Silver Star Mountain Resort

Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in British Columbia. Located 22km northeast of Vernon in British Columbia, its mountain scenery is akin to a true winter wonderland. Resembling a village of the Victorian Era, the town at the foot of the mountain is just as magical.

Silver Star ski resort is one of the largest ski areas in Canada offering 3,281 acres of skiable terrain and a whopping 132 runs. Its giant range of runs offering varying degrees of difficulty for all ability levels (17% easy, 44% intermediate and 39% expert runs) lets every skier’s heart beat faster as the ski resort is split into Front and Back Side, which ensures great slopes to suit every skill level. Since the Front Side of the resort features green beginner terrain, blue groomers, and advanced terrain around Alpine Meadows Chair, it is the best option for families and groups of skiers with different ability levels.

The ski resort’s Back Side offers a dense network of extreme black diamond and double diamond runs guaranteeing endless fun on the slopes for experienced skiers. Free Fall is the most difficult run at Silver Star and also to be found on the Back Side of the mountain. For all those who prefer airtime to groomed runs, there is great news: Silver Star is of course home to a terrain park.

The top of the Comet chair as well as the Alpine Meadows lift link to the Attridge area, which has both easy runs, such as Criss Cross and Ridge Run, and steep blacks like Outback, Fastback, Soreback, and Busback. Ride Summit Chair or Comet Express up to Vance Creek to access great intermediate terrain, for instance Walt’s Run and Milky Way, but also some black diamond slopes, such as Face and Show Off. From there you can ski down to the Silver Woods Express, which mainly serves intermediate slopes and glades. All runs offer a fantastic view of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley and many a time the chance to switch onto another run, which does not only make the ski resort way more interesting and huge in its varieties, but it is also great fun on the slopes itself, especially after a few days spent in the resort. Perfect for all novices and beginners are the numerous long, green runs, like Main Street Skiway or Last Chance.

Whoever thinks this is still nothing like enough is free to try night skiing. As soon as the sun goes down, the lights come up at Silver Star. Night skiing is possible from December to April every Friday and Saturday evening from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Besides groomed trails accessed by the Summit and Silver Queen chairs, The Zone with its magic carpet is also opened and illuminated.

Paradise Camp on Putnam Creek in between the Home Run Tee and Powder Gulch Express lift is very popular among tourists as it serves great stews and soups, and further provides amazing views of the majestic Monashee Mountains.

Lookout Café is also a nice place to get some rest during a long day on the slopes. Warm up with a fresh-brewed latte and some fresh-baked treats to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the best view on the mountain possible.

Highly recommended is the longest run at Silver Star Mountain Resort. Eldorado proceeds from the front side of the mountain through to the back side at a length of 8km. Get on the Powder Gulch Express in order to get back to the Home Run Tee from where you can easily ski down into the Village and get back to the Summit by taking one of the chair lifts. 

Whether a visit to the local Ousia Day Spa with its unwinding massages, for some rejuvenation or just a time out, a nice yoga session or some snowmobile touring: There’s plenty to do and discover in Silver Star. All younger winter sportspersons also get the chance to experience the thrill of some snowmobiling and to discover the breathtaking Silver Star winter wonderland.

Snowtubing is another great offer at Silver Star for some amazing family fun. Who still does not get enough snow and cold should definitely attend one of the different snowshoe tours. Rushing through Silver Star’s forests, this is a unique Canadian experience for all ages.

Anyone who feels more at ease in warmer surroundings should pay a visit to the bowling center or the climbing wall, which is 7m high, offering varying degrees of difficulty for all ability levels. Also highly recommended is a horse-drawn sleigh ride with a final warm up of hot chocolate and some nice baked treats enjoying a cozy candlelight and fireplace atmosphere.

Silver Star is relatively quiet regarding huge night life events or great nights out. Yet, it offers numerous bars, restaurants, and lounges to spend the evening with family and friends. Den Bar & Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants on the mountain with great dishes, neat live music, and an impressive selection of both hot and cold beverages. Sit by the fire and devote yourself to some late night talks with your best buddies and soulmates. Final Run Bar & Bistro with its fantastic meals and desserts is another great venue.

1609 Restaurant & Lounge was just established in 2014. Whether you are into a hot drink by the fireside, some casual dining experience, a perfect cocktail or late night snack, or you are into the wide selection of craft beers and wines, 1609 will definitely meet your needs and surprises its guests with well planned themed party nights with live music and popular DJs

Whether you stop by at Long John’s Pub with its silver-mining themed decor or at Bugaboos Bakery Café with its outstanding breakfast offers and its home-cooked Chili and Thai Curry - there is a variety of options for spending a night out. 

The newest restaurant and pub at Silver Star is Red Antler, where everything is about family-friendly dining, excellent Canadian cuisine, house smoked meats, regional wines and craft beers. Silver Grill is home to fine dining at the resort. Guests totally can expect consistent, high-quality dishes and service as well as a welcoming atmosphere. 

Moreover, Silver Star offers various mountain dinner tours, which is a unique experience given that it is a journey by snow cat, snowmobile, horse-drawn sleigh or even by snowshoe, which ends in one of its charming cabins with hot and cold buffets.

Silver Star is the closest western Canadian ski resort from Toronto and several other North American cities. It is located 55 minutes north of Kelowna International Airport, where many major Canadian and American airlines arrive, that make it a lot easier to get on the snow. Plenty of shuttle companies are available at all times, ready to drive you to the ski resort. Please be aware that shuttles must be booked several days prior your arrival.

When arriving by car, it is highly recommended that snow tires are used. From Vancouver you get to the resort via Kamloops following the Trans-Canada Highway until you change onto Highway 97 all the way to Vernon. From Calgary, you follow Highway 97A, then also change onto Highway 97. From Vernon, just follow the Silver Star Rd until you reach the ski resort.