SilverStar

Many of the ski resorts in British Columbia have a historical vibe that guests enjoy, including the village at the SilverStar ski area that is reminiscent of a 19th-century mining town. Deep snow, hundreds of alpine runs, and thousands of skiable acres greet visitors from Vancouver to Calgary and even the American northwest. The continuous expansion has turned the venue into an all-season destination with plenty to do year-round.

Motorists will use the Trans-Canadian Highway 1 east of Vancouver before transferring to Highway 97 at Monte Creek. That Highway will bring drivers to Vernon, British Columbia, and the ski resort. Americans will find that US Route 97 enters the Province north of Oroville, Washington. Those flying into the area can use the International airport in Kelowna.

Skiing and Riding the Monashee Mountains

The SilverStar ski resort sits in the Monashee Mountains, a sub-range within the Columbia Mountains. That geography helps create the alpine terrain that visitors to the venue enjoy. A base elevation at the village of 5,278 feet helps build the 2,500-foot vertical that guests will ski and snowboard down. The resort area extends over four mountain faces, taking advantage of various terrain types to create a family-fun experience that offers experienced ski bums a challenge.

There are several lodging accommodations found on the mountain and nearby. Ski-in/ski-out at the village is a popular choice among those making a vacation out of their visit, and everyone planning to stay here should check online for package deals that offer more than savings on rooms. There are 18 bars, cafes, lounges, pubs, and restaurants to choose from at the SilverStar ski resort. Guests can grab a quick bite to eat, take a break from the slopes, or sit down for a nice dinner.

Nearly a dozen retail and service-oriented businesses provide the extras that make visits something more. That includes extras like a daycare and spa center, freeing up parents to ski and ride or relax while being pampered. Visitors lacking gear can rent it at the SilverStar ski venue, including package deals or extras not used for alpine or Nordic exploration.

Plenty to Explore for All

The SilverStar ski area offers several unique ways to enjoy the resort besides downhill skiing or riding. That includes bowling, hockey games (Vernon Vipers), mini-snowmobiles, snowmobile tours, horse sleigh ride tours, ice skating, fat biking, and winter tubing. Visitors can take guided, CAT, or snowshoe tours around the area.

The SilverStar ski area has over 65 miles of cross-country trails that guests can explore, with sections rated for nearly everyone. There are 3,282 acres of skiable terrain that include 132 runs and a dozen gladed areas. Only 15-percent of the mountain terrain at SilverStar is rated green/beginner, with 40-percent of the alpine trails rated blue/intermediate. That leaves 35-percent of the runs rated as black diamond/advanced and 10-percent rated as double black diamond/expert.

SilverStar receives about 275 inches of snowfall each year, with temperatures that keep natural snowfall in place. Ten lifts move guests uphill here, including access to the three terrain parks found at the winter venue.