Cross Country Skiing to Boom Lake, Banff National Park

Boom Lake in Banff National Park is a popular destination in both summer and winter. I can’t say that there would be much appeal for me to hike the trail in summer as it’s primarily in the trees. But in the winter, the trail is cross-country skier’s delight. The trees muffle the sound and hold the snow. And they keep the wind at bay so it’s not so cold.

Located in Banff National Park near the boundary of Kootenay National Park, it’s an easy five kilometre ski in to Boom Lake. The total elevation gain is only 180 metres (590 feet).

Checking out the map before we head out

For the first 1.5 kilometres, the trail climbs at a moderate rate. Then it levels out and merely rolls up one small hill and down another. The final run to the lake is all downhill; it’s fun but the trail wiggles and there are some tight corners which might not appeal to everyone.

Most of the skiing until you reach Boom Lake is in the trees

A fantastic amount of snow everywhere as you approach Boom Lake

My first impression of Boom Lake was WOW! What a place.

Humans look puny next to the cliffs rising 600 metres up from the lake.

Boom Lake, Banff National Park

Looking down the length of Boom Lake

Snowshoeing on Boom Lake

A lot of people call it quits when they reach the lake but if conditions are good then you can ski for at least a kilometre in either direction on the lake itself. Out in the middle there seemed to be some surface water over the ice so we backed off and stuck to the shore.

Be aware of your surroundings on the lake. There are several avalanche paths that come right down to the shore. If it’s snowed recently, you’re going to want to give them a wide berth. Unless you’re an expert in reading the snow pack, play it safe.

There are several frozen waterfalls around the lake. The intense blue of the ice is truly beautiful.

Massive frozen waterfalls can be seen along the lake

Hard not to be in awe of the waterfall

Avalanche path to the shores of Boom Lake

The scene before the storm hits

Symmetry in the woods

Massive trees along the trail

Back to the trailhead

Location map showing the Boom Lake trail

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All told it took us about four hours to ski in and out. That included a lunch break and several extra kilometres of skiing on the lake itself. Parking is excellent. Look for the large signed parking lot on the north side of Highway 93, just 6 kilometres from Castle Junction and only a few minutes away from Storm Mountain Lodge. There are no services but there are washrooms.

***If you’re looking for more ideas on where to cross-country ski in Alberta I highly recommend the book –Ski Trails in the Canadian Rockies.***

Other posts you might like include:

• A Stay at Storm Mountain Lodge in Banff National Park
• Skiing Chickadee Valley in Kootenay National Park
• The Top 18 Places in Canada for Cross-country Skiing

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Leigh McAdam