Whizzing down a double-black diamond ski run while dodging moguls and trees is guaranteed to get the heart racing, and it turns out speeding down the mountain is just one of the many adrenaline-filled activities at Panorama Resort. Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, the hill boasts one of North America’s top 10 verticals, has a prime spot on the aptly-named Powder Highway, and nearly three-thousand acres of skiable terrain including notorious Taynton Bowl which can challenge even the most confident skiers.
The all-season resort has plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages occupied, and really comes alive during the winter thanks to its convenient perch just 20 minutes west of Invermere, loads of ski-in/out accommodations and bragging rights as the home of Canada’s largest outdoor on-mountain hot pools. But besides the hill and its buzzing base, Panorama offers some unique adventures you’d have a tough time finding anywhere else. Here are five you won’t want to miss.
Heli-Skiing
Is there anything more bucket list-worthy than a day spent shredding untouched pow in the backcountry? You can do just that with RK Heliski, located a few minute’s drive from the resort. The operator has been guiding its guests through the Purcells for decades, building a loyal clientele from all over the world who quickly become addicted to the chest-deep snow drifts and high elevations typically only found in this area.
WATCH: Heli-skiing in Panorama, B.C.
A Bell 212 helicopter plays chairlift for the day, dropping skiers and snowboarders onto towering glaciers at heights of up to 3,000 metres, then vanishes over the horizon leaving the group to be expertly guided down the slopes. Alpine adventures are fully customizable, but typical packages include three to four long runs as well as a hearty breakfast and slopeside lunch—safe to say your legs will be screaming for a break by the time you make it down from your third run!
READ MORE: Alpine adventure: Heli-Skiing with RK Heliski in Panorama, B.C.
Heli-Fondue
Panorama Resort kicks apres-ski up a notch, thanks to its heli-fondue offering. In late afternoon, guests arrive at the RK Heliski base, then get to enjoy a helicopter ride up to Summit Hut (elevation 2,370 metres), which grants a birds-eye view of the snow-covered mountain valley and entire resort.
WATCH: A heli-fondue ride at Panorama Resort
Inside the cozy hut, a husband/wife team prepares steaming pots of gruyere cheese fondue paired with meat, a combination so delicious it will make it hard to ever eat in a ski hill cafeteria again. Take a break to watch the sunset behind the mountains, then head back in to tuck into chocolate fondue accompanied by a colourful arrangement of fresh fruit.
There’s no need to feel guilty about the calories, since you’ll be working them off when you ski all the way back down the hill—in the dark, guided only by the light from a head lamp. Between the incredible views, fantastic food and unforgettable experience of skiing after dark, a heli-fondue excursion is a must-do at Panorama Resort.
Snowmobiling
Thrill-seekers of all ages and skill levels love spending an afternoon ripping around the B.C. backcountry on a snowmobile, as part of the guided tours led by Toby Creek Adventures. The operator outfits guests with protective gear, then demos how to drive a skidoo before everyone heads off into the wilderness. With over 32-thousand acres of terrain to explore, guests can expect to do everything from weaving through old-growth forests to enjoying panoramic views from eight-thousand feet up.
Tours include a stop in a cozy alpine cabin to warm up and enjoy a snack, before heading back outside and speeding around the snow-covered hills.
Amazing views while snowmobiling with Toby Creek Adventures. Photo credit: Andrea Traynor/Mommy Gearest
Paragliding
Bet you’ve never seen someone parachute at a ski resort before! Panorama is one of just a few places that offers this unique winter activity, where guests can try tandem paragliding right from the hill.
The activity lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, and includes demonstrations and safety training. Then, it’s time for liftoff! Guests get strapped into their skis and brightly-coloured parachutes, and when the wind is just right they’ll find themselves heading down the hill then gracefully gliding up, up and away. It’s hard to beat the serene feeling of silently gliding through the clouds, channelling your inner bird as you soar high above the chairlifts and skiers.
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Globe Guide enjoyed some of the aforementioned activities as a guest of Panorama Resort. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles.
Wow, those photos of Panorama look amazing! I’ve just been to Big White and Whistler and had a blast on the slopes. Would you say that Panorama is best for expert skiers though?
Hey Christina, it’s actually one of my favourite hills in terms of the range of runs it has for all skill levels. Experts can brave Taynton bowl, and those who aren’t as confident can easily tackle the blue runs found off the main chairlift. There are tons of runs for everyone!
I am not the biggest fan of snow. These are gorgeous photos you got. I would actually consider being out in all that beauty.
Hooray for amazing pow in beautiful British Columbia! We’ve hit a whack of great resorts in BC, but Panorama is on our list for next year for sure. Super photos!
It’s such a great resort, all year round!
The slopes look amazing! Although I think I’ll give the double black diamond mogul field a miss! I’d love to give snowmobiling a go though. Panorama looks like it has something for everyone!
Definitely an epic spot for snowmobiling!
I don’t know much about skiing, but it is definitely something I would like to try one day. I also won’t mind trying the paragliding and snowmobiling. I like the mixture of activities that Panorama Resort offers.
Love BC and this looks like an extraordinary place to explore. Heli-fondu reminds me of my sledding adventure in Interlaken, Switzerland, but our reward was at the end.
The landscapes in Canada are just memorising! I would love to visit the Panorama Resort one day. Definitely adding it to the list!
Well, from these pictures, I can totally understand why the resort is called Panorama! Absolutely beautiful location. And what about heli-skiing? That must be amazing!
You’re right- it’s the perfect name, I never even thought about that!
I love helicopter rides! They are always worth the splurge. Wow, what a beautiful part of the world to ski. Thanks for sharing, I’m definitely bookmarking this.
And can you believe it starts at only $55 for the helicopter and fondue?! Hardly a splurge!
Wow the food looks so amazing. This place seems to the perfect place for winter sports. The slopes also look amazing for skiing. I am planning to learn to ski this year. The first photograph in this post looks so stunning.