Apex Mountain

Skiers and snowboarders have enjoyed the dry powder at the Apex Mountain ski area since the first Poma lift moved guests uphill in 1961. Locals and regional ski bums flock to this southern British Columbia winter venue, which offers several ways for the entire family to enjoy the snow.

Those looking to drive to the ski venue will find Highway 1 sits north and west of here, making Highways 3 and 97 the closest roadways. Motorists will eventually reach Hedley and the resort east of the town. Anyone flying into the Province will likely use Vancouver's International Airport before securing ground transport to the venue.

Positioned for Alpine Goodness

The Apex Mountain ski resort sits in British Columbia, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. Its location between the humid coastal region and the dryer climate found in higher elevations inland helps create the champaign powder the resort is known to have. The moisture fuels the average annual snowfall exceeding 236 inches, with the resort's northeast face helping to protect the powder from melting. A dozen snowguns help to maintain and improve upon the base that Mother Nature provides.

There is lots of ski-in/ski-out lodging at the Apex Mountain ski resort, including hotel rooms and chalets. Those looking for apres-ski will want to visit the Gunbarrel Saloon or the Longshot Wine & Tapas. A ski-in-ski-out Bristo sits in the village, and the Cafeteria offers a quick bite between runs. Retail here includes the Mountain Shop for gear and a General Store for the necessities (or non-essentials).

The Apex Mountain Rental Shop has 400 pairs of skis and boards, along with a knowledgeable staff that will get visitors on the right equipment no matter their skill or age. A Ski School is on-site and offers classes for kids, juniors, teens, and adults. There is also a program for level 1 instructors wanting to learn the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance method.

Plenty to do on the Apex

The Apex Mountain resort offers guests plenty of ways to enjoy winter on the mountain. An Adventure Skating loop and the NHL-sized outdoor Hockey Rink have ice conditions maintained by Zamboni. There is also a Tube Park where anyone over 42-inches tall can ride down the chutes. All of these facilities at Apex Mountain have lights, along with several alpine runs for nighttime activities.

There are 5,000 hectares of backcountry terrain available for exploration here. Fans of off-piste skiing must follow the resort's rules regarding skiing out of bounds, though. Several cross-country and snowshoe trails spread around the surrounding area, offering another way to enjoy the powder.

The Apex Mountain ski area maintains four terrain parks with progressing features to challenge the entire family. That includes Little Nuggets', Okanagan, Prospector, and Claim Jumper parks.

Beaconsfield Mountain has a summit height of 7,146 feet and a base elevation of 5,167 feet. That creates the 1,978-foot vertical skiers and riders use as they work down the slopes. Over 100 skiable acres hold runs that rate as green/beginner (16-percent), blue/intermediate (48-percent), black diamond/advanced (23-percent), and double black diamond (13-percent). Apex Mountain uses four lifts to move guests uphill.