Nordic Ski the Columbia Valley
Cross-country skiing is an all time favorite pastime in the Columbia Valley. Glide your way over 100 kilometers of groomed ski trails for classic and skate skiers. The region boasts groomed trails, spectacular mountain scenery, and uncrowded experiences that attracts both hardcore enthusiasts, beginners, and families. You can enjoy a heart-pumping climb, a relaxed glide while taking in the views, or a full day of active entertainment exploring new trails & warming huts.
Some of the must-visit cross-country skiing destinations in the Columbia Valley include Nipika Mountain Resort, the Lake Windermere Whiteway, Lake Lillian Whiteway, and Panorama Nordic.
Panorama Nordic
Located ~20 minutes from Invermere, Panorama Mountain Resort is a renowned 4 season destination offering an abundance of activities in the Winter. Find yourself downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and fat biking through the day and soaking in the Hot Springs all evening.
Panorama Nordic is home to a 20km network of meticulously groomed trails for cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and walking. Panorama Nordic caters to skiers of all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners, families, and seasoned pros alike.
The Panorama Nordic Centre at Greywolf is open daily for ticket purchases, rentals, and to book ski lessons. Whether you want to start your day with an invigorating cross-country skiing session, take a break from downhill skiing, or head to the hale hut after dark for starlit glide, the resort’s cross-country trails provide a thrilling and scenic way to get moving.
Lake Lillian Whiteway
Located just 10 minutes outside of Invermere, the Lake Lillian Whiteway is a popular spot for cross-country skiers visiting the Columbia Valley though you’ll see fewer people than you would in Canmore. This 3km trail offers both classic and skating skiing options, making it perfect for skiers of all levels.
To get to Lake Lillian Whiteway take the Toby Creek Road from Invermere, or Panorama. Follow this road until you reach the well-marked trailhead for the Lake Lillian Recreation Site. Once you arrive you can decide to explore the Lake Lillian Whiteway trail network, or cross the road and find more trails along the Johnson. Each trail offers stunning views of the Purcell & Rocky Mountains providing a truly unforgettable skiing experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking to get your heart pumping or a beginner wanting to try out cross-country skiing for the first time, the Lake Lillian Whiteway is the perfect spot. Its close proximity to both Invermere, and Panorama makes it easily accessible, and the well-maintained trail ensures a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience. The Lake Lillian & Johnson trail network often get more snow than the Lake Windermere Whiteway because of it’s higher elevations. It’s a hidden gem that offers a secluded ski experience just minutes away from Invermere.
For real time updates on the Lake Windermere Whiteway & Lake Lillian Whiteway check out the Toby Creek Nordic website.
Please purchase your day pass, punch pass or membership to help maintain and improve this place we love to recreate.
Lake Windermere Whiteway
The Lake Windermere Whiteway is a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts in the Columbia Valley. This remarkable attraction offers a 34-kilometer groomed skate ski, cross country ski, fat bike, and ice skating track that connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere. It caters to a range of exciting winter activities, including nordic skiing, ice skating, and has benches to take in the views along the way.
It’s no secret, the Whiteway is an iconic Canadian Rockies experience in the Columbia Valley. Whether you’re set to ski the entire 30+ km of groomed skate and classic cross-country ski trails or its your first time nordic skiing with the kiddos, Lake Windermere provides the perfect frozen foundation for adventure, with the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.
The Lake Windermere Whiteway features two official entry points: Windermere Beach and Kinsmen Beach. Both entrees have ample parking and are accessible allowing easy access to Lake Windermere. Parking in designated areas on the Lake is permitted during the coldest days of the year, when the ice is thick enough.
In 2014 the Lake Windermere Whiteway was named the world’s longest skating trail by Guinness World Records further establishing its reputation as an iconic destination for winter activities.
The Lake Windermere Whiteway offers something for everyone. With its groomed tracks for walking, fat biking, classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and ice-skating, it’s no wonder why this attraction continues to draw visitors who seek outdoor fun and adventure in the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Nipika Mountain Resort
Nipika Mountain Resort is a premier destination for cross country skiing in the Canadian Rockies. With 50 km of groomed routes, it offers an exceptional experience for both classic and skate skiing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, Nipika has trails suitable for all skill levels and fun activities for when you’re done for the day.
One of the highlights of cross-country skiing at Nipika is the stunning scenery. The trails provide breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Kootenay River, making every ski session a memorable one.
In addition to its extensive trail network, Nipika Mountain Resort offers a range of amenities to enhance your skiing experience. The resort provides cross-country ski lessons for those who want to improve their skills or try skiing for the first time. There is also a wax room with retail sales, allowing you to fine-tune your equipment for optimal performance on the trails.
For a complete stay, Nipika offers on-site accommodation so you can fully immerse yourself in the cross-country skiing experience. After a day on the trails, you can relax and warm up in the resort’s cozy warming cabin.
Nipika Mountain Resort is a true haven for cross country skiing enthusiasts, offering well-groomed trails, stunning views, ski lessons, and excellent amenities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a serene escape, Nipika is the ideal destination for your Columbia Valley cross-country skiing adventure.