Snowshoeing on Top of the World

This tour is 4 hours in duration from hotel pick up to drop off.

The tour includes hotel pick and drop off from select hotels in Banff. Guests can also choose to meet the guide at Sunshine Village. A meeting time and point will be provided upon booking.

Our snowshoe tenure is located outside of Sunshine Village Ski Resort in British Columbia's Assiniboine Provincial Park. We access the area via Sunshine Village's gondola and chairlift system, which takes us to the summit of Standish Mountain at the edge of the area boundary. From here we leave the province of Alberta and step into beautiful British Columbia. Descending from treeline into Sunshine Meadows, we cross the frozen and snow-covered Rock Isle Lake, with expansive views of endless rolling terrain framed by some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Climbing gently from the lake's edge, we gradually make our way back into the ski area where we descend again to reach the gondola top station for our return journey to the parking area.

Tours includes professional hiking guide, transportation from Banff, Sunshine Village gondola and chairlift ticket, snowshoes, trekking poles, hot chocolate & snack.

We always recommend checking the local weather before joining this excursion and dressing accordingly. At a minimum, we require ski jacket and snowpants, as well as good winter boots, mitts and hat. Appropriate layers underneath including synthetic or merino wool base layer (cotton not recommended as it retains moisture and will leave you feeling cold). More thinner layers are better than one heavier layer, as you can adjust by adding or removing layers (layering also helps wick moisture away from the skin keeping you warmer and dry). A good warm pair of socks or two thinner pairs is advised, ensuring you still have room to wiggle your toes. Squeezing your feet into tight boots reduces blood flow and makes toes colder than a proper fit with thinner socks. Boots should be insulated, waterproof and cover at least the ankle. 

Lastly, remember to care for your face, with goggles and facemask or buff a good idea on colder/windier days. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a good idea particularly as the sun gains strength as Spring approaches. UV light is stronger at higher elevation, and the snow has a multiplying effect. 

No prior experience with snowshoeing is required. If you know how to walk, then you know how to snowshoe. Keep in mind that you will have to widen your stance a bit and also snowshoes don't like to go backwards.

Though it is possible to bring your own snowshoes, our snowshoes are better suited for the deep soft snow we experience at Sunshine Meadows. Typical snowshoes you may find at your local sports shop or rental shop will be smaller, providing less floatation and making travel more difficult.

Our Snowshoe on Top of the World at Sunshine Meadows takes place at 2200m (about 8000ft) elevation, and weather is typically 10 degrees colder than at valley bottom. Factored in with the deep snowpack, we rate this program as requiring a moderate level of fitness. Our snowshoe program will typically have us travelling 3km (2 miles) through deep snow, which is roughly the equivalent of a 6km (4 mile) summer hike. As for strength and balance requirements we like to offer the 'chair test'. When moving from standing to seated position, if you are able to stop yourself an inch above the chair and return to standing without pain, then you are fit to snowshoe. This test ensures you are able to keep you weight on your toes when descending on the snowshoes. This is important as the cleat beneath your toes prevents sliding. If, on the other hand, you have to 'flop' into the chair, then it will be better to join us on an icewalk experience. Leaning back places weight on the heel of the snowshoe, which lifts the cleat off of the snow and turns the snowshoe into a ski.

Due to the high elevation, deep snow and potential for colder temperatures, we do not recommend our Snowshoe on Top of the World for children under 12 years of age. The remote nature of the terrain makes it difficult to turn around if clients find it too challenging. For children under 12, we recommend hiring one of our private guides for a lower elevation snowshoe program where we can start our snowshoe right from the parking area. Give us a call or email for information on private group snowshoe options.

Hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies are included with your snowshoe program. We recommend eating before your tour begins rather than bringing your lunch with you. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drink with you, as there is time to enjoy your lunch on the drive as well as during the 20minute gondola ride.

There is a 48 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 48 hours outside your booked tour (up to 10 days for group bookings). No Shows and late comers will not be accommodated.