Winter Banff visit - drive to Bugaboos?

Just realized that the Bugaboos are quite close to Banff - we'll be doing some snowboarding over the holidays and if there isn't too much snow, was wondering if making a scenic drive - perhaps a loop trip through Spillimacheen - would be worth it? Will that provide any glimpses of some cool rock to inspire a future bugs trip?

Assuming the weather is mellow, of course. Is this a good idea for an all day scenic drive? Other, better recommendations? 

I don't think you can see the Bugs from any roads that might be open in the winter?

Go drive through Roger's Pass and, if there is visibility, you will see a zillion things you want to climb.

It's about a 40 min drive to the parking in the summer. Winter? I don't think that road is maintained. If you have a rental car it'll be unlikely that you'll make it in. If you're planning on snowshoeing or splitboarding, it'd actually be a nice trek. Unsure of avy risk.

You would need a snowmobile or a splitboard to get to the end of the unpaved road. It's a long way. And even then, the only real rock you can see from the parking lot is the Hound's Tooth.

If you really want to drive then go from Banff -> Lake Louse -> Jasper

The Icefields Parkway is incredible. Plus there is touring back there if you have a splitboard.

You can’t see the bugs from the highway 95% of the time. Even if you can, they’re a long way away and it’s hard to get stoked on something that’s a bump on the horizon. Drive up to Jasper instead like someone else suggested. Tonnes of awesome peaks close to the road.
I see you are from California- do not underestimate the winter driving conditions- the parkway is long, remote and can be quite serious. Hell, the transCanada can be quite serious in shitty conditions. 

The drive to Jasper is your best bang for the buck.  If conditions and time permit you can add on the drive west from Jasper over Yellowhead Pass and you can see Robson from the highway.  Plenty of stoke on this route.

If you're flying in to Calgary you'll have already seen the Bow Valley rock.  If not, that is a very quick look.

Yeah, it will be weather-dependent for sure.

Thanks for the tips on Jasper. We'll plan on that if conditions/time allow.

You absolutely cannot drive to the bugaboos in the winter. The road is not plowed, unless there is logging, which I don't believe there is this year, judging by the shape of the road the summer. And even then, you would need a radio to avoid head on collision with the logging trucks... The summer trailhead is50 km from the highway...

That being said, the Columbia Valley is absolutely gorgeous and will get you away from the crowds if you drive Golden --> Cranbrook. There is some world class ice climbing in the bull river canyon if you're into it (Cranbrook area), hot springs, multiple ski resorts, small authentic towns/hamlets (check out the Brisco store...) and good craft beer and spirits. I live in Golden and love the Valley!

Have fun visiting our area.