Silver Star Ski Holidays Canada
"Silver Star is still a relatively well kept secret and so you'll have the slopes pretty much to yourself - it's definitely worth the extra short flight from Vancouver. There's some great lodging and everything has been made so easy for guests - especially families."
Silver Star Ski Holidays
Silver Star is British Columbia’s 3rd largest ski area with over 3000+ acres of incredibly varied terrain, from the gentle to the formidable, all featuring beautiful dry Okanagan powder and impeccably groomed runs. With four separate mountain faces and 132 trails, Silver Star is an uncrowded resort and a perfect environment for learning and progressing. If you want the intimacy of a colourful, ski-in/ski-out, mid-mountain village offering quality accommodation with skiing that will please groups of mixed abilities or families, this is one of your very best options.
Silver Star has two distinct areas - Vance Creek on the front side of the mountain, and Putnam Creek on the backside. Both areas are very different in character but combine together to make Silver Star a destination that feels way bigger than the sum of its parts.
Skiing in Silver Star
One of the very best features about Silver Star is the progression of the terrain for learners – you start right in the village with your own learn to ski or ride zone. After that you can jump on the new gondola to the summit straight from the village or slide gently down to the Comet Express and ascend to the summit. Once you’re on top, drink in the 360 degree view before cruising down the front side of Vance Creek – you really are spoilt for choice here in terms of quantity of trails and quality of terrain. There’s a massive choice of easy greens and gentle undulating blue trails here.
Next you move a bit further afield and try the excellent glades down off the Silver Woods Express – ‘Baker’s Acres’ and ‘Trinity Trees’ are super fun. Then you’re ready for some fast cruising down the beautifully groomed blue trails off the front face of Vance Creek, before moving over to Attridge peak for a few short sharp intakes of breath down the tighter more technical drops off the Alpine Meadows Chair. For intermediates, Silver Star’s Vance Creek area is exceptional with superbly crafted terrain all accessed easily from the village.
Now it’s time to move to the dark side…over on Putnam Creek, despite one long green run - the feel of the terrain changes quite dramatically. Here we're talking double black diamond, steep, fast, downhill on well-maintained trails, or vast bumps, squeezed into narrow couloirs that await the faint of heart – here you’ll find expert and gnarly terrain in spades. This is an enormous area of around 1900 acres in its own right which the trail map fails to do justice. Advanced skiers and riders will be in hog heaven here. There are also some blue trails on Putnam Creek - so it is entirely possible for groups with very different ideas of what a 'good' run is to ski together taking different routes and meeting for the chair-ride back to the top for some repeat action.
Finish the day with a lazy slide down Last Chance before heading for a well-earned après beer at the Den Bar & Bistro. All of our featured accommodation is right in the village, making access to all of Silver Star’s bars, shops and restaurants super-easy. If you still haven’t had your ski fix for the day, then Silver Star offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-December to the end of March.
Vancouver City Stopovers
Vancouver is a great place to spend a couple of nights before or after your Silver Star ski holiday. Packed with cultural experiences, a lively food & drink scene, funky neighbourhoods to explore and great hotels, it's a perfect addition to your time on the slopes.
Main image: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
"Silver Star is still a relatively well kept secret and so you'll have the slopes pretty much to yourself - it's definitely worth the extra short flight from Vancouver. There's some great lodging and everything has been made so easy for guests - especially families."
Offers in Silver Star
Warning: Undefined array key "type" in /var/www/vhosts/ski-i.com/httpdocs/templates/TRT/html/com_content/article/resort.php on line 859
'); return false;">
Warning: Undefined array key "type" in /var/www/vhosts/ski-i.com/httpdocs/templates/TRT/html/com_content/article/resort.php on line 859
'); return false;">
Firelight Lodge, Silver Star
Early Booking Offer
Silver Star Accommodation
Snowbird Lodge
Snowbird Lodge is a high-end property in a fantastic ski-in/ski-out...
Firelight Lodge
Firelight Lodge in Silver Star’s mid-mountain village is located by...
Après-Ski in Silver Star
Dining in Silver Star
Silver Star has a Dickensian feel due to its Victorian heritage - the town council insists that property owners adhere to the local tradition of brightly hued paints for their wooden homes, contributing to a storybook feel and warm, bright atmosphere. The snowbound pedestrian Main St in the village is filled with cute little boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Den
Charming brasserie in the village with a menu featuring European inspired cuisine and BC wines. Sharing plates, platters, hearty mains and local Okanagan wines.
Long John's Pub
This is the local’s favourite bar providing excellent service, traditional Canadian pub cuisine and beers at affordable prices. Long John’s can be a busy rowdy affair, with regular live music, but it also remains very family-friendly. This is a great venue to start or finish your night, or even start and finish your night!
D’Argento
Casual and well-curated, clever Italian dining in a lovely cosy mountain setting. Hand-made pastas and classic Italian sauces accompanied by great wine choices. This is a well thought out menu that concentrates on taste.
The Red Antler
The Red Antler is the heart of the relaxed après scene at Silver Star. With a huge beer selection on tap, and a strong local focus, this is elevated Canadian pub fare at its best.
Black Pine Social
Located above the Red Antler, the Black Pine Social has a comfortable warm atmosphere with a nice roaring fireplace. With a menu that evokes shades of rustic European alpine culture with a little Japan thrown in for good measure, the Black Pine is passionate about offering a contemporary dining experience.
Pizza Gratta
Delicious sourdough pizza baked fresh to order where ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. This is a small take-out spot where pre-ordering is highly recommended.
Tube Town Cafe & Bar
Located next to the snowtubing park making it the perfect spot to warm up. Enjoy hot chocolates, chilli bowls, hot dogs and more!
Bugaboos Bakery Cafe
Dutch-inspired bakery with freshly baked pastries, homemade soup and sandwiches plus plenty of other items to take away.
Activities in Silver Star
Ski & Ride with a Local
Free mountain tours by friendly, knowledgeable locals. Tours depart at 9.30am each day from infront of Town Hall in the village. Suitable for anyone who can ski or ride at least a green run - there is no tuition provided during this tour. .
Night Skiing
Still not finished on skis for the day? Night skiing runs on Friday and Saturday nights with 4km of select trails lit. Suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Snow Tubing at Tube Town
Spin and slide down the tubing lanes for a thrilling non-ski activity. The lanes are accessible via the tube lift preserving your energy for fun times!
Ice Skating on Brewer’s Pond
Take to the ice in this classic Canadian pastime. Magical experience for a simple skate or try your hand at pond hockey. Tickets can be purchased and skates rented from Brewer’s Base.
Snowshoeing
With 16km of dedicated trails this makes for a relaxing way to explore the forest when you’re not on the ski slopes. Snowshoes available to rent from the main rental shop in the village. Evening tours are also available on select dates taking you to the cosy, rustic Ravenwood Cabin for a Raclette dinner. Pre-booking required.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiers are spoilt for choice in the Silver Star area with 105km of trails including Sovereign Lake.
Elevate Spa
Full service spa with all-natural treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind. Located in the NATC building in the village.
Bear Byway Scavenger Hunt
Seven unique bear sculptures have been created by local BC artists. Collect your Bear Roam Scavenger Hunt sheet from guest services and take to the Brewer’s pond trail to seek out and learn about the bears. Answer the questions on the sheet and return to guest services for a free sticker. Perfect for the littles ones!
Ice Hockey
Want to fully indulge in all things Canadian? Keep an eye out for the local ice hockey schedules for the Vernon Vipers. On select dates there is a bus from Silver Star to and from the game.