Silver Star
Silver Star Mountain
Skiing SilverStar is a dream come true for any ski enthusiast. Located in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, this mountain resort offers some of the best skiing experiences in the world. SilverStar is known for its unique skiing terrain, picturesque views, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
SilverStar Mountain Resort has over 3,200 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,500 feet. The resort boasts 132 runs, which are accessed by 12 lifts, including 3 high-speed quad chairs. The terrain is varied and suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginner to expert. The resort has dedicated areas for beginners and intermediates, including a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts.
One of the best things about skiing at SilverStar is the abundance of natural snow. The resort receives an average of 700cm (275 inches) of snow each year, and with 100% snowmaking capabilities on all of the beginner and intermediate runs, the resort has the ability to offer consistent skiing conditions throughout the season.
For those looking for a challenge, SilverStar has plenty of expert runs, including the double-black diamond "Back Side" which offers some of the most challenging skiing in the region. The terrain park at SilverStar is also a highlight, with a variety of features suitable for all levels of freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Another unique aspect of skiing at SilverStar is the resort's Nordic skiing offerings. The resort has over 105km of Nordic skiing trails, which are groomed daily for classic and skate skiing. The Nordic trails are situated in a beautiful alpine setting, with stunning views of the Monashee Mountains.
The village at SilverStar is also a highlight of the resort. The village has a European feel, with brightly colored buildings and a pedestrian-only main street. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations to choose from, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy chalets. The village also has a range of activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice-skating, and tubing.
For families, SilverStar offers a range of programs and activities for children. The resort has a dedicated ski school, with lessons available for children as young as 18 months old. There are also a variety of children's activities on offer, including a mini snowmobile track and a tubing park.
One of the best things about skiing at SilverStar is the welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The resort has a tight-knit community feel, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the skiing and the social scene in the village. The staff at SilverStar are also known for their friendly and helpful nature, adding to the overall positive experience of skiing at the resort.
In terms of accessibility, SilverStar is located approximately 22km (14 miles) northeast of Vernon, British Columbia. The resort is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus, and there are also regular flights to Kelowna International Airport, which is approximately 65km (40 miles) south of SilverStar.
The story of Silverstar begins in the early 1950s, when a group of local skiing enthusiasts decided to build a ski hill in the area. A group of local businessmen purchased a 320-acre plot of land on Silver Star Mountain, which is located about 22 kilometers northeast of Vernon. The group decided to build a ski hill on the land, and work began on the project in 1958. The ski hill opened to the public in 1960, with a single T-bar lift and a small lodge.
Over the next few years, the ski hill grew in popularity, and additional lifts and runs were added. In 1964, a new day lodge was built, and a chairlift was installed to provide access to the top of the mountain. The resort continued to grow in the 1970s, with the addition of more lifts and runs, as well as the construction of new lodges and other amenities.
In the early 1980s, Silverstar underwent a major expansion, with the addition of several new lifts and runs, as well as the construction of a new village area. The resort also hosted the 1989 World Nordic Ski Championships, which helped to raise its profile on the international stage. In the years that followed, Silverstar continued to evolve, with new lifts, runs, and amenities added regularly. The resort also became known for its mountain biking trails, which were developed in the early 2000s.
Today, Silverstar is a world-class ski resort, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 132 runs. The resort also offers a wide range of other activities, including snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and tubing. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Despite its success, Silverstar has faced its share of challenges over the years. In 1991, the resort was hit by a major fire, which destroyed several of its buildings. The resort was rebuilt, however, and continued to thrive in the years that followed.