Winter Recreation

Quality opportunities for winter recreation can be found in many backcountry areas of the Invermere Forest District.  The Rocky Mountains in the eastern portion of the Forest District are less popular for winter recreation than the Purcell Mountains to the west due to less consistent snowpack and fewer accessible open alpine areas.  The Purcell Mountains have a unique combination of geography, alpine scenery and snow conditions that provide exceptional recreation opportunities.  Hundreds of kilometres of unploughed roads, old mining roads and recreation trails are available in the winter months to snowmobilers and ski tourers.  

Winter Recreation Conflict Resolution

Prior to the 1990s, snowmobiles, ski tourers and heli-skiers coexisted without significant overlap in their areas of use.  Currently 4 heli-ski operations hold licenses to operate within the Purcells.  Several cabins and huts are available to ski tourers and/or snowmobilers.  In recent years more powerful snowmobiles have been able to reach remote backcountry areas that used to be exclusive winter domain of heli-skiers and advanced ski tourers.  This overlapping of areas of use raised issues of compatibility and land allocation.  It became evident that ski touring and heli-skiing are not compatible with snowmobiling.  Snowmobile tracks are a safety concern because they “ set up” as hard snow and ice.  The hardened tracks are often difficult to see and if they are hit by skiers, injuries can occur.  Snowmobile noise and tracks can also detract from the enjoyment of the backcountry skiing experience. 

Over a two year period several meetings were held by local stakeholders and agencies to address winter conflicts and issues.  Agreement was reached by local user groups to designate 20 areas for joint use (primarily snowmobile use), and 18 areas for heli-skiing and ski touring.  When resolution could not be reached in 2 areas, Catamount Glacier and Upper Jumbo Creek, the District Manager personally met with all user groups and concluded that Section 105 closures (under the Forest Practices Code of BC Act) restricting snowmobile use were necessary.  These 2 patrolled closures became effective January 1, 1996.

See Snowmobile Regulations and Closures along with Snowmobile Etiquette.