Whether you’re trying Nordic skiing for the first time or you’ve been gliding for years, the Columbia Valley offers some of the most idyllic cross country ski terrain in British Columbia.
A pair of Nordic skis can take you through silent meadows and forests full of snowy trees, alongside flowing rivers and atop frozen lakes, and to breathtaking viewpoints where you can’t help but pause.
The Columbia Valley is home to four exceptional Nordic experiences, each with unique features making them all worthwhile excursions! Read about our four Nordic destinations, from east to west.
Entering the Columbia Valley from the east, you pass Nipika Mountain Resort off Highway 93, about 30 minutes before Radium Hot Springs.
A Nordic haven, Nipika offers nearly 50km of cross country ski trails. The south network features gentler terrain, open meadows, and panoramic mountain views. The north network has steeper hills, forested trails, and a stunning route that runs alongside the Kootenay River. Head to the far north to ski over the natural bridge and beside the Cross River.
With four warming huts throughout the network and a welcoming Day Lodge, be sure to pack snacks or a lunch to enjoy on the go!
Ski the Lake Windermere Whiteway for a true Canadian experience of gliding over a frozen lake. Groomed for skiing and ploughed for skating, the Whiteway was awarded World’s Longest Skating Track in 2014.
Enjoy panoramic views on a bluebird day, plenty of smiling faces on a weekend, and a dizzying number of stars on a moonlit night. Access to the Lake Windermere Whiteway is easy from Kinsmen Beach when you stay in Invermere.
On the way up to Panorama, and just 10 minutes from Invermere, stop at the Lillian Lake Whiteway and Johnson trails. Lillian Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by a fir, pine, and spruce forest with a 3km loop perfect for beginners and families with young kids.
Across the road are the Johnson trails with rolling terrain through the trees. Make sure you stop for a look down the Toby Creek canyon!
Best known for its alpine skiing, Panorama Mountain Resort boasts a 20km Nordic network just 25 minutes from Invermere.
Stay close to the Nordic hub of Greywolf for beginner-friendly terrain along the golf course. Venture west for peaceful trails that follow Toby Creek and loop through the forest with playful hills.
Two warming huts make for fun destinations with beautiful river and expansive mountain views.
Both Panorama Nordic and Nipika Mountain Resort have rental shops on site with skis for both classic and skate technique. They also offer lessons throughout the winter season.
Bring your pooch along on any of the four experiences!
Skiing at Nipika? Hit up the Radium Hot Springs pools on your way back to town to soothe tired muscles and then grab a bite at one of the eateries.
In Invermere, choose from a variety of establishments from grab and go meals to cozy cafes to culinary favourites. It’s easy to fuel before your exploration, settle in for a mid-day break, or reminisce at the end of the day.
Linger a little longer at The Shack or Cliffhanger restaurant at the Panorama Nordic Centre.
Invermere is the perfect base for a ski holiday with an array of lodging options, a vibrant and walkable main street, entertaining events throughout the season, eateries for every taste, and equidistant access to all the Nordic locations.
Whether you’re gliding across a frozen lake or winding through forested trails, Nordic skiing is the perfect way to discover the Columbia Valley’s winter charm.
InvermerePanorama.com is the official travel and tourism site for Invermere on the Lake in partnership with Panorama Mountain Resort, Tourism Radium, and TravelColumbiaValley.com. Learn more about us.
