Emilie C.
Yelp
Sweetest gnar pow just over the BC border! With its small-town local feel, Pano will have you wanting to return time and time again. I basically grew up here, shredding up the hill every weekend of the season for 12 years, so lucky to have been able to do that. Team Panorama offers an amazing program. Skiing/snowboarding has always been a huge part of my family's lifestyle, and continues to this day and beyond.
One of the most attractive aspects of Panorama is that you have the potential to stay (from cheap to higher-end) right smack dab at the base of a chairlift, which means easy access to get your mountain fix. Most notable ski mountains in the Rockies require a long gondola ride to get to the main chairs after having driven from where you're staying. Meaning you will have to grab your gear extra early in the morning, drive, and get set up in the lodge or in the back of your car. At Pano, you can get your gear on in the comfort of your accommodation (rental or owned) carry your board or skis to the base (there will be a lift not far from wherever you stay) then get ready for a rad-tastic day of rippage on the slopes!
The village offers solid amenities, a couple of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained apres-ski, or for those not so keen on the alpine. The T-Bar & Grill, see my review to see if it sounds appealing to you, has live music on occasion, billiards, and some tasty beer and nachos. The Jackpine Pub in Horsethief accommodation is smaller and generally quieter. For lunch, there are many options. I highly recommend if you're renting a place with a kitchen, cook your own food with groceries you bought prior to your arrival, since Alberta is less $$ than BC. Saves you lotsa dollas! The General Store, located near to the base of the people-mover/human-gondola is pricey but has a huge variety if you forgot any food or drink. I'm not personally a fan of the main lodge, since I find it smelly and full of complaining families... Haha! I'd rather have a yummy brunch with friends and fam at my place OR up top at the Summit Hut. They have homemade perogs, tasty bratwursts and some delicious burgers. Grab a Bailey's hot chocolate while you're at it, treat yo-self!