Some of the best skiing offered in British Columbia is just outside your front door or a short drive from your Kelowna vacation rental. Whether you want to race downhill or venture out for a cross-country jaunt, the area provides incredible snow adventures like nothing you've ever experienced before.
Big White in Kelowna
Their motto is 'It's the Snow' and they aren't kidding. Boasting a seasonal average of 24.5 feet of fluffy, dry champagne powder and an average daytime temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, you know you're in for some awesome skiing. Equipped with 16 uphill lifts capable of transporting more than 25,000 skiers and riders every hour, you'll spend more time on the slopes than in the line. With a base elevation of 4,950 feet and a top elevation of 7,606 feet, discover five alpine bowls and 118 immaculately groomed runs covering 2,765 acres of sheer skiing bliss.
Ski through the world renowned corridors of snow ghosts - lofty snow-caked fir trees that create silent, haunting phantasmal shapes. The panoramic vistas will literally take your breath away. If you're new to the sport or an expert looking to hone your skills, Big White's ski school is just a call away. Kids can take advantage of the Adopt an Instructor Program for individual attention. When you're ready to pack it in, take your boots off and climb aboard an old fashioned horse-drawn sleigh for a relaxing ride, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Silver Star
Approximately 48 miles north of Kelowna vacation homes, the drive is well worth your time to spend a day at Silver Star. More than 23 feet of the Okanagan's incredible champagne powder falls on the slopes annually. Offering a six pack express, two detachable quads, two fixed grip quads and a double chair for a total uphill capacity of 14,000 skiers, getting to the top is a breeze. The mountain's base elevation is 3,780 feet, and 6,280 at the top, covering 3,065 skiable acres for an amazing total of 58 miles of smiles. Alpine trails offer 2,500 vertical feet of packed, champagne powder and 115 runs, making for an exhilarating day of superb skiing. If you're more inclined to Nordic skiing, there are 37 miles of trails to keep you busy exploring for hours on end, or even days with optional lift access for upper trails. For a night time adventure there are 2 miles of well groomed lit track. These trails are ideal for any level of cross-country skier.
Volunteer ski partners offer free mountain tours to explore hidden treasures, the best runs and easy access routes back down the hill. Ski partners are recognized by their blue and yellow jackets and meet daily in the village at 9:30am and 1:15pm. It's a great way to explore the mountain if you've never been before.
With so much to offer in this winter wonderland, plan your escape at Vamoose.com where you can find vacation rentals to suit your needs and sort by price, amenities and size.