About Panorama - It is a magical place where the winter and the wild meets warmth and welcome. Nestled between the Purcells and the Canadian Rockies in beautiful BC, the Columbia Valley, sub-region of the East Kootenays is the home of Panorama. It is a ski and golf resort, but there’s more to the mountains up here and loads of adventure activities just waiting to be discovered. This is where memories are made. Panorama has captured the hearts of those who belong in the mountains. It’s been home for those who prefer their feet in high places. If you’re one of those people, Owner Direct Vacation Rentals has different kinds of accommodation that will suit solo travelers, couples, families, and groups.

Where to Stay & Why - Do you want plenty of space with a great location and amazing views? Owner Direct Vacation Rentals has it all! Whether you’re soul searching, out for a romantic getaway, or a family vacation - the home and condo rentals can accommodate 3 guests and up. With plenty of space to spread out, it’s perfectly suited for those who love to ski or golf which is accessible from the front door. Enjoy mountain views in an open and bright layout, as well as a large hot tub, fireplace, internet connected flat screen TVs with cable, and a well-appointed kitchen - fully equipped to prepare meals with lots of dinnerware, pots and pans, appliances, and a BBQ grill on the patio. Salt and pepper, cooking oil, and basic spices are provided at some of the rentals, as well as coffee filters and sugar. There are also parking spaces, room for you to hide away your ski gear and bikes. Some of the accommodations even provide laundry soap for the washer and dryer and some provide a high chair, Pack n’ Play (with mattress), kids dishes, as well as a small selection of toys to make traveling with your little ones a bit easier.

What to See & Do - Enjoy Panorama Mountain Resorts’ 4,019ft of vertical and expansive downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain. Night skiing is available from late December until the end of the season. Cross-country ski at Panorama Nordic Centre, or take the kids on a guided snowshoe tour alongside Toby Creek, which has abundant local wildlife. You can take the free shuttle bus to Invermere to access additional restaurants, shops, funky cafes, and galleries.

During the summer, stop for a swim at Lake Lillian, located between Panorama Mountain Resort and Invermere. The views of the Rocky Mountains are spectacular and the water is amazing. Try whitewater rafting at the Kootenay River Runners on the upper sections of Toby Creek or spend a challenging day at Greywolf Golf Course.

Check out the lift-assisted mountain bike park at Panorama. From the Mile One Express, a total of 17 trails weave down the mountain. While beginners will find easy confidence-building terrain, the park also has lots of expert terrain complete with constructed stunts.

Where to Eat & Drink - Before heading out to the mountain, stop by the Picnic Cafe for a quick breakfast with a steaming cup of locally made Kicking Horse Coffee. They also serve baked goods, homemade soups, and delicious sandwiches. Greys Restaurant offers a la carte’s, children’s, and a vegetarian menu with many gluten-free dishes. The open plan kitchen allows guests to visit the bar area for pre-dinner cocktails while viewing the preparation of their food. Cliffhanger Restaurant is the premier dining establishment in the Columbia Valley. The breathtaking mountain views provide a scenic environment for any occasion. For drinks, the T-Bar & Grill is the place for apres after a great day on the mountain. Monticola is the mountain’s sweet spot - comfortable, casual, and super-friendly dining at its best. It’s also perfect for family dining, apres drinks, or just a place to chill and snack with friends. They offer Italian fusion - fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, and flatbread that is savory, fine, and rustic fare.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - By air, Calgary International Airport is the major gateway airport to Panorama and is served by many major airlines. The other option is to fly into the Canadian Rockies International Airport which is near Kimberley and a 2-hour drive to Panorama. The flights generally originate from Calgary or Vancouver, but Delta Airlines have also commenced flights from Salt Lake City.

By car from Calgary (or Banff), drive west on Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway). When 30km past Banff, turn onto (the exit to Radium Hot Springs) Highway 93 which is the only major exit west of Banff. Follow signs to Radium Hot Springs, once there, turn left at the stop sign on Highway 93/95 and follow the signs to Invermere for 15 minutes. Turn right at the traffic lights and follow the signs to Invermere and Panorama Ski Resort, then turn left over a bridge into the resort.

Once in Panorama, a car is not required and it’s possible to walk around the village. Some paths are steep and don’t necessarily have steps, so make sure you have the right footwear. A car may be useful to get in and out of Invermere on your own schedule. If not, you may catch a taxi or the shuttle.

When to Go - For the winter season, the resort is open from November to early April. The best time to ski though is late in the season which is in March or April when the skies are sunny, conditions are usually excellent and the lines for the lifts are short to non-existent. You’d be riding on less of the slush and more of the late season powder.

If you love everything you read here and the pictures, wait until you see the place! You’ll not only love the vacation home rentals, but all Panorama has to offer year-round.