Summit Trail Makers Society

Summit Trail Makers Society We aim to promote safe and sustainable hiking experiences by assisting in development and maintenanc Ministry of Forests.

History: The society was created in 2001 by a small group of hikers with a desire to "give something back". At that time, an informal relationship was established with the B.C. As STMS membership grew, their record of trail maintenance successes also grew, as well as their credibility with the government. By 2007, grant money from the Ministry supplemented the Society's membership income as the pr

ovince relied more and more on groups such as STMS for assistance in managing the trails. A formal partnership agreement between the province and STMS was put in place in 2011 with a term of 5 years. Through government funding and other grants over the years, STMS has accumulated an inventory of equipment and developed a pool of skilled volunteers who greatly contribute to the happy hiking experiences available in the Columbia Valley and neighbouring mountain ranges.

Hey everyone! Big heads up. The cycling society just received word someone ran into a Grizzly Momma and two cubs on Swa...
06/04/2026

Hey everyone! Big heads up. The cycling society just received word someone ran into a Grizzly Momma and two cubs on Swansea. Practice bear safety: make lots of noise, carry bear spray, and be mindful of your pets as they have been known to bring bears back to their people.

Thank you Radium Hot Springs Rotary Club! We appreciate the support!
06/03/2026

Thank you Radium Hot Springs Rotary Club! We appreciate the support!

We read a report from a trusty source that Pinto is now hikable. There is still snow on the trail, with some trees down....
06/01/2026

We read a report from a trusty source that Pinto is now hikable. There is still snow on the trail, with some trees down. So still early season. The road is said to be in good shape too. In recent years, high clearance has been needed but according to the report, SUVs can make it through again.
Having said all this, please keep in mind it’s still early season so be prepared to turn around if your experience level doesn’t match the conditions you encounter.
Also, with all this rain and snow melt, if you are out adventuring, remember that conditions can change very rapidly. With this kind of moisture certain areas are going to be prone to flooding or slides. It’s being reported that the Horsethief is flooded in places. Be prepared for anything, let folks know where you are, be ready to call it a day if conditions aren’t favourable, and have a communication source in case things go sideways.
Photo not of Pinto but the glacier lilies are out there too - which also means the bears may be out snacking.

05/31/2026

I made this one on behalf of the CVCS but since Swansea is also used by hikers, and the overall message applies to everyone, I’m posting it here, too.

Have you heard? STMS will be hosting our AGM on Tuesday, June 16th, at Invermere Brewing. The meeting begins at 7 pm but...
05/25/2026

Have you heard? STMS will be hosting our AGM on Tuesday, June 16th, at Invermere Brewing. The meeting begins at 7 pm but doors will open at 6 pm. Feel free to drop by early to grab this season’s membership, enjoy a beverage, and catch up with friends. 

This year’s guest speaker is Chris Skinner, one of our very own board members. Chris is the founder and lead guide at Playwest Mountain Experiences and he will be presenting Baffin & Beyond: Stories from the North. Chris will take us on a journey to one of the most remote landscapes on Earth — Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island — sharing stories of the trail, the land, and the remarkable Inuit community of Pangnirtung. Part adventure story, part love letter to wild places, this is a presentation you won’t want to miss.

Thank you to everyone who has already purchased their 2026 membership. We look forward to seeing you all on June 16th.

Show us your adventures! If you haven’t heard we are holding a fun little contest! 🏔️ Stick to the Trail - Celebrating...
05/24/2026

Show us your adventures!

If you haven’t heard we are holding a fun little contest! 🏔️ Stick to the Trail - Celebrating 25 Years of STMS 🏔️

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re launching the Photo Contest! We want to see where our trails take you this summer. While we think our trails are pretty top notch, the contest is open to any trail you enjoy this summer.

🥾 The Challenge: Grab a 25th-anniversary sticker, slap it on your favorite gear, and take it to the top!

🚫 Respect the Wild: Help us keep our trails pristine. Stickers are for your gear, not the landscape. Let’s practice Leave No Trace together!

🎁 Monthly prizes are up for grabs starting now, with a Grand Prize announced on October 15th. Show us your trails!

And don’t forget to grab your 2026 STMS membership from our website. Each membership helps us to maintain 11 great trails around the Valley.

Stickers can be found at STMS trailheads, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, and the Invermere Info Centre.

We hope everyone had a great long weekend! If you haven’t heard we are holding a fun little contest! 🏔️ Stick to the Tr...
05/20/2026

We hope everyone had a great long weekend!

If you haven’t heard we are holding a fun little contest! 🏔️ Stick to the Trail - Celebrating 25 Years of STMS 🏔️

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re launching the Photo Contest! We want to see where our trails take you this summer. While we think our trails are pretty top notch, the contest is open to any trail you enjoy this summer.

🥾 The Challenge: Grab a 25th-anniversary sticker, slap it on your favorite gear, and take it to the top!

🚫 Respect the Wild: Help us keep our trails pristine. Stickers are for your gear, not the landscape. Let’s practice Leave No Trace together!

🎁 Monthly prizes are up for grabs starting now, with a Grand Prize announced on October 15th. Show us your trails!

And don’t forget to grab your 2026 STMS membership from our website. Each membership helps us to maintain 11 great trails around the Valley.

Stickers can be found at STMS trailheads, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, and the Invermere Info Centre.

STMS will be hosting our AGM on Tuesday, June 16th, at Invermere Brewing. The meeting begins at 7 pm but doors will open...
05/16/2026

STMS will be hosting our AGM on Tuesday, June 16th, at Invermere Brewing. The meeting begins at 7 pm but doors will open at 6 pm. Feel free to drop by early to grab this season’s membership, enjoy a beverage, and catch up with friends. 

This year’s guest speaker is Chris Skinner, one of our very own board members. Chris is the founder and lead guide at Playwest Mountain Experiences and he will be presenting Baffin & Beyond: Stories from the North. Chris will take us on a journey to one of the most remote landscapes on Earth — Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island — sharing stories of the trail, the land, and the remarkable Inuit community of Pangnirtung. Part adventure story, part love letter to wild places, this is a presentation you won’t want to miss.

Thank you to everyone who has already purchased their 2026 membership. We look forward to seeing you all on June 16th.

A really important heads up!
05/16/2026

A really important heads up!

BEAR IN AREA - WESTSIDE LEGACY TRAIL (NORTH END) - posted: May 15.26 4:50pm

A grizzly bear and cubs have been reported in the area of the Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail in the area of Grizzly Ridge approximately 5km from the north parking lot (near the Invermere end of the Trail).

We ask all trail users to please:
• Be bear aware – make noise, travel in groups
• Stay alert and watch your surroundings at all times
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Do not approach or linger if a bear is spotted
• Keep dogs on leash and under control
• Turn back if you feel unsafe – your safety comes first

A mother bear with cubs is highly protective. Please use extra caution or consider avoiding the trail until further notice.

If you spot the bear or cubs, please do not attempt to approach, photograph up close, or engage with the animals. Immediately report it to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

We are working to get additional signage in place and encourage residents and trail users to share this message and help spread awareness.

Announcing a fun new contest!🏔️ Stick to the Trail - Celebrating 25 Years of STMS 🏔️To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, w...
05/15/2026

Announcing a fun new contest!

🏔️ Stick to the Trail - Celebrating 25 Years of STMS 🏔️

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re launching the Photo Contest! We want to see where our trails take you this summer. While we think our trails are pretty top notch, the contest is open to any trail you enjoy this summer.

🥾 The Challenge: Grab a 25th-anniversary sticker, slap it on your favorite gear, and take it to the top!

🚫 Respect the Wild: Help us keep our trails pristine. Stickers are for your gear, not the landscape. Let’s practice Leave No Trace together!

🎁 Monthly prizes are up for grabs starting now, with a Grand Prize announced on October 15th. Show us your trails!

And don’t forget to grab your 2026 STMS membership from our website. Each membership helps us to maintain 11 great trails around the Valley.

Address

Invermere, BC

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Summit Trail Makers Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Summit Trail Makers Society:

Shortcuts

Share

Category