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Mt. Swansea – Invermere

In 1924, Mt. Swansea was established as a B.C. Forest Service look out. A lookout structure was constructed in 1952 and removed in 1992. Follow this “Out of the Past” link to find out why this mountain is called Mt. Swansea

• 1,727m (5665 feet)
• N50 30.487 W115 57.209
• Host for the Lakeside Event since 1976
• Popular X-Country start point for Sailplanes
• See Maps and more info at Paragliding Earth

Access

From the crossroads of Invermere and Hwy 93/95 travel south app. 2.7 km to Windermere Loop Road.Turn left and cross Swansea Road. Travel 3.2 km where a left turn will take you over the Westroc Gypsum Mine Haul Road onto the signed Mt. Swansea Forest Service Road. Note that the Westroc Road is closed to public traffic. Give the right of way to industrial traffic. After 5 km the steep Mt. Swansea Road terminates at the parking area and trailhead. The road is graded to accommodate high clearance 2WD vehicles. However, extreme caution must be used, especially in passing oncoming traffic, since the road is very narrow with numerous switchbacks. Drive carefully with headlights on.

Trail Description

From the parking area this short steep trail leads to the summit of Mt. Swansea – a hike of 15 to 20 minutes. The one-half (.5) kilometer trail gains 105 m in elevation and leads to exhilarating panoramic views of the Columbia Valley, lying almost 1000m below the summit.

Mt. Swansea Summit Launch Sites

• Northwest launch allows about 3 wings to set up and is ideal for afternoon and evening flights. There is also has a wooden ramp for hang gliders.
• South launch allows about 2 wings to set up and works most of the time in the mornings. This side has a narrow metal ramp for Hang Gliders.

Landing

At the field beside the Copperside Golf course utility building along the Windermere Loop Road (right below Mt. Swansea). There is a windsock in the middle of the field. HAPC insurance is required.  Or You can land at the Invermere Airport . The Airport Operator Babin Air permits landing at the Airport (south east end of the airstrip) to Hang Gliders and Paragliders holding the Hagar and Air traffic Radio License. A Aircraft Radio is required to transmit your landing intensions to the Invermere Traffic at 123.20