CANADIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD VACATION EXPERTS

SILVERSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT, british columbia

COVID-19 POLICY

The prettiest chocolate box ski village in all the land. That’s SilverStar ski resort in British Columbia. With a ski-in, ski-out Main Street lined with multi colourful ‘miners’ buildings that pop against the white snow; and a spectacular mountain offering with groomed wide runs on the front side; and steeper chutes and tree runs on the back side.

Consider this big mountain small town gem your family vacation resort of choice.

 

SilverStar Resort SKi Packages – Our Favourites

We have ski packages to suit families, couples or solo skiers. Check out all our SilverStar Ski Packages.


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All SilverStar Deals

 

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ABOUT SILVERSTAR

About silverstar

THE SNOW

SilverStar averages 23 feet or 7 metres of interior British Columbia light dry powder every season with consistent top ups throughout the winter. No lift lines means more fresh tracks every time through the glades, open bowls, wide groomers and double black chutes.

SilverStar Mountain Resort WEBCAM

SilverStar webcam
Visit SilverStar Mountain Resort for live webcam update.

Contact us for Silverstar season pass and best holiday offers.

THE VILLAGE

SilverStar townhouses and chalets
Photo credit: SilverStar

The colourful low-rise village sits mid-mountain which means you are never far from the ski runs and lifts. In fact the Gondola is at the end of the main street — snowbound of course! The village is intimate with lodging nestled amongst the 18 pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants and six retail stores. There are options for grocery shopping both on-mountain and home delivery.

DISTANCE

It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk (in ski boots) from one end of the village to the other. Townhouses and chalets are generally another 10-15 minutes’ walk from the village. A free shuttle bus connects the village and accommodation areas, operating on a continuous loop.

 

OUR ADVICE
SilverStar is worth a visit, though be warned, you will be hooked.  Many skiers and boarders return year after year for the secret terrain, the laid-back lifestyle and the charm. Add world class cross-country trails with tracks set daily, reliable quality snow,  kid friendly activities and a relaxed dining scene. Consider a dual mountain resort vacation with either Sun Peaks or Big White.

 

Contact us for the best package deals to SilverStar.

WHERE TO STAY

There are two main accommodation areas. The inner village centre where you can stay at various lodge accommodations including Snowbird Lodge, the resorts most luxurious condo style lodging.

 

A short 10 minute walk, or free shuttle bus ride you’ll find more lodges, townhouses and condominiums close to Brewer’s Pond Ice skating and Tubetown area, as well as ski to the Silver Queen Chair.  Our favourites in this area are Firelight Lodge and Creekside Condominiums. Both ski-in, ski-out. The nearby Knoll area, is also home to many chalets and townhouses including the Grandview Condominiums.

 

Contact us for lodging recommendations and deals to suit your needs.

TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT SILVERSTAR

#1.  A big mountain, with a small-town feel. All the terrain you’d expect at a larger resort, without the crowds. All with true mid-mountain ski-in, ski-out access

 

#2.  The 65.2 miles (105km) of Nordic trails. SilverStar and their neighbour Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, when combined, deliver the largest daily groomed trail network in Canada. Plenty of wide open spaces. Social distancing is not a consideration here!

 

#3.  Explore steep powder filled chutes, long winch-cat black diamond runs, glades, back-country at Putnam Creek “Backside.”

 

#4.  Enjoy a unique mountain dinner tour. Journey by snow cat, horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe, or even cross-country ski to one of the charming cabins for an unforgettable experience that you and your family are sure to remember for life.

 

#5.   Showshoe wonderland. A magical 10 mile (16 km) network of dedicated snowshoe trails through forests of giant Christmas trees.

 

Contact us for lodging recommendations and deals to suit your needs.

RESORT FACTS

DESIGNATED TRAILS: 

#Total Trails Beginner Intermediate Advanced Expert
132 15% 40% 25% 10%

ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 

SilverStar  275in 700+ cm

TERRAIN: RESORT AREA

Sun Peaks 3282 ac 1328 ha

VERTICAL DROP: 

2500 ft / 762 m                    Longest Run: 5 miles / 8 km

Summit Elevation 6280 ft / 1915 m
Village Centre 5280 ft / 1609 m
Vertical Drop 2500 ft / 762 m

NUMBER OF LIFTS & UPHILL CAPACITY: 

SilverStar 11 14,000 people per hour

NORDIC SKIING: 

SilverStar is Canada’s largest network of daily groomed cross-country ski trails. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of SilverStar than exploring the nordic trails. Begin with over 34 miles (55 km) of trails at SilverStar, varying in difficulty from green to blue to black. A dual mountain cross-country ski pass will then allow you to explore an additional 31 miles (50 km) of connecting trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre.  High elevation and mild winter temperatures provide a perfect recreation area to explore. World-class grooming and outstanding early and late season ski conditions continue to provide some of the best cross-country skiing in the world.

 

NIGHT SKIING: 

When the sun goes down the lights come on at SilverStar. Night alpine skiing is usually available every Friday and Saturday night, 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm. The resort provides groomed and lit trails accessed by the Gondola, Silver Queen Chairs and “The Zone” Magic Wonder Carpet. For cross-country skiers, SilverStar maintains 2.5 miles (4 km) of lit Nordic trails available seven nights a week.

 

SEASON DATES & OPENING HOURS

SilverStar is usually open from late November to mid-April each year.

 

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION

9.00 am – 3.30 pm Note: These times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, school, and public holidays.

 

Contact us for the best SilverStar offers going.

GETTING THERE

SilverStar Mountain Resort is 40 miles (63.7km) from Kelowna International Airport. From Vancouver by road, the resort is 302 miles (486 km) from Vancouver. The nearest town to SilverStar is Vernon 13 miles (20.9km).

 

FLY

SilverStar is conveniently positioned in the Interior of British Columbia, less than an hour from Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Many of the major airlines have daily direct flights from many major cities, or direct connections from: Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and Calgary, ensuring SilverStar is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Air Canada, WestJet, Air North, Alaska Airlines and their code share partners ensure straightforward connections from the USA, UK, Australia and Asia.

 

The resort’s airport shuttle service meets all flights from Kamloops. It usually takes just 60 minutes door to door. If you are flying into Kelowna, shuttles must be reserved 5 days prior to arrival, as they do not meet all flights. Remember to let them know if children need a booster or car seat.

Airport shuttles


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DRIVE

If you are considering a road trip to take in other ski resorts and the spectacular alpine scenery; Whistler is only 5.5 hours away via Highway 99, some 270 miles (433 km), Sun Peaks is just 2.5 hours, 119 miles (191 km) and Big White (via Kelowna) is 1.75 hours by road, only 77 miles (124 km) . We can arrange inter-resort transfers.

 

SNOW HOW TIP
If you plan to travel British Columbia roadways when wintry conditions are a possibility, you should carry chains and be prepared to install them if needed.

 

When you come to a posted sign on the highway stating “Winter Tires or Chains Are Required Beyond This Point”, you must be ready to install chains or have proper winter tread tires before proceeding.

 

SNOW HOW TIP 
Winter tyres or chains are mandatory from October 1 to April 30 each year. Winter tyres can be requested for rental cars also. Look for the snowflake symbol on the tyre. Enterprise Car Rental are our preferred car rental company, purely based on positive past experiences, and offering a fleet of vehicles with winter tyres.

 

GETTING AROUND SILVERSTAR

The SilverStar in-resort shuttle is complimentary and operates throughout the village areas of SilverStar, providing convenient pick-up and drop-off services for guests to and from their accommodations.

 

There is no taxi company in the resort, however there are two taxi companies operating from Vernon. Contact details: Vernon Taxi 250-545-3337 and Capital Taxi 250-545-1355

 

BIKES

Fat Biking is available at SilverStar. These bikes are intended for off-road cycling with wider, over-sized tires to handle the snow. Fat biking is only permitted on the designated multi-purpose trails.

 

OTHER GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Local operators provide low cost bus options from Vernon and Kelowna.

 

Contact us for the best SilverStar holiday to suit your needs.

TRAIL MAP

SilverStar trail map


THINGS TO DO AT SILVERSTAR

Things to do at silverstar

TERRAIN PARKS

Man skiing in SilverStar

ONE OF CANADA’S BEST TERRAIN PARKS

SilverStar Terrain Park is a safe and progressive terrain park & rail garden expanding a whopping 16 acres (6.5 hectares). Designed for the progression of riders and skiers, you will find an assortment of all kinds of table tops and step-up jumps designed to help you take your park skiing and riding to the next level.

 

For a good mix of metal to grind, you’ll also find a huge variety of boxes and rails to satisfy your park cravings. SilverStar’s award-winning Terrain Park is known all over the Okanagan as one of the finest, all-natural-snow terrain parks.

 

SMALL LANE 

The Small Lane is a terrain park of its own, located next to the Main Park and is the best area for beginner level riders and skiers to shred and progress. Here you’ll find Small ride-ons, lip features, boxes, and snow features including jumps. The small lane has something for every style of Terrain Park learner.

 

MEDIUM LANE

The Medium Lane in the Terrain Park is the place to be for intermediate level riders and skiers. This lane showcases a line of intermediate level boxes, rails, tubes, and jumps. The Medium Lane entrance is located on lower Big Dipper in the middle of the Terrain Park.

 

LARGE LANE

Here you will find a similar line to the XL lane so you can slowly progress your riding before hitting our expert rider training ground. The Large Entrance is located on lower Big Dipper on the skier’s left hand side of the Terrain Park.

 

X-LARGE LANE 

Here you’ll find huge jumps and expert level rails that will help you progress your riding to the next level. This lane is home to multiple slopestyle events, and is an awesome training ground to learn new tricks, and throw down.

SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL

SilverStar is home to one of the most innovative SnowSport Schools in Canada with top level CSIA ski instructors trained in all disciplines, alpine skiing, snowboarding, freeriding, telemark, cross country fat biking, snowshoeing and skating.

 

Given the focus on family at SilverStar, the Snowsports School have a very specialized group of instructors/coaches trained to work with young children. This dedicated group creates a warm, fun atmosphere for young students where their skills will be improved to ski or ride safely on the mountain.

 

COVID-19 Policy: The resorts’ products, programs and prices may change or vary for the upcoming 2020/21 season as they continue to act in accordance with the instructions of the BC Ministry of Health and other Government officials.

 

FUN FACT

The SilverStar Academy is a comprehensive on-snow skills development series offered exclusively at SilverStar Mountain Resort. These training programs offer coaching at the highest level, and are designed for individuals seeking excellence and improved performance in a variety of alpine disciplines.

SilverStar have a vast selection of improvement lessons and programs

WOMEN’S ACADEMY

An all-day all-inclusive day on the slopes. Your coach will use every trick in the book to improve your skiing skills. Spend the day exploring a variety of slopes and conditions where your new found skills will make your skiing experience the best it can be.  Take one day or two days throughout the season. The Women’s Academy Program is limited to 8 x Advanced and 8 x Expert Skiers – Minimum 3 people required at each level.
Bumps Academy (Age 13+) Refine your bump technique. This fun-filled two-day bump camp will show you how to use the terrain to your advantage, maximizing your enjoyment of skiing the bumps, skiing through the trees and all over the mountain. This Academy Program is available for the following ability levels: Minimum 3 per class – Maximum 6 per class.

Intermediate – can comfortably ski blue bumps/off-piste blue terrain wanting to acquire skills to ski black bump terrain. Terrain – Horsin around, Frontside bumps – Chute, Show off, Southern Cross etc.

Advanced – Can comfortably ski ungroomed black bump terrain, working on performance and control. Terrain – Quicksilver, High lead, white elephant etc.

Expert – You are comfortable skiing all over the mountain on black diamond terrain, however, want to enhance your bump technique, allowing you to ski with less effort and fatigue. Terrain – Quicksilver, High lead, Head Walls, etc.

Masters Academy If you are 50 years of age or older then this is for you. Join like-minded skiers for a fun-filled two days. Your instructor will work to simplify your ski technique, allowing you to ski with less effort and fatigue; and show you how to use modern ski design and equipment to your advantage giving you more time on the slopes. This Academy Program is available for the following ability levels:

Intermediate – You can control turns on Blue terrain and want to acquire skills to ski more confidently on the steeper Blue terrain.

Advanced – You are comfortable skiing groomed Black Diamond terrain, however, want to work on better performance and control.

Expert – You are comfortable skiing all over the mountain, however, want to simplify your ski technique, allowing you to ski with less effort and fatigue.

Adventure Camps for Kids Fun filled 3-Day or 5-Day week of adventure and fun learning to ski and ride, making new friends, and enjoying all the activities SilverStar Mountain Resort has to offer. Instructors will ski/ride with your kids throughout the morning, have lunch* with them, then pass the afternoon by trying one of the multitude of activities SilverStar has to offer. Try skating, tubing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, as well as fun filled indoor activities. There are so many things to do on the mountain.
XC Supercamp XC Supercamp offers Canada’s most established cross-country ski improvement camps for adults of all skiing abilities and fitness levels. The Supercamp, will provide an enjoyable, social Nordic experience for every participant that not only develops skiing skills, but also encourages fitness and camaraderie. The camp is perfect for a getaway with friends or family, a personal ski escape, or an early-season training camp. What’s Included: 

  • Waxing workshop, Après ski wine & yoga, Evening social, Guest speaker, Trail passes for the duration of the camp, Lunches for all days of your camp, Transportation between ski areas, Discount on Silver Star accommodation, Video analysis, Personalized coaching
U19 ACADEMY U19 Academy is a specialized on-snow race and skills development program that focuses on alpine, skier-cross, snowboarding and snowboard-cross. This Academy combines the highest level of coaching with an incredible social atmosphere, where both parents and children can interact with families from around the world.

KIDS PROGRAMS

For the tiny tots and children, SilverStar Snow Sports School provides the fun-filled ultimate snow playground for kids, 18 months and older. The focus is on fun, and it’s the perfect place for kids to be introduced to snow sports, gain confidence, and improve their snowboarding and skiing. With lots of activities on and off snow, your kids will be hooked.

Star Kids Daycare At Star Kids Daycare, your children are cared for by professionals who provide them with both indoor and outdoor fun, offering a skiing program for children aged 18 months* to 5 years. Daycare Plus is a full day of daycare with a 1 hour private lesson in the morning or afternoon, and the rental equipment for free.

SNOW HOW TIP:
Best to register in advance for child minding prior to your vacation to ensure availability.

 

Contact us for lodging recommendations and holiday deals to suit your needs.

RENTALS

At SilverStar you have a great choice of rental gear — providing the latest technology, the best in boot-fitters, and every conceivable accessory and gadget you may need. Located in the Main Street Boardwalk, the location is super convenient in the inner village.

SNOW HOW TIP:
Try the “Ultimate Rental Package” if you are staying 5 or more days which includes unlimited exchanges on all rental gear. Try skis, boards, Nordic, skates, fat bikes, and snowshoes, it’s all included in one easy price.

RETAIL THERAPY

Head to The Lord Aberdeen Market for a full-service grocery and liquor store where you will find everything you need for your stay. There’s a large variety of fresh produce, meat and fish, locally baked goods, gifts such as Canadian maple syrup, locally made condiments and preserves, along with all the basics you need to cook a wholesome meal.

 

There are also three souvenir and clothing stores at SilverStar, an art gallery featuring local artisans, and a candy store which is a favourite with the young and young at heart.

Retail stores with apparel and equipment for skiers and snowboarders, après ski gear, gifts and souvenirs
Equipment hire and rentals – skis, snowboards, snowshoes, Nordic gear, helmets, clothing, snow bikes
Boot fitter – expert team guarantee comfort & fit
Art Gallery with local artisan goods
Kids gear, candy store and souvenirs
Repairs and tuning open daily

THINGS TO DO

ON MOUNTAIN

Cross country skiing at SilverStar
Cross Country skiing at SilverStar. Credit SilverStar Mountain Resort
Mini Snowmobiles SilverStar’s Mini Sleds are perfect for your young ones! Watch your youngsters face light up with excitement as they ride these mini snowmobiles round and round on a designated fenced track. Mini sleds are designed for those aged 6-12 years and under 100lbs
Mountain Hosts The Mountain Host tours (Alpine and Nordic) depart daily from the village at 9:30 AM. The volunteer Mountain Hosts offer their knowledge of the best runs, hidden treasures and some of the easiest route back to the village or your accommodation.

Ski and Snowboard Tours: an introduction to everything that SilverStar has to offer, including best groomed terrain, best views, shortest lift lines, where is the best snow, even the best places for lunch, coffee or après ski activities. Our Mountain Hosts will cater the tour to your ability level, share some interesting local knowledge and show you where you can explore next.

Cross-Country Ski Tours – your Host will show you a sample of Canada’s largest daily groomed XC ski network.  They will also point you in the right direction for more exploration.

Snow Biking Monashee Adventure Group is an outdoor adventure company for the passionate and the extreme rider from all over the globe. Come experience a new level of snow riding within the most incredible Canadian landscape.
Fat Biking Enjoy more than 15 km of fat bike trails open for riders. Fat Biking is included with the purchase of a valid alpine, xc cross day ticket and/or season passes.

OFF MOUNTAIN

For those days when you feel like a change of pace, or perhaps you have non-skiers and riders in your group, here are a few of our favourite ideas.

Ice Hockey Tour This is a must-do evening activity! Get up close to the action with the Vernon Vipers, the local Ice Hockey team. The resort organizes everything — game day tickets, and transportation to the indoor ice rink in Vernon. As the six-time National Champions you’ll love the Vernon Vipers. Whether you are a diehard hockey fan or a first timer, a true Canadian hockey game will make a great family event. The bus leaves directly from the resort and returns you directly after the game.

SNOW HOW TIP:  Locals always call it “hockey” never “ice hockey”.

Okanagan Valley Lake Country Wine Tour Local wine tours that operate over the winter season. Lake Country vineyards include 50th Parallel, Ex Nihilo and Gray Monk Experience Lake Country handcrafted wines, home to some of the oldest and most well-established vineyards and wineries in the Okanagan Valley.


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Contact us for lodging recommendations and deals to suit your needs.

APRÈS SKI

SilverStar night sleigh ride

After the must-do hot tub at the end of your ski day, time to glam up in your après gear and hit the town. If you’re really hanging out for Molson or some S’mores, you can forego the hot tub, and ski right to the bars and restaurants on your way home, because the village sits mid-mountain. Head to the aptly named, The Final Run Bar & Bistro next to Pinheads Bowling, in their incredible Ice Bar.

 

We love the fact that SilverStar village is not huge. It’s intimate and quaint. You may not see the designer gear out and about en masse, but SilverStar has got soul and history, and lots of it. With 18 eateries and bars to choose from, fun isn’t hard to find. There’s a handful of restaurants, most catering for families, and many offering exceptional farm-to-plate local produce and superb Canadian wines from the local Okanagan region.

 

The Den Bar and Bistro and Red Antler are two of SilverStar’s most popular après spots for good food, and a cosy, convivial and authentic ski town atmosphere. Long Johns, lazy backcountry feel, sports bar-type venue is another favourite après pick, where you can mix, mingle and hustle around pool tables with the laid-back locals. You’ll be sure to hear some tall stories of waist deep powder days from the Putnam Creek backside of the Star, as the locals affectionately call the resort.

 

If you want to spend more time outdoors with nature, SilverStar has that covered too. Memories will be made under the starry night sky above SilverStar. Load the family, your significant other, or your ski buddies, into a horse-drawn sleigh. This isn’t an ordinary sleigh ride. Oh no… this is a sleigh ride to end all sleigh rides. Your guide will take you on the sleigh through Silver Star’s winter wonderland of pristine wilderness trails to Wild Horseman’s Cabin. There you’ll warm up with a mug of hot cocoa or hot apple cider or a dinner fit for a king.

 

Or take the mechanical option, and journey by snow cat to the backside of the mountain for a truly unique dinner at the Paradise Camp, where you will enjoy the authentic ambience, during your lantern-lit chef prepared dinner.  By the way, your cocktail of choice, or martini, is included. After all, this is après ski!

 

Did you know, SilverStar has the world’s only ski-in, ski-out bowling alley? It does. Test your ten-pin bowling skills at Pinheads at SilverStar — fabulous fun for the young, and young at heart.

 

If you want to catch a local hockey game that’s easy too. The local Vernon Vipers guarantee an action-packed rink side night out, with thrills and spills on the ice assured.  The resort can help arrange tickets and transport down to Vernon.

SilverStar, Firelight Lodge, ©SSMRSilverStar, Firelight Lodge, ©SSMR

WHY SILVERSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT?

SilverStar has it all. A mid mountain postcard village with ski-in, ski-out accommodation; warm and welcoming restaurants and bars; a massive natural ice rink and tube park; fat bikes; world class Nordic trail; horse sleighs to dining cabins in the woods; and even a bowling alley!

Expect 132 runs spaced out over 3282 acres (1328 ha) of skiable terrain and  2494 feet (760 m) of vertical. The beauty of SilverStar is intermediates can enjoy the wide open super groomed space of the front side near the village, whilst the ‘experts’ in the group can hit up the blacks and double blacks of the backside.

There is one big long green home run on the backside so families of different levels can meet up at the bottom, ride the lift up and then split at the top, to meet up again at the bottom. Add Paradise Camp eatery’s famous ski-in, ski-out cinnamon buns for a mid ski day energy boost, and you’ll have the time of your family ski lives.

Lift queues are non existant and locals are super friendly and have no trouble giving you the tips on the best areas of the mountain to ride that day. Life in SilverStar slips into a languid routine of flat whites at Franks with a chocolate bear claw, first tracks on the groomers, Paradise Camp mid-morning break, lunch in the village, back out for more fun and then a cat back to Paradise Camp for dinner or a horse sleigh to the woods for fondue.  Sounds like a pretty awesome ski vacation. We think so too!

FUN FACT

Dig out the long skis, the race suit, your need for speed. SilverStar Mountain Resort retains the title of having the longest running recreational downhill event in Canada, since its inception in 1981. The Over-The-Hill-Downhill still attracts recreational ski racers from across North America every February.

This incredibly fun ski race pits individuals and teams of four against each other for the glory of being the fastest down the mountain. Teams are entered in a category based on the combined team age ranging from 65 to 225+ years. This is a seriously popular event, with training camps available for those wishing to get into shape.

@skiholsandtours