Radium Hot Springs is an outdoor paradise in any season but is truly magical in winter. Snow-covered mountains, frosted trees, and outdoor adventure make it a perfect winter escape.
With many wonderful places to stay in Radium Hot Springs—ranging from cozy to cushy—it’s easy to find somewhere that suits your taste.
The Columbia Valley has a variety of places to cross-country ski: choose one or tour them all! Stop at Big Horn Café for coffee and treats before heading out for the day to explore the trails.
Nipika Mountain Resort
Take a scenic, 30-minute drive to Nipika Mountain Resort. There is something for everyone with groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing; a hill for tobogganing; and a pond for skating.
The Nordic ski network is over 50km with mountain and river views, flat and hilly terrain. They also offer cross-country ski lessons daily throughout winter.
Nipika’s 30km of fat bike trails are packed, groomed, and include both rolling and flat land. Interested in a meander along the clifftops and the Kootenay River? Strap on snowshoes and follow the trail signs.
Visit the Day Lodge to pay your trail fees ($15 for adults and $10 for children) and chat with staff about what trails are right for you. Nipika also has a rental shop with classic and skate skis, boots, and poles; snowshoes; and fat bikes.
Lake Windermere and Lake Lillian Whiteway
Situated just 15 minutes south of Radium, the Lake Windermere Whiteway is the world’s longest skating trail. Swept for skating and groomed for cross-country skiing, visitors can access up to 31km of flat and scenic fun!
Lake Lillian is 20 minutes from Radium. The Whiteway is a 3km cross-country ski loop on a lake nestled amongst the trees. Cross the road and ski the Junior Johnson trail, approximately 3km.
Day passes cost $5 and money can be placed in the drop box at the lake entrances.
If you don’t have skates or skis, no problem. Visit FAR OUT Adventure Hub in Radium before you go.
Panorama Mountain Resort
Well known for downhill skiing, Panorama Mountain Resort also offers a variety of other winter activities. It’s located 35km from Radium Hot Springs in the Purcell mountains.
With over 20km of cross-country ski trails, glide through the forest and along Toby Creek on rolling and hilly terrain. Ski up to the Hale Hut for incredible views of the surrounding mountains. New in 2021, Panorama now offers cross-country ski lessons on Saturdays throughout winter.
There are also shared snowshoe and fat bike trails, perfect to escape the Resort crowds.
Stop by the Panorama Nordic Centre at Greywolf Clubhouse to pay trail fees, ranging from $6-$19 for the day depending on activity and age. Rentals are also available at the clubhouse: skis, boots, and poles; snowshoes; and fat bikes. If you’re looking for a self-propelled way to embrace winter adventure while you’re in Radium, explore the vast cross-country ski trails throughout the valley. Fat bike, snowshoe, and skate for bonus fun!