14 Winter Activities

SilverStar Mountain Resort is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in BC and conveniently located just a 25 minute drive from the affordable hotels in downtown Vernon. Families come to SilverStar for its charming village atmosphere, family-friendly amenities, and terrain for all skill levels, not to mention lots of fun activities for non-skiers.

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

Vernon's geography was built for snowshoeing, especially Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort. Both provide stunning winter wonderlands dotted with giant snow-covered trees. Rent snowshoes or bring your own to explore these areas on foot.

Photo credit: @roycesihlis via Instagram

Visit Vernon this February for ten-days of fun at the annual Vernon Winter Carnival. Events include the snow sculpture competition at SilverStar, the must-see hot air balloon festival, winter sports, dinners and more. Many events sell out, so don't miss your chance to be a part of Western Canada's largest Winter Carnival! The festival runs from Feb 7 - 16, 2020 and this year's theme is: Carnival Remembers the 60s. Make sure to dress up and join the fun! 

Photo credit: Steve Austin

Vernon is considered one of the top places to cross-country ski in British Columbia. There are more than 100km of combined cross-country trails in Vernon! You can buy one dual mountain cross-country ski pass, which gives you access to both mountains, SilverStar and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club. If you've ever wanted to try cross-country skiing, this is the place!

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

Dream conditions are major drawcard for those wanting to have some fun in the snow. Vernon's dry Okanagan climate means abundant champagne powder in the winter months, often paired with bluebird days. On average, 700cm/23ft of snow falls annually on SilverStar Mountain Resort!

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

When Vernon's mountain biking season ends, fat biking begins! Fat bikes are mountain bikes that are made for riding in the snow. Getting their name from the wide tires, fat bikes are simply mountain bikes made for riding in the snow. You can rent fat bikes at SilverStar and Vernon's bike shops. Bonus tip: Plan your visit for February and take part in the Fat Bike Festival.

Photo credit: Robb Thompson

Love ice skating, playing hockey or both? You have to visit SilverStar's Brewer's Pond this winter. This one-hectare/2.47 acre natural skating surface is about as good as it gets for outdoor skating, plus there's an outdoor fire, festive music, and beautiful lights.

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

There's something magical about a horse-drawn sleigh ride. The rides offered at Vernon's SilverStar Mountain Resort take you through the back trails to a rustic cedar cabin where you can enjoy a mug of steaming cocoa and a fresh-baked treat!

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

Snowmobiling in Vernon is a big thing. In fact, there are close to 200km of snowmobile trails in the area! Bring your own snowmobile or rent one, and then blast your way across frozen lakes, through open meadows, and up and around Vernon's snowy trails.

Photo credit: Vernon Snowmobile Club

   Reason #10: Relax in luxury at Sparkling Hill

Experience the ultimate romantic winter getaway at Vernon's Sparkling Hill Resort. Escape from the cold and relax at the 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art KurSpa. Live it up in luxury surrounded by 3.5 million Swarovski crystals and stunning views of the Monashee Mountains and Okanagan Lake. 

Photo credit: Sparkling Hill Resort

After a day of winter adventure, take a sip of warming whiskey or liqueur from Vernon's Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. They're open daily to the public all winter long. Go for a tasting and then buy a bottle to take home! 

Photo credit: Okanagan Spirits

Imagine a whole section of a ski resort devoted entirely to inner tubing, complete with four separate lanes and tube lifts! SilverStar's Tube Town provides exactly that. Bring the whole family down for thrilling rides in a safe, controlled environment. Expect plenty of laughs and ridiculous winter fun!

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort

Visit local vendors all winter long in the comfort of the Kal Tire Place arena. Pack your shopping bags full of gourmet cheeses, baked goods and local foods to enjoy back at your accommodation. Don't forget the unique handcrafted gifts for your family and friends back home.

Photo credit: Steve Austin

Cruise the slopes under a star-speckled sky at SilverStar Mountain Resort. Night skiing runs every Friday and Saturday night all winter long.

Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort