Silver Star Ski Resort Guide & Reviews Ski Area, Apres-Ski, Things to See &aqmp; Do at Silver Star
Overview
Silver Star is a purpose built ski-in, ski-out resort in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Lots of terrain, tree-lined slopes, guaranteed snow and pistes suitable for all levels make Silver Star a very popular resort.
Après-ski
The après-ski is lively and fun with some great bars both on and off the slopes. Sipping Okanagan wines and sampling the microbrewery beers around a log fire after a hearty evening meal is something to look forward to after a day on the mountain.
Families
Silver Star has a reputation for being family friendly and its easy to see why. The Star Kids program takes children up to 12 years old to learn to ski with other outdoor activities included. They also have a nursery that looks after children from 6 months old.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1155m |
| Top lift | 1915m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 3065 |
| Longest run | 8 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 105 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Silver Star Ski Area Guide
With an average snowfall of 710cms, snow is virtually guaranteed enabling you to enjoy the 118+ runs, bowls and gladed tree areas on 105km of groomed pistes. The ski terrian stretches over 3000 acres accommodating every level of skier and boarder. There are the high gradient decents around Putnam Creek to the cruising blues that sweep through the Silver Woods glades - something for everyone to enjoy. And, with virtually zero lift queues, cruising around the entire area is effortless.
Beginners
Around 15% of the marked runs are for beginners and unlike many resorts where the new comers to the sport are restricted to the lower levels, the Silver Star network of pistes allow you to access the upper slopes around Attridge and Vance Creek giving that high mountain experience.
The other major plus is that from the top of nearly every lift, you have a choice of a green, blue or black run so that the whole family can ski the same area together no matter what their ability.
Intermediate
Cruising around the Silver Woods is great fun on the blues but for more challenging terrain, head to Putnam Creek where there is a large selection of steep tree-lined decents.
Advanced
As well as intermediates trails, Putnam Creek is home to some of the steepest terrain on the mountain and includes the double blacks such as Free Wall, Spirit Bowl and many more.
For off-piste, take the Summit Chair to the top of Vance Creek and head towards the unpatrolled back-country area via the 8km blue Eldorado trail. This is the access point to the unpatrolled back-country zones around Alder Point.
Cross-country
Nordic skiing is very popular and there are 105km of groomed trails in the resort (4km floodlit) and around Soverign Lakes. For the more adventerous, you can try off-track cross-country skiing. This involves short climbs before reaping the benefits - wide skis and good edges are required.
Heli-Skiing
If you can handle most of the terrain at Silver Star meaning you are a strong intermediate skier/boarder or better then why not try heli-skiing. Pick-up and drop-offs are from the resort and you have over 117,000 acres to explore surrounded by the pristine natural beauty of the Monashee Mountains.
Silver Star Lodging
With 5600 tourist beds, Silver Star provides a good selection of lodging options from ski-in/ski-out condos and lodges ski chalets catering for all budgets and tastes.
Many families opt for the convenience of staying in a self catering vacation rental such as a lodge or condo as this allows more flexibility especially with very young children and they are great value for money.
Things to See & Do
Silver Star goes that extra mile when it comes to keeping families entertained as can be seen with the Adventure Park that has tubing, ice skating pond, sleigh rides and mini snowmobiles for the kids.
Other activities and suggestions
- Snowshoeing is getting more popular and is a great way to explore the mountain at a more sedate pace
- Try out some of the treatmets at one of the spa and wellness centres
- Snowmobiling is not to be missed - excellent fun and a fantastic way to get off the beaten track and explore the delights of back-country trails
- For a change of evening entertainment, Vernon is just a 20 minute drive down the mountain where you will find many more bars and restaurants to choose from plus better value grocery stores if staying in a self-catering vacation rental
Our view on Silver Star
A superb resort for all the family with many things to see and do no matter what age.
If you want to try out skiing in one of the other resorts in the Okanagan Valley, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is just 2 1/2 hours drive and trips can be arranged via the Tourist Office with buses leaving Silver Star around 7am and returning at 6.30pm. Alternatively, there is Big White, which is also a 2 1/2 drive.
