Gabbi is your go-to girl for all things Banff and Panorama!
Gabbi has been a snowlover her whole life. 20 years as a skier, before more recently turning to snowboarding for the last 10 years. You do the math.
Two places that keep drawing her back is Banff and Pano, two perfect resorts to put together an awesome roadtrip. Banff is a world renowned ski area that is renowned for uncrowded slopes, abundant snowfall, two vibrant resort towns and three incredible mountains (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Mt Norquay) – all within the picturesque Banff National Park and accessible on one lift pass.
Panorama (or more affectionately known ‘Pano’) ain't called that for othing. The resort offers stunning panoramic mountain views and provides some of Canada’s longest fall-line cruisers and backcountry style skiing.
- How long have you worked at Skimax?
8 years
- Skier or Snowboarder & how many years?
Snowboarder, 20 years and a skier for 10 before that, so basically my whole life
- Favourite Ski Destination?
Panorama. It has to be one of the most under the radar resorts right now.
- What do you love about Panorama the most?
The resort is found deep in the mountains and is HUGE. Expect 2975 acres, 10 lifts, 125 runs and a breakdown of 20% beginner, 44% strong intermediate to advanced and 25% expert. The perfect combo for the whole fam! Plus, the MonsterX experience in insane. It’s a cat that drops you at the top of Taynton Bowl to the black and double black terrain.
- Best place for coffee?
Sneaky secret if you head down to invermere town you can get a great coffee at the kicking horse brewing company. Trust me, I know good coffee!
- Best place for apres?
Hello Powder Keg lounge! Situated in Lake Louise, you can sit back on the couches and enjoy a warm – or cold – drink while sampling their bison chili. When in Canada, eh?
Or in Pano try out T-Bar, its the resort's central après and the perfect place to tell tales about your day, catch a game, grab a pint, shoot some pool, enjoy a burger or party the night away with feature DJs and live gigs throughout the season
- Best village dining and favourite dish?
Hands down cocktails and dinner at the CABIN Smokehouse, in the village. Picture a long list of classic meats smoked in house, like chicken wings, smokehouse ribs, smoked chicken stir-fry and a 14-hour brisket melt. It has a really funky interior with communal tables, live music and a patio for warm weather all help make this place a great hangout.
There’s also delicious mulled wine in the winter!
- Special occasion dinner spot?
In Banff you have to splurge and dine out at the Fairmont. Its bucket-list drool worthy.
Insider tip: the approach to The Castle is majestic – aim to arrive in the early afternoon to allow plenty of daylight to snap some breathtaking photos. The lobby, hallways and hidden corridors also make for some amazing shots.
- What should visitors not leave your resort without doing?
Walking on the frozen lake!! this is a place where you don’t want to forget your camera! Morning, noon and night, the views of the lake and glacier from this iconic property are more stunning than you can imagine.
If you visit in Jan and Feb, they hold on annual ice-carving festival and open a ice-bar.
- What item should visitors take back with them?
Canadian maple cookies!!!
- Any other tips to making the most of your stay in this resort?
Panorama ski resort in Canada’s British Columbia has your family’s name all over it with ski in ski out accommodation and a pedestrian village suited to family fun.
Bed down in an Upper Village condo and have direct access to beginner slopes for junior’s first ski school experience or take the free gondola that connects Upper and Lower villages.
