Guided Mountain Adventures in Invermere, BC

Playwest Mountain Experiences — Guided Hiking, Backpacking & Avalanche Training in Invermere, BC

Playwest Mountain Experiences provides guided outdoor programs based in Invermere, British Columbia. Operating throughout the Purcell Mountains, Columbia Valley, and nearby Kootenay National Park, the business offers a variety of guided hikes, multi-day trips, and skill-focused courses designed for small groups.

Core offerings and trip highlights

• The 2 Nighter — A multi-day backcountry trip featuring guided exploration of glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes, and Purcell Mountain terrain with on-trail meals and comprehensive trip planning.
• Backpacking for Beginners - Ladies Edition — A Backpacking 101 program with a pre-trip information session and hands-on instruction in trip planning, gear use, navigation, and Leave No Trace.
• Companion Rescue Refresher — A one-day course focused on transceiver use, modern search techniques, probing, and shoveling practice.
• Avalanche Skills Training - 1 (AST-1) — Delivered in partnership with Avalanche Canada, this course covers avalanche hazard recognition, snowpack science, and rescue techniques.
• Seasonal & scenic hikes — Mountain Sunsets & Savoury Fondue, Chasing Golden Larch, Glacier View, The Lookout, Meadows to Mountaintops, Wild Wetlands Adventure, and The Pass offer a mix of romantic evenings, autumn larch viewing, glacier panoramas, family-friendly wetlands exploration, and ridge-line hikes.

Why choose guided trips in Invermere and the Columbia Valley

• Expert-led itineraries help participants navigate backcountry routes across the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay National Park.
• Skill-building courses (AST-1, Companion Rescue Refresher, Backpacking 101) focus on practical, hands-on training for safer mountain travel and winter backcountry preparedness.
• Small group formats allow for personalized instruction, efficient route management, and attention to safety considerations.

Practical trip planning and preparation

Before booking, review trip summaries for difficulty level and logistics. Many offerings include on-trail meals, pre-trip info sessions, or focused classroom/field components (particularly for AST-1 and Backpacking 101). Participants should confirm meeting locations in Invermere and park access details for Kootenay National Park or Columbia Valley trailheads.

Keywords & local search focus

For searches related to guided hiking, backpacking courses, avalanche training, and seasonal guided hikes in the Canadian Rockies, focus on: Invermere guided hikes, Purcell Mountains guides, Columbia Valley hiking tours, Kootenay National Park day hikes, AST-1 Avalanche Canada course, backpacking for beginners, and Chasing Golden Larch guided hikes.

Bookings and verification

Trip descriptions and course partnerships (including the AST-1 collaboration with Avalanche Canada) provide verifiable details for planning. For the most current schedules and availability, consult Playwest Mountain Experiences’ official trip listings and third-party feature pages such as The Adventure Collective.