The Skiers' Guide to Panorama Mountain

Panorama Mountain Resort sits in the heart of British Columbia's Rockies, offering impressive Canadian skiing with a relaxed atmosphere. Located just 20 minutes from the town of Invermere, it's a complete ski-in/ski-out resort with lifts and amenities centered around a purpose-built village.

Transfer times from Calgary Airport are approximately 3-4 hours, which might be considered a drawback by some, but many Snomad users mention this journey through spectacular mountain scenery is worth it. As Warren, an advanced skier, notes: "While transfer from Calgary is around 4 hours, the resort makes up for it."

The mountain boasts 1,300 meters of vertical drop, with elevations spanning from 1,150m to 2,450m. With 141 runs spread across varied terrain, Panorama earns an overall rating of 4.42/5 from our community. It scores particularly highly for family friendliness (4.71/5), quiet slopes (4.57/5), and expert terrain (4.53/5).

Panorama's 141 marked runs break down into 14 beginner runs, 49 intermediate runs, and 30 advanced runs, providing excellent variety for all ability levels. The lift system includes 1 gondola, 7 chairlifts, and 3 drag lifts, earning a solid 4.35/5 for lift efficiency.

The resort excels with its groomed runs (4.54/5), which Richard, an advanced Canadian skier, describes as "always solid and filled in beautifully." This is complemented by dedicated beginner areas with reduced pricing, making the mountain accessible to newcomers.

More experienced skiers will find challenges in the Taynton Bowl, an avalanche-controlled off-piste area that's become the mountain's crown jewel. One advanced skier, Aidan, calls it "a must do if there's any amount of fresh powder." The bowl can be accessed either by hiking or via snow cat for those willing to pay extra. The resort also scores well for off-piste terrain (4.17/5) and tree runs (4.22/5).

Snowboarders give the resort 4.41/5 points, with Ben, an advanced snowboarder, describing his experience as "incredible" with "tons of untracked terrain" on powder days.

Panorama scores 3.88/5 for eating out, with options that are somewhat limited but generally well-regarded. The Summit Restaurant receives particular praise, with Kristin, an expert skier, noting it's "fantastic" and mentioning a special "fondue night ski down" experience that many visitors enjoy.

On-mountain dining includes several small lodges rather than one central facility, which many users appreciate. "I loved that there are many small lodges on the hill instead of one large one at the bottom," writes one Snomad community member. However, Ken, an advanced skier, mentions "limited places to eat on the hill but adequate."

In the village, dining options are relatively sparse compared to larger resorts, but quality is generally good. Some visitors recommend driving to nearby Invermere for more variety. Several users mention that prices can be steep, with Amy, an intermediate skier, noting: "The lift ticket price is high. Priced like a luxury hill."

Panorama receives 3.96/5 for après-ski, reflecting its more laid-back approach to post-skiing entertainment. The T-Bar is frequently mentioned as the go-to spot, with Gord, an expert skier, sharing: "I enjoy a bevy at the T-bar after my day."

The resort isn't known for wild parties or extensive nightlife. As Anna, an advanced skier, puts it: "Not loads of bars and restaurants in the resort, but it means it's a really nice atmosphere where everyone gets to know each other." This sentiment is echoed by several users who appreciate the quieter social scene.

A unique après feature is the resort's outdoor hot pools, which many visitors highlight as a fantastic way to relax after skiing. Kristin mentions that the "communal hot pools were lovely," providing a different but welcomed approach to unwinding after a day on the slopes.

Panorama excels with families, earning an impressive 4.71/5 for family friendliness. Victoria, an advanced skier, states it's "a super fun family friendly place" with "easy options and adventurous options for all types of thrill seekers."

The resort offers exceptional learning facilities, including a dedicated beginner area with reduced pricing. Jessica, an advanced skier, notes: "Beginner slopes are varied and slowly progressive," and adds that "they also offer an excellent daycare called Wee Wascals that provide children who are too young to ski a fun day on the mountain."

Our users consistently praise the ski school, which scores 4.40/5 for quality. Dan, an advanced skier from the UK, shares: "The ski school instructors were excellent for all our children."

Beyond skiing, families can enjoy activities like ice skating, tubing, and the popular hot pools. Keara, an advanced skier, reminisces about childhood traditions: "Key memories would be the tubing on the bunny hill, night skiing and build a bear night."

Panorama scores 4.51/5 for accommodation options, with most lodging concentrated in and around the purpose-built village. The resort offers primarily ski-in/ski-out accommodation, ranging from hotel rooms to larger condominiums.

Ian, an intermediate skier, explains: "There are no 5-star hotels, but a good variety of excellent accommodation is available from basic hotel rooms to self-catering condominiums in a ski-in ski-out resort."

The convenience factor is a major plus, with Danielle, an intermediate snowboarder, noting that "lodging options are affordable and accessible right from the lifts." Some users mention that staying outside the main resort at nearby Radium Hot Springs or Invermere can offer more affordable options, though this requires a short drive.

Several Snomad community members recommend the ski-in/ski-out accommodations for families in particular, with one user stating: "Its big sell is the family friendly set up and food options."

Panorama has invested in snowmaking infrastructure that helps maintain consistent conditions throughout the season while striving to minimize environmental impact. The resort demonstrates commitment to responsible tourism through its terrain management practices, particularly in the avalanche-controlled Taynton Bowl area.

The compact nature of the village reduces the need for transportation once guests arrive, promoting a lower-carbon footprint during stays. However, the relatively remote location does necessitate longer transfers, typically by car or shuttle from Calgary.

The resort could improve transparency regarding specific environmental initiatives and sustainability targets, as few users mention environmental practices in their reviews of the mountain experience.