Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon: The Ultimate Nordic Skiing Event

Picture this: You’re standing at the starting line alongside hundreds of fellow cross-country skiers, each eager to take on a thigh-burning race. The air buzzes with camaraderie and competition as you adjust your gear, exchange encouraging nods, and prepare to push off. The start gun fires and you’re off, immersing yourself in one of the most thrilling and scenic Nordic skiing events in British Columbia. This is the annual Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S for short), Canada’s fastest-growing Loppet race. 

So what is the S2S Ski Marathon and why does it take place at Silver Star? 

There’s no better place to challenge yourself than on ski trails that often have mid-winter conditions in April and no better event to test your metal than a ski marathon, the most fun and inclusive type of cross-country ski competition. 

Simply put, Silver Star is one of the premium places to Nordic ski in North America, with 105km (65 miles) of trails, amazing amounts of early and late-season snow, and world-class daily grooming. The linked trail networks of SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club set the stage for an impressive and engaged cross-country community that includes world champions, Olympians, and local legends. 

Silver Star’s Rise to Nordic Notoriety

Silver Star’s cross-country skiing boom began in the 1980s and during this 40-year span, the vision for a competitive ski race was born alongside the expansive trail development. At the heart of this Nordic revolution was an import from the Canadian Prairies, Norm Crerar, who helped found SilverStar Mountain Resort. Crerar is a passionate and skilled skier and a Nordic “builder” who still lives on the mountain today and remains on the S2S Organizing Committee. 

It is because of people like Norm and the thriving cross-country community that local and international Nordic skiing athletes have gathered together over the decades to host and race in Loppets, Nor-Am races and even the Masters World Cup. 

Today, there are numerous Nordic races and events at Sovereign Lake and Silver Star throughout the winter, though the S2S—launched in 2022—has become the marquee event to wrap up the Nordic skiing season. Aimed at skiers from the community and around the world, this event is for all ages and abilities, who come and celebrate the ski season with their friends and family, great conditions, and a fun atmosphere. The S2S Ski Marathon is quickly becoming one of Canada’s largest ski marathons, attracting elite skiers and recreationists alike. The level of competition, prize money, and the festive atmosphere has attracted top-level athletes from across North America who want to join in.

Along with many other Olympic and World Cup-level athletes, Canada’s own Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt has been coming to the S2S Ski Marathon to end her racing season.  Olivia shared with us:

“Silver Star is already one of my favourite places to be, so racing a Loppet from Sovereign to Silver Star is pretty much the best thing ever.” She goes on to say: “It’s the last event of the season and it becomes the moment to both celebrate a full and lengthy winter of racing with friends and ensure you finish the season satisfactorily tired. I can’t think of a better way to cap off the winter.”

The S2S is a self-proclaimed “point-to-party” event where skiers can choose between participating in the 40km (25 mile) or 21km (13mile) event, starting at the Sovereign Lake stadium and finishes on Main Street in Silver Star Village. This event boasts two of everything: two days of skiing, two techniques, two distances, and two amazing venues working together to host over 800 skiers throughout the weekend. 

Participation is the Number 1 goal of the event. The motto “Finishing is Winning” can be heard by announcers and organizers during the event, welcoming people from all experience levels to participate. The snowy tracks are lined with costume-clad volunteers who make the event possible. You can see them handing out fuel to the skiers at aid stations, marshalling the course, encouraging participants, and celebrating every skier as they cross the finish line on Main Street in Silver Star Village. This fun and supportive atmosphere is one feature that keeps participants coming back year after year.

The 4th Annual S2S Ski Marathon runs April 5-6, 2025, with the Classic technique on Saturday, followed by the Skate on Sunday. There are still spots available, but space is limited! Sign up today at sovereign2silverstar.com.

Get ready for the event by booking your stay with the event lodging partners and save up to 25%! Then, hit the Sovereign and SilverStar trails to train and experience the incredible course firsthand. Don’t miss out—Book Now and we’ll see you at the finish line.

Photos Credits: Vanessa Garrison & Tor Nenzen