Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

getting there

This is a high alpine backcountry park with no road access. Access to the park is by hiking, skiing or helicopter. The town nearest the trailheads and helipads is Canmore, Alberta, 72 mi (116 km) west of the Calgary International Airport and 18.5 mi (30 km) east of Banff National Park.  The Mount Shark Helipad and Trailhead in Kananaskis Country are the most popular. It is also possible to hike into the park from the Sunshine Resort and from Highway 93.

skiing in the park

The core area of the park  is just below the treeline at ~7,200 ft. The area offers terrain for all levels of skiers, from cross-country with metal-edge backcountry skis to alpine touring on telemark or AT gear.  There is plenty of safe, low avalanche hazard terrain near the huts and lodge for a half- to full-day of easy to moderate cross-country or backcountry skiing, and more challenging terrain beyond for telemark and AT skiers. Ski days can range from 5-12+ miles.

park accommodations

The park's Naiset huts (located about 1/3 mile from the Assiniboine Lodge) offer 5-8 person bunks with foam sleeping pads, wood stoves, self-catered cooking/dining building, and nearby water supply (filter or boil).  Naiset guests should be fully self-sufficient with ski gear, sleeping bag, daily food and supplies.  Assiniboine Lodge offers its guests comfortable lodge rooms or cabins, tasty meals, guided skiing, showers and superb hospitality. A scenic 12-15 minute helicopter flight transports hut and lodge visitors between the Mount Assiniboine area (near the lodge) and helipad in Canmore AB or Mount Shark.  Reservations are required for helicopter flights and for accommodations at Assiniboine Lodge and the Naiset Huts.  For pre- and post-trip, there is abundant lodging, dining, and other amenities in Canmore.

notes

• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park web page
• Parks Canada Public Avalanche Information
• Guidebook: Ski Trails in the Canadian Rockies, 5th ed. by Chic Scott & Darren Farley (Rocky Mountian Books 2015).
• Guidebook: Summits & Icefields 1: Alpine Ski Tours in the Canadian Rockies, 3rd ed. by Chich Scott & Mark Klassen (Rocky Mountain Books 2011).
• Consider a stay at Assiniboine Lodge
• Consider extending your stay in the Canmore area for abundant nearby skiing (cross-country, backcountry, and downhill), snowshoeing, and other winter activities in Banff National Park or the Kananaskis Country south of Canmore.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Cross-country Skiing, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski, U-XC 3 Intermediate Ungroomed
• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• High Point: 8,500 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12