Snowshoeing is very popular at Silver Star Mountain Resort. It makes a change for downhill skiers and snowboarders and it's a good alternative for people who aren't interested in sliding and gliding. Silver Star offers guided snowshoeing programs that include off-trail adventures in a controlled environment. Excellent trail systems at the adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Club give beginners a sense of security while old hands find enough variety to keep things interesting.
Guided Snowshoe Tours
Snowshoe off-trail on a guided backcountry adventure in the safe confines of Silver Star Mountain Resort. Roseanne Van Ee, a former national and provincial park naturalist, who knows this country inside and out, teaches the skills of steep terrain snowshoeing and interprets the animal tracks, natural history and First Nations connection with the forest ecology. The tour includes hot apple cider by a bonfire. Tours run Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check times and book in advance. Fees vary depending on whether snowshoe rentals are required.
Themed Snowshoe Tours
Specialty snowshoe tours include Sunset Adventure, following an historic trail to watch the sunset; Chocolate Dreams, a starlight tour to the Wild Horseman's Cabin for a chocolate fondue; Starlight Cabin Rendezvous, an evening snowshoe to the Wild Horseman's Cabin for dinner and return via horse-drawn sleigh; Ladies Day snowshoe tour and lunch, and event tours on New Years, Chinese New Year, Valentines and St Patrick's Day.
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Located in Silver Star Provincial Park next to Silver Star Mountain Resort, this renowned cross-country ski venue has embraced snowshoeing as well. The non-profit club offers over 14km/8mi of self-guided, signed snowshoe trails. Families favour the easy Trapline Trail because of its multiple shortcuts. The full distance is 3km/1.9mi but it can be chopped to just 1.7km/1mi. Four medium difficulty loops range up to 2.7km/1.7mi, with a great view from the White Rabbit Trail.
Cabin Fever (2.8km/1.7mi) is one of two black-rated (hardest) routes, but the reward is a stop at the Black Prince cabin to warm up and maybe sip a cup of hot chocolate. There is also a full service day lodge at the trailhead with snowshoes available for rent.
Practical Points
Winter tires or chains are required on Silver Star Road from Tillicum Road to Silver Star Resort from October 1 to April 30. Driving beyond that point without the proper equipment may result in a fine.