At Silver Star, Après-ski Means Indulging in Relaxation, Too
With sports for all levels, the charming mountain resort features tame pursuits mixed in with high-adrenaline activities as well as some of the best spa experiences in Canada.
— By Adrian Brijbassi
Alpine sports are intimidating; alpine touring doesn’t have to be. That’s what SilverStar Mountain Resort proves every day from the opening of its winter schedule until deep into spring skiing season.
A place noted for its double-black-diamond runs, big-time snowboarding, and SnowCat tours, Silver Star has all the bonafides thrill-seekers would expect from a British Columbia mountain. Yet, it succeeds in balancing the world-class mountain sports with activities that are slower paced and soulful.
“Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there’s all kinds of things you can do to have fun here. There’s tobogganing, ice skating, fat biking, and snowshoeing, of course,” says Randi Delisimunovic, a guide with Bush Babes & Bros., a tour company and trail-running collective.
One of the marvels of Silver Star is that escape into nature is only steps away from the charming, compact village. The beauty of traipsing into an ungroomed forest is an invigorating sensory experience. Once within the coniferous terrain, massive spruce and Douglas fir trees will hold your gaze and the sublime scenery is sure to take your frosty breath away. The sounds of bird chirps and aromas of the forest — and, if you’re lucky, maybe the tickle of a slow-falling snowflake on your cheek — settle you into the calm of winter in the North Okanagan.
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The serenity is a feeling that’s sure to stick with you when you return to the village to sample its wealth of après-ski choices. Whether you’re an adventurer on Salomon skis or the less risky snowshoer, Silver Star’s options will be delightful. For dining tips at Silver Star and nearby Vernon, read ExploreNorthOkanagan’s article on why the the region just may be the next great foodie destination in Canada. Meanwhile, here are more details about the amenities and experiences on the mountain and within its vicinity.
Challenge Yourself With These Outdoor Pursuits
The heartbeat of Silver Star is its alpine sports program, which includes 132 runs, of which 10% are considered extremely difficult and 15% are categorized as easy. There’s even magical night skiing on the weekends. The resort receives an average of 700 centimetres (275 inches) of fresh snow each year, making it one of the more dependable locations for skiers in North America. Not to be missed is the annual Mountain Seismic Festival that features competitions and an ongoing party atmosphere to celebrate the arrival of spring.
A crowning jewel of the resort is its nation-leading Nordic ski trail system. It’s 105 kilometres (65 miles) long, making it the most extensive daily groomed cross-country network in Canada. Warming huts and epic views add to the pleasure for those motivated skiers who have pursued the sport for years and newcomers who want to see if they are up for the fitness test of cross-country.
Keeping It Mellow:
For activities that are less challenging but still exhilarating, guests can try winter tubing or tobogganing down a small hill, outdoor ice skating on Brewers Pond, snowmobile tours, fat biking, or one of those snowshoe treks into the woods.
Where Wellness and Nature Abound
Venturing to a harmonious setting sparks connections to your deeper self. Once in the Vernon area, you’ll be drawn to pursue meditative, healing experiences in the natural surroundings of the North Okanagan and the acclaimed spas of the area.
The on-mountain spa at Silver Star, Elevate is the choice for guests who want to soothe their muscles and bones right after a day of activity. Elevate is an Aveda spa that practices the ancient principles of Ayurveda.
If Silver Star is the number one draw to the North Okanagan, Sparkling Hill is likely a close runner-up. Located 40 kilometres west of Silver Star, the spa — noted for its variety of pools and cryo cold-pod treatment room — is one of the finest in Canada and is certain to rejuvenate your body as you pamper your deserving self.
Accommodations with Comfort at Top of Mind
For those travellers who aren’t staying at Sparkling Hill, the properties at Silver Star won’t disappoint. Here are just three options to consider:
The newest lodge at Silver Star, FireLight has massive rooms with kitchens, spacious bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and views overlooking the ski hills and Brewers Pond. The rooms include attractive cubbyholes for hanging and storing outdoor winter gear. Fireplaces entice you to cozy up after a day spent blissing out in the snow.
A partner property to FireLight, Snowbird also features large rooms and comfortable beds. Its location is likely its greatest appeal. Next to the Des Schumann Summit Express Gondola, Snowbird offers a true ski-in, ski-out experience, with a vast locker room that makes getting onto and off of the slopes easily accessible for guests. Snowbird’s other amenities include a well-equipped gym and a 24-seat theatre room that will appeal to groups.
Famous for its low-cost rooms ($169 per night), the Bulldog is also adored for its amicable staff and playful decor. It’s not much for frills, but the beds are comfortable and that’s the most important thing for most alpine sports lovers. Adding to the charm is the lower-level speakeasy — the newly reopened DiVine Cellars.
More Choices:
Explore other options and check out the mountain’s special deals on its Lodging page.
