Elk Pass

Route Description for Elk Pass

The cross-country ski to Elk Pass is a great ski in the Kananaskis Lakes area. There are a range of trails accessible from the Elk Pass cross-country ski trailhead, though any path up Elk Pass will go on a blue trail, suitable for intermediates.

Also, while we describe the Elk Pass route, there is also an exceptional circuit for more advanced skiers. The circuit follows our route to Elk Pass and continues around on Tyrwhitt to Whiskey Jack and then back to the trailhead on Moraine, for a total circuit of roughly 18.5 km.

Finally, you can go over Elk Pass and descend down to the ACC’s Elk Lakes Cabin, which is roughly 6.3 km and involves a descent of roughly 220 m from the pass.

The route we have shown is a fun cross-country ski to do for intermediate skiers who don’t mind a bit of descent.

From the Elk Pass parking lot, head out on the green Elk Pass Trail. This easy ski trail has a steep uphill after about 800 m, and the uphill gains almost 90 m as it connects with the Hydroline utility corridor. The uphill can be painful in very icy conditions, especially coming down.

Once over this hump, you descend a bit and then start to ascend again, only now in a pretty forest. After 2.9 km on the Elk Pass cross-country ski trail you come to the junction for the Blueberry Hill trail, which goes off to your right. Don’t take this today, but it is a fun ski for another day (see insider hints for more on this XC ski trail).

Continue another 1.5 km to Elk Pass, where there is a picnic table. From Elk Pass, most intermediate skiers return the way they came, being careful on the descent. If you are looking for a longer day, continue on the wonderful Tyrwhitt trail and make a circuit.

Insider Hints for Elk Pass

• There are a few great variants on this trail. First of all, advanced skiers can try the black XC ski trail to Blueberry Hill. This is a fun, 3.5 km XC ski each way, ending in a nice viewpoint overlooking both Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. We like doing this trail when there is recent fresh snow as it makes the route a bit softer, and safer while descending.
• You can also continue from Elk Pass in a northern direction on Tyrwhitt, making a circuit by descending on Whiskey Jack and coming back on the Moraine or Boulton Creek trails.
• Finally, we love the ACC’s Elk Lakes Cabin. If you have touring skis, consider a few nights there, it’s stunning.
• This area is pretty isolated, with the only food/gas/drinks at the Fortress Junction Service Station, back on Highway 40, about halfway to Nakiska.