Winterfest at Panorama Mountain Resort, located just outside Invermere, British Columbia, offers an exhilarating winter experience that balances high-energy adventure with easy access and family-friendly fun. From mid-December through March, Winterfest transforms the resort into a hub of activity where snow lovers of all levels find something to spark their thrill. Whether it’s carving fresh tracks on groomed runs or chasing adrenaline on terrain parks, this festival invites you into the mountain’s spirited winter challenge.

The resort sits at an elevation of 1,350 meters at base, climbing to 2,450 meters at its peak, offering terrain that tests skill and rewards with wide, sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Trails vary from beginner groomers to steep, ungroomed bowls for seasoned riders, with opportunities to explore tree runs and snowshoeing paths that trace the quieter corners of the forest. Snowpacks here don’t just sit still; wind shapes them forcefully, and avalanche control teams keep the slopes safe—a reminder that the mountain is alive and fiercely itself.

Winterfest isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding. It includes torchlight parades, live music, outdoor games, and fire pits scattered for warming up. Vendors and food trucks provide hearty fare—local bison chili, craft beers, and steaming cups of hot chocolate—that warm you from the inside out. Planning your visit means syncing your energy with the mountain’s beat: arrive early for less crowded lifts, dress in layers to adjust through temperature swings, and hydrate often as cold air and altitude dry you quickly.

For those venturing beyond the slopes, snowshoe trails invite exploration along forested routes where frosted pines lean in close, branches whispering with each gust of icy wind. The challenge here comes from variable footing and occasional uphill pushes that require steady pacing. Sturdy waterproof boots with grip are critical, as is familiarity with layering and recognizing signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Panorama’s Winterfest also celebrates community and culture. Local guides share insights into the Ktunaxa Nation’s connection to these lands, weaving stories of respect and stewardship into the experience. The mountain is more than a playground; it’s a living entity demanding respect and understanding.

Before you go, remember: check the weather and avalanche forecasts; pack a daypack with essentials including water, snacks, and emergency gear; and prepare for rapid weather shifts. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned mountaineer, Winterfest challenges and welcomes you to engage deeply with a mountain that is alive, changing, and fiercely winter.

This isn’t just a festival. It’s an invitation to test your limits, savor the crisp mountain air, and return home with memories informed by both triumph and respect.