Panorama Mountain Resort – British Columbia’s Best-Kept Secret
Panorama Mountain Resort is one of Canada’s most underrated ski destinations and a genuine gem of the British Columbia Rockies. Located in the Purcell Mountains near Invermere, BC, Panorama boasts a staggering 1,535 metres of vertical drop — the fourth largest in North America — across 4,000 skiable acres and 120+ runs. What truly sets Panorama apart is its combination of big mountain statistics with an uncrowded, relaxed atmosphere and a self-contained slopeside village that eliminates the need to ever leave the mountain.
Panorama Mountain Resort at a Glance
| Location | Invermere, British Columbia, Canada |
| Base Elevation | 1,158 m (3,800 ft) |
| Summit Elevation | 2,845 m (9,337 ft) |
| Vertical Drop | 1,535 m (5,030 ft) — 4th largest in North America |
| Skiable Area | 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) |
| Named Runs | 120+ |
| Lifts | 10 |
| Average Annual Snowfall | ~500 cm (197 inches) |
| Season | Typically late November to mid-April |
| Pass Affiliation | Independent (Mountain Collective Partner) |
Terrain Breakdown
Panorama’s vast vertical creates excellent terrain separation — true beginner runs at the bottom, long intermediate cruisers through the mid-mountain, and serious expert terrain in the upper bowls.
| Beginner (Green) | 20% |
| Intermediate (Blue) | 55% |
| Advanced/Expert (Black & Double Black) | 25% |
The Crown zone at the summit offers the most challenging terrain — steep chutes, exposed ridgelines, and bowl skiing for advanced and expert skiers. The Taynton Bowl expansion (accessible via snowcat or a short hike) adds over 1,200 additional acres of sidecountry terrain for adventurous skiers.
Best For
- Vertical drop seekers — 5,030 feet of continuous vertical is extraordinary. Few resorts anywhere in the world offer more uninterrupted descent.
- Intermediate to advanced skiers — Long blue and black runs with excellent grooming and relatively short lift queues.
- Families wanting a relaxed, uncrowded resort — Panorama is far less crowded than Banff area resorts and Whistler, making it ideal for families wanting quality skiing without the crowds.
- BC powder seekers — 500 cm of annual snowfall, cold temperatures, and light Purcell powder. After a storm, the upper mountain delivers outstanding powder skiing.
Standout Features
The vertical. 1,535 m is genuinely exceptional. A single top-to-bottom run at Panorama on the Panorama Trail covers 8 km and takes you through multiple terrain zones — all the way from alpine bowls to the base village. It’s a run you won’t forget.
Taynton Bowl. The snowcat-accessed Taynton Bowl adds a premium out-of-bounds experience. Over 1,200 acres of untracked terrain, accessible via a paid snowcat service or a 20–30 minute boot pack. On powder days, this is one of BC’s great snowcat skiing experiences.
The village. Panorama has a compact, entirely slopeside village with ski-in/ski-out access from virtually every accommodation. The hot pools at the base are a perfect après-ski ritual — outdoor pools with mountain views.
Getting There
Panorama is located 18 km west of Invermere, BC. The most convenient airports are Calgary International Airport (YYC) at approximately 3 hours’ drive (280 km), and Cranbrook Airport (YXC) at approximately 1.5 hours (130 km) with seasonal connections. Shuttle services operate from Calgary on weekends during ski season. By car from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) west to the Castle Mountain interchange, then south via Hwy 93 to Invermere and on to Panorama — a stunning drive through the Rockies.
Lift Tickets & Ski Passes
Panorama is an independent resort and a Mountain Collective partner. Mountain Collective pass holders receive 2 days at Panorama. Day lift tickets typically range CAD $105–140 depending on advance purchase and time of season. Multi-day packages offer better value, and the resort frequently runs early-season and shoulder-season deals. Season passes are excellent value for those planning 10+ days.
Where to Stay
The on-mountain village is self-contained and ski-in/ski-out. Options range from hotel rooms to one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos and chalets.
- Panorama Village accommodations — Various condo and hotel units operated through Panorama’s central reservation system. All are slopeside with immediate lift access.
- Invermere — The nearest town (18 km) with additional hotels, restaurants, and services. A good option for budget-conscious visitors.
- Radium Hot Springs — A popular nearby town (30 km) with hot spring pools and additional lodging options, convenient for exploring the wider Columbia Valley.
Activities & Experiences
Beyond skiing, Panorama offers dog sledding excursions, snowmobiling, snowshoeing trails through the Purcell backcountry, and the relaxing outdoor hot pools at the village base. The Columbia Valley below the resort is known for winter wildlife viewing — mountain goats, deer, and eagles are regularly sighted. Nearby Radium Hot Springs offers additional natural hot pool experiences.
Browse ski lessons, tours & activities at Panorama Mountain Resort →Frequently Asked Questions – Panorama Mountain Resort
How does Panorama compare to Banff-area resorts?
Panorama has a larger vertical drop (1,535 m vs ~1,000 m at Banff Lake Louise) and significantly smaller crowds. The terrain quality is excellent, particularly at the upper mountain. Banff-area resorts (Lake Louise, Norquay, Sunshine Village) benefit from a larger combined ski area and the town of Banff nearby. Panorama is better for those who prioritise uncrowded skiing and sheer vertical; Banff is better for variety and resort infrastructure.
How far is Panorama from Banff?
Panorama Mountain Resort is approximately 130 km south of Banff, about 1.5–2 hours by car via Highway 93 South. It’s a feasible day trip from Banff and is sometimes included in multi-resort itineraries with the Banff area resorts.
What is Taynton Bowl at Panorama?
Taynton Bowl is an additional 1,200+ acre snowcat skiing zone adjacent to Panorama’s ski area. It’s accessed via a paid snowcat service (booked separately) or a 20–30 minute boot pack. The bowl offers untracked powder terrain after snowfall and is one of the resort’s premium experiences for advanced skiers.
Is Panorama part of a major ski pass?
Panorama is an independent resort and a Mountain Collective partner, giving Mountain Collective pass holders 2 days of skiing. It is not part of the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass, which makes it a notably uncrowded option since many visitors to the Canadian Rockies gravitate toward Ikon/Epic resorts like Revelstoke, Whistler, or Lake Louise.
What is the best time to visit Panorama?
January and February offer the most consistent powder and best conditions. December can have excellent early season snow at the upper mountain given the altitude. March is popular for spring skiing with longer days and good snow coverage. Avoid holiday weeks (Christmas, BC Spring Break in March) for smaller crowds.
Does Panorama have night skiing?
Panorama does not offer regular night skiing. Lifts typically operate from 9am to 3:30pm (4pm at peak season). The village hot pools, restaurants, and après-ski scene make evenings enjoyable regardless.