The Thompson Okanagan is renowned for its family-friendly winter resorts with terrain to satisfy every level of ability.
Pleasant winter weather and light, dry powder prevails in this region. Three Thompson Okanagan resorts were awarded “Best Weather in the West” from Ski Canada magazine (2007), and up to 7m (23ft) of snow can fall on the slopes in a single season.
All four major resorts in this region have excellent ski-in ski-out accommodations.
In 2008, Sun Peaks Resort (near Kamloops) was named the “Best Family Resort in North America” by the Great Skiing and Snowboarding Guide, a publication compiled by British winter resort experts.
Big White Ski Resort, just outside of Kelowna, has cruising runs, alpine bowls, and a well-equipped terrain park popular with riders. The resort has a long history of supporting and developing riders in the sport of snowboarding.
Close to Vernon, Silver Star Mountain Resort’s brightly coloured village is host to many amenities and activities (such as Friday night fireworks); its slopes include groomed runs, gladed areas and steeps.
Apex Mountain Resort, located west of Penticton, receives quality powder snow, has terrain for all levels of snowboarders, and lots of resort activities to keep visitors busy.
Practical Points
Accommodations at winter resorts usually include a range of ski-in/ski-out or on-mountain options; additional accommodation is also available in towns near the resort.
Equipment rentals, lessons and free mountain tours are available at all major winter resorts in the Thompson Okanagan.
In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, many resorts offer other activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobiling.