Discover a cross-country skiing destination like no other. The Columbia Valley is home to three diverse nordic skiing experiences, offering over 100 km of classic and skate skiing trail systems for you to explore.
Experience the Longest skating trail in the world on the giant Lake Windermere Whiteway in Invermere, BC, or it’s little sister the Lake Lillian Whiteway 10 minutes away. Explore the magnificent trail network of Nipika Mountain Resort offering more than 50km of professionally groomed trails and a beautiful backcountry escape in the Rocky Mountains. Finally, combine the exceptional mountain and creekside trail system at Panorama Nordic Center at Greywolf with the acclaimed Panorama Mountain Resort for an unforgettable mountain vacation.
If you are searching for a place to go that offers a wide variety of cross-country ski experiences, the Columbia Valley combination of Nipika Mountain Resort, The Lake Windermere Whiteway, Lake Lillian Whiteway and the Panorama Nordic Centre at Greywolf will meet your needs.
Didn’t bring your cross-country equipment? Don’t worry, local businesses have you covered. Rental equipment is available at the Panorama Nordic Centre, Inside Edge Boutique and Sport, Columbia Cycle & Ski in Invermere as well as Nipika Mountain Resort.
The Columbia Valley Nordic Pass gives you access to over 100km of skiable trails provided by Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, Nipika Mountain Resort and the Nordic Centre at Panorama Mountain Resort. For more information visit the club’s website.
All three areas have partnered with the Nordic Pulse app that provides GPS live grooming reports of trail conditions at each of the trail systems so you can choose the area that best suits your tastes for the day.
Nipika Mountain Resort is a cross-country ski mecca with 50km of groomed trails. The trails are professionally groomed on a regular basis for both classic and skate skiing. The terrain ranges from beginner to expert and flows through treed areas, open spaces with mountain views, and alongside the Kootenay and Cross Rivers.
Fat biking – Nipika has 30km of dedicated fat bike trails, groomed into smooth corduroy. Imagine singletrack fun in winter: flowy with rollers. Ride the south loop for a scenic expanse with panoramic views. Ride the north loop for forested trails with views of the canyon and rivers, and to ride across the Natural Bridge.
Snowshoeing – There are a variety of dedicated snowshoe trails at Nipika Mountain Resort. They run on singletrack through the trees, along clifftops, and beside the rivers.
Rentals & lessons – We have adult and youth cross country ski gear, fat bikes and helmets, and snowshoes for rent. They also have a couple Chariots with ski/hike attachments so the whole family can participate.
Enjoy homelike comforts and amenities in the luxurious, self-contained log cabins, surrounded by majestic mountain views.
The Lake Lillian Whiteway, located just 10 minutes outside of Invermere, is a gorgeous lake-based 3km classic and skating skiing trail.
To get there: From the traffic lights on Highway 93/95 at the Invermere junction, turn west on Athalmer Road towards Invermere. After you cross the railway tracks overpass, turn right onto Panorama Drive/Toby Creek Road. Follow the road for approximately 7 km. Turn right into the Lake Lillian parking area.
Invermere Whiteway, Lake Windermere Whiteway, or just “The Whiteway” is officially the Longest Skating Path in the World! In 2014, this was confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Originally created by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, the 34 km Whiteway connects the communities of Invermere, Fairmont, and Windermere in the winter. It circumnavigates Lake Winderemere.
The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club is proud to maintain the Lake Windermere Whiteway with track and skate ski areas, a skating path, and a multi-use path.
The Panorama multi-use trail network offers more than 20 km of groomed trails. Through forest and along Toby Creek, the network provides an uncrowded experience in spectacular mountain scenery to cross-country ski, fat tire bike, and snowshoe. Different routes are available for all levels of skiers from beginners to advanced. Guest can travel a 12 km loop out to the Hale Hut Warming Cabin for an unforgettable afternoon in the mountains with a spectacular view.
InvermerePanorama.com is the official travel and tourism site for Invermere on the Lake in partnership with Panorama Mountain Resort, Radium Hot Springs, and TravelColumbiaValley.com. Learn more about us.
