Itinerary: A Silver Star Ski Trip With Your Besties

Spending time in the mountains with friends recharges the battery and fuels the soul. With cozy chalets, a welcoming community vibe, and an abundance of winter activities, our mid-mountain haven is the perfect setting for that long-awaited ski trip with your pals. From snow-filled fun to culinary delights and chill time, here are a few ways to enjoy a friend-cation at Silver Star. 

Ski, Snowboard, Repeat

SilverStar Mountain Resort delivers a skiing and snowboarding experience that will leave you and your besties with the biggest smiles. Plus, you won’t spend all day trying to find everyone amongst crowded slopes. 

Gear up and hit the front side cruisers, then head to the steep and deep stashes on the back side. There are 132 marked runs and a spread of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain to accommodate all ability levels in your group. Immerse yourself in the thrill of the slopes by day, with night skiing on Friday and Saturday evenings. Throughout the season, watch or participate in fun downhill races, friendly competitions, and rail jams. This is a great way to connect with our local community and meet passionate locals who live and breathe skiing and snowboarding.  

Cross-Country Paradise

Glide through Canada’s longest continuous groomed cross-country trail network, a group activity that combines exercise with stunning mountain vistas. Whether you’re new to Nordic skiing or looking to improve, consider a group private lesson to boost confidence and get insider tips on the local XC scene. (Hot tip: You may just bump into an Olympian or World Champion along the way). We have two amazing cross-country skiing venues to choose from: Sovereign Lake and SilverStar Mountain Resort. Equipment rentals are available at both locations. 

Snowy Adventures Beyond the Ski Slopes

Ski tracks aside, there are many ways to immerse yourself in winter magic. The snowshoeing trails are a serene retreat, where friends can wander amidst the hushed beauty of the snow-laden forests, sharing stories or enjoying the tranquil silence. For the adrenaline seekers in the group, fat biking is a must-try. Imagine racing down snowy trails on bikes, laughing and competing with each other along the way. 

The excitement continues at the exhilarating Tube Town Tube Park. Meanwhile, a game of shinny or a casual skate on the frozen Brewers Pond outdoor ice rink is a fun way to enjoy the cool mountain air under a starry sky and twinkling lights.

As the crisp winter’s night settles in, you can combine adventure with gourmet cuisine on an unforgettable Paradise Camp Snow Cat Tour. Traverse through scenic landscapes in a snow cat to a rustic cabin, where a warm, hearty dinner with drink pairings awaits.

Let Us Entertain You

Connect with the heartbeat of our community. The vibrant Greater Vernon area is rich with Indigenous cultures, art, and music. Located in Silver Star Village, Gallery Odin showcases local artists, offering a glimpse into the creative pulse of the area. You can also meet and support Okanagan artisans at seasonal pop-up markets, both at Silver Star and Vernon.

For a fun night out, check out mountain film events, pub quiz nights, and live music, hosted throughout the season at various Silver Star venues. We also have a roster of fun arts, entertainment, and cultural events lined up this winter. The month of February brings the Vernon Winter Carnival and the BC Snow Sculpture Competition, while March ramps into high gear with Peak Pride and the SEISMIC Festival. Check out our events page for an up-to-date calendar.

Where to Stay

Silver Star Village is located at mid-mountain, which means plenty of snow for a winter wonderland feel, and a home base in the heart of the action. Everything is within walking distance, so you’re free to explore without the hassle of driving and parking. Choose from a range of ski-in/ski-out accommodations, complete with kitchens, hot tubs, and communal areas perfect for game nights or just lounging around. These cozy spaces aren’t just a place to rest your head; they’re your home away from home.

Where to Dine

Every day is an opportunity for a new culinary adventure as you explore our intimate village. Chefs and mixologists, deeply inspired by the fresh Okanagan ingredients, as well as local craft beer and wine, dream up inventive fusion cuisine options that will keep you coming back for more. The culinary experience at Silver Star take your taste buds on a tour of the globe, with stops in Holland, Indonesia, Japan, and Italy. 

Apres and Cocktails

Gather around the communal fire pit for a hot chocolate and then hit up group-friendly spots like Bulldog Grand Café, and The Den, which serve up comforting apres foods like heaping plates of nachos, wings, handhelds, and even some unexpected menu items like Dutch Bitterballen. 

Dinner 

While many vacation properties and group accommodations often provide large kitchens for home-cooked meals with your crew, it’s always fun to dine out and let someone else do the dishes. Choose from an eclectic array of restaurants, offering casual fare, bistro-pub delights, and international cuisine. 

A delicious newcomer to the local dining scene, D’Argento serves hand-made pasta with classic sauces, and other thoughtfully curated Italian delicacies. Meanwhile, the chic ambiance of Black Pine Social delivers Pacific Northwest favourites with a nod to Japanese cuisine, not to mention an excellent artisan cocktail list and great local wine selection.  

In Silver Star, every moment is an opportunity to deepen friendships and create new stories. Whether you’re carving the slopes, swapping tales by the community fire pit, or indulging in Okanagan cuisine, you’re not just spending time – you’re making time count. Pack your comfy clothes, grab your friends, and head to Silver Star for an adventure that’s as fun and unique as your group. 

Photo Credits:  Lianne Viau, Amber Turnau, , Jackson Parker, Sam Egan, Doortje Geelkerken