Starting backpacking in the rugged Purcell Mountains has never been easier or more welcoming. This ladies-only program in Invermere, BC teaches essential skills in a supportive, intimate setting.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle multi-day hikes with a loaded pack.
Wildlife
History
The Columbia Valley has long been a passageway for indigenous peoples, offering a landscape rich with cultural stories and traditional connections to the land.
Conservation
Participants learn Leave No Trace ethics to minimize human impact on delicate alpine ecosystems.
Playwest Mountain Experiences
Starting backpacking in the rugged Purcell Mountains has never been easier or more welcoming. This ladies-only program in Invermere, BC teaches essential skills in a supportive, intimate setting.
Playwest Mountain Experiences is a guided outdoor company based in Invermere, British Columbia, offering a range of day hikes, multi-day trips, skills courses, and seasonal experiences across the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay National Park. Guided programming includes recreational hikes like Glacier View and The Lookout, seasonal highlights such as Chasing Golden Larch and Mountain Sunsets & Savoury Fondue, and skill-focused offerings including Avalanche Skills Training - 1 (AST-1) in partnership with Avalanche Canada and the Companion Rescue Refresher.
Trips are designed for small groups and emphasize safety, trip planning, and practical skills. Backpacking for Beginners - Ladies Edition provides a pre-trip information session and hands-on instruction covering gear, navigation, trip planning, and Leave No Trace principles. The 2 Nighter features on-trail meals and guided exploration of glaciers, alpine lakes, and backcountry terrain. Short family-friendly options, such as Wild Wetlands Adventure, focus on local ecosystems and wildlife viewing along the Columbia River bluffs.
Playwest Mountain Experiences lists courses and guided hikes with clear trip summaries and logistical planning to help participants prepare for each outing. The company’s programming spans introductory movement skills and moderate full-day treks, aiming to combine outdoor education with exploratory experiences in the Columbia Valley. All descriptions and course formats reflect the trip information and partnerships provided for each offering.
Base Location
Invermere, BC
Located in the Columbia Valley
Trails & Parks
Purcell Mountains
Operating near Kootenay National Park
Group Style
Small groups
Personalized guiding and safety
AST-1 Partner
Avalanche Canada
Certified avalanche training partner
Reserve a hike, course, or seasonal experience in Invermere — view trip details and availability before you go.
Master Leave No Trace
Practice Leave No Trace principles from the start to protect Invermere’s fragile alpine meadows.
Pack Light but Smart
Learn to select versatile gear that minimizes pack weight while maximizing comfort on multi-day trips.
Check Weather Daily
Mountain weather changes quickly; always check forecasts before and during your trip to stay safe.
Practice Navigation Skills
Hone map and compass use to confidently handle trail junctions common in this multi-trail network.
Daypack and Overnight Pack
Durable packs sized for both day hikes and carrying overnight gear provide versatility for this course.
Weatherproof Layer
A waterproof shell protects against spring mountain rains and unpredictable weather.
spring
Navigation Tools
Map, compass, and GPS device help build skills in route finding on varied trails.
Sleeping Bag (3-season)
A reliable sleeping bag keeps campers warm during cool mountain nights in spring and summer.
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