5 Things To Do in Invermere This Winter

As the weather cools and snow descends, there is ample motivation to stay active and outdoors on a winter trip to Invermere & Panorama. Get your mittens out of storage and get ready to embrace the season! Plan to discover the myriad of opportunities available on a winter vacation to Panorama Mountain Resort and nearby Invermere, BC.  

Cross Country Skiing

If Nordic skiing is your thing, there are several options for you in our neck of the woods. The voice for cross country skiing in Invermere and surrounding areas belongs to Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, offering info on access to a variety of trail networks in the area including Lake Windermere Whiteway;  Lake Lillian Whiteway; Nipika Mountain Resort; & Panorama Nordic Trail Network. Season passes are available for the Lake Lillian and the Windermere Whiteways which are maintained by Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. The Club also provides a variety of cross country skiing programs for youth & adults. 

If exploring the Panorama multi-use trail network at Panorama Mountain Resort, you can rent your skis at Greywolf Pro Shop, otherwise, there are a few other options for ski rentals in the community of Invermere. Also of note is the recently opened Westside Legacy Trail which extends from Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs.

Skating

Lake Windermere Whiteway is a great place to not only take in the awe of mother nature, but to glide your worries away. This over 30km long trail boasts spectacular views and connects Windermere to Invermere, featuring fire pits and hockey rinks along the way. There are two access points: one at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere and one at Windermere Beach. Purchase your pass from Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.  Skate rentals are available at Inside Edge in Invermere or Columbia Cycle & Ski. The Whiteway typically opens in late December. Find detailed opening updates here.

If you find yourself at Panorama Mountain Resort, slip on the skates and enjoy the in-resort skating rink, which can be found just past the Candy Cabin, outside Summit, and 1000 Peaks Lodges. Rentals are available at Mountain Outfitters.

Fat Biking

Explore winter paradise on two wheels with your own fat bike or rent one from a few locations in the area. Panorama rentals range from $30 for 4 hours to $50 for a full day to $90 for overnight. There are a few fat bike trails around Panorama that are prime for the fat tire biking experience depending on the snow conditions.

Taking care on the ice, some enthusiastic bikers explore the lovely Windermere and Lake Lillian Whiteways and trails at Nipika Mountain Resort. For more information on fat tire biking in the area, there are a few local online groups that can get you in the loop:

Invermere Fat Bike Community

Columbia Valley Cycling

For another place to rent a fat bike in the area check out Columbia Cycle and Ski.

Downtown Strolling In Invermere

There are many things to do in Invermere! This quaint community provides much to take in. Visit the local artist co-op, Village Arts, where you can view work from locals, as well as nearby galleries, Artym, Effusion, and Bavin Glass Studio. While you are here, dine at one of many Invermere restaurants and pubs: Ullr Bar; Cafe Allium; Birchwood; Station Pub; Fuse Food; Spice Hut, and more, and after you refuel, explore the funky coffee shops and boutiques, where you can source locally-made products. If staying at Panorama Mountain Village, take a shuttle down so you don’t miss out on all that Invermere has to offer!

Ski & Stay at Panorama

This winter, get away from it all and stay on the hill with one of Panorama Resort’s Ski & Stay Packages. Ski-in and ski-out options are available, with several comfortable units in 12 lodges, all with one central check-in. It really is all here. Beyond the obvious skiing and snowboarding, soak and relax in a hot tub, enjoy a nice meal, nordic ski, skate, fat bike, snowshoe, enjoy the spa, and more! The ski season is slated to begin December 11th, 2020. Get your early bird deals now and check the website for accommodation deals.

If you want the best of both worlds – close to all the Whiteway and downtown action, there are plenty of winter accommodation options to stay in Invermere. Stay steps away from Lake Windermere with High Country Properties, or nestled in at the base of the Rocky Mountains at Copper Point Resort.

Snowmobile

We couldn’t just have five things to do, so here’s another item to add to your to-do list: snowmobile tours with Toby Creek Adventures! Perfect for all levels of experience, they provide you with the gear and training, taking you through beautiful expanses of breathtaking wilderness. You also will have the opportunity to visit a historic silver mine. Afterward, warm up in a scenic cabin as you recount your adventures.

Travel Information

For more information about current travel status, please visit the Province of BC’s Travel Affected by COVID-19 website as well as our blog on Wide Open Spaces.