A long, long time ago in a magical winter wonderland called Silver Star, BC, there was a charming mountain village with plenty of snow and fun activities for kids of all ages…
Bring the fairytale to life this winter with a visit to a treasured North Okanagan ski resort and see how to make the most of your family ski trip to Silver Star this season.
Shred the Slopes As a Family
Parents often say that SilverStar Mountain Resort is the kind of place where you can let kids be kids again. With less crowding, wide open runs, and easy-to-navigate terrain, your whole family can swoosh and glide down the mountain at their own pace. That means more quality time making memories and less time dodging on-slope traffic jams.
Little shredders can explore family favourites like Peanut Trail before venturing into the advanced chutes and glades of Putnam Creek area (also known as “the backside”). Having fun is just as important as learning new skills and there’s nothing like improving your confidence at the SilverStar Snow Sports School. Kids group lessons include lunch, a hot chocolate break (yum), and discount bundles with lift tickets and rentals.
Experience the Winter Village Fairytale
Idyllic Silver Star Village, with colourful buildings, quaint boardwalks, and rosy-cheeked shopkeepers, could very well be the setting for the next snow-themed Disney flick. By day, bring the kids through the snow-covered Village Stroll, visiting locally-owned boutiques and eateries. During post-ski afternoons, families can savour hot chocolate and s’mores ‘round a crackling community fire; regaling stories from the day’s winter adventures. Evenings bring a dash of magic as twinkling fairy lights adorn the village and the lower slopes are floodlit for night skiing.
Winter Activities For Big and Little Kids
Active families will revel in the long list of winter activities, perfect to keep everyone in the family entertained. The mountain offers Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket and season pass, which includes access to Tube Town, the outdoor skating pond, and Nordic skiing trails in addition to downhill skiing. There are plenty of other fun ways of exploring the Shuswap Highland of the Monashee Mountains, including snowshoeing tours, fat biking, and mini snowmobile rides.
Silver Star is also home to a variety of inclusive all ages winter events, including Light Up, Winter Carnival, Peak Pride, and the anticipated spring SEISMIC Festival. Stay tuned to the events calendar for details on family-friendly live music, mountain culture events all season long.
Family Friendly Dining
Silver Star is home to an array of uniquely themed dining establishments, ranging from grab-and-go eateries to sit-down meals with kids’ menus. Order Frank’s European pastries at Bugaboos Bakery Cafe, enjoy a full breakfast fry-up at Town Hall, or indulge in a wood-fired slice at Pizza Gratta. The Bulldog Grand Cafe, which serves Dutch-Indonesian cuisine, also offers a kids menu. Long John’s Pub offers handhelds, soups, and sides for all to enjoy (the truffle tots will be a hit with your kiddos).
Ski-In/Ski-Out Accommodation: A Dream for Parents
Getting the family ready for a day of skiing and riding can sometimes feel like a monumental task. Enter: slopeside accommodation to save the day. With the mountain at your doorstep, all you have to do is hop into your ski gear and schuss down to the gondola or chairlift to start your adventure. That means less lost mittens and tantrums in the parking lot and more time enjoying the ride.
Many vacation properties and hotels at Silver Star also offer large suites and self-catered kitchens, which is perfect for groups and families. The Firelight Lodge, for example, is located right at the skating pond and Tube Town and has an all-season outdoor entertaining area with a BBQ grilling area. Meanwhile, Silver Star Stays offers private vacation properties with all the amenities your family will need.
Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to plan your own Silver Star winter fairytale. See you (and the kids) this season!
Photo Credits: Roman Daudrich, Jaclyn Tanemura, Brian Goldstone, Blake Jorgenson, @cameracarrie
