snow and fresh air, and I loved finding some peace and quiet in Banff. With both classic and skate ski grooming, Moraine Lake Road is one of those places where beginner and pro skiers find themselves. Fat bikers and hikers enjoy the area, too. Moraine Lake Road has some of the best XC ski conditions in Banff.
Read next: Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff National Park
What To Wear — XC Skiing in Banff
Before you head out, make sure you’re prepared for Banff in winter. I always try to pack my gear the night before if I’m leaving early in the morning. For cross-country skiing in -10 degrees Celsius, I typically wear a merino wool t-shirt, a long-sleeve base-layer, and a lighter down vest, and then put on my outer-layer shell. For a long day of skiing, I also toss another down jacket in my pack (just in case).
If I’m hiking, biking, or skiing, I typically carry my Osprey Hikelite 18-litre pack. I can’t say enough good things about my favourite pack. In my day pack for XC skiing, I bring a water bottle or water reservoir, snacks, first aid kit, portable charger and phone (with GPS map), and toilet paper (you never know…). You might want to bring an extra pair of mittens or gloves. For the end of my ski, I like to bring my Jetboil stove to make hot chocolate or tea.
Read next: What To Wear Winter Hiking in Canada
Know Before You Go — Cross-Country Skiing in Banff
Park Pass: Remember to bring your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or pick up a day pass. You can purchase your pass online or as you enter Banff National Park.
Toilets: No outhouses or toilets at the trailhead or along the track.
Weather: Check weather conditions before heading out. Visit on a clear day to enjoy these spectacular winter views.
Season: Moraine Lake Road is typically one of the first track set trails in Banff, typically open as early as November.
Safety: Stick to the groomed track and don’t venture beyond without avalanche training.
Trail Conditions: Check trail conditions before heading out on the Parks Canada website. Check out SkierBob for another local source for ski trails in Calgary, Bragg Creek, Kananaskis, Banff, and more.
Things To Do in Banff in Winter
Are you looking for things to do in Banff in winter? There are several great winter hiking options, including Tunnel Mountain and Lake Minnewanka. Head over to Johnston Canyon for an ice walk or winter hiking up to the ink pots. For something other than a day hike, downhill skiing at Banff Sunshine Village is a fantastic option in the Rocky Mountains. Finally, for a relaxing retreat nearby, consider spending a night or two at Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country.
Have you enjoyed cross-country skiing on Moraine Lake Rd? Where’s your favourite XC ski trail nearby? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
