Tunnel Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
29 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of Tunnel Mountain XC ski trail in Banff National Park, Alberta

Cross-country skiing at Tunnel Mountain is perhaps the best place to learn to cross-country ski in Banff National Park. These trails are track-set and flat, allowing a skier to confidently learn to ski, with great views of surrounding mountains.

Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails

View Tunnel Mountain on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Tunnel Mountain

If you’re in Banff and want to learn to cross-country ski, then you are in luck. The best place to learn to xc ski is just above Banff, in the Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds, which are mostly closed in winter.

From the parking lot at Tunnel Mountain Campground, take any of the track set trails down through Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. These trails are straight with very minimal slope, perfect to learn to cross-country ski.

If you want to progress to a more difficult trail, consider taking the connector at the far north-east section of the trailer court that connects to Tunnel Mountain Village 1 campground. This section is a series of forested loops and is a great progression area for those just learning to cross-country ski. These cross-country ski loops are still relatively flat, so suitable for beginner cross-country skiers.

Insider Hints for Tunnel Mountain

Getting to the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead

From the Banff Visitor Centre on Banff Ave, drive North and turn right on Wolf Street. Take your 3rd left onto Otter Street, which turns into Tunnel Mountain Road. Follow this past a series of Hotels, and then turn left into the parking lot at Tunnel Mountain Camping.

Route Information

  • When to do

    December to March

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    No

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Avalanche Risk

    None

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Circuit

  • Type of XC Route

    Track-set

Tunnel Mountain Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Tunnel Mountain Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs