Penticton offers downhill skiers and snowboarders legendary champagne powder and the uncrowded family atmosphere of Apex Mountain Resort. Sometimes overlooked by those more familiar with larger Thompson Okanagan ski resorts, Apex has been rated "Best Small Destination Resort" by Ski Canada magazine.
Elite racers know Apex for its World Cup aerial and mogul courses, and the resort is recognized as a National Training Centre for both.
Apex Mountain Resort is located just 33km/21mi west of Penticton. From late November to the beginning of April, conditions are reliable with annual snowfall averaging 600cm/20ft and loads of sunshine on three different exposures. Average high temperatures in the -4°C/25°F range make for comfortable days on the mountain.
Terrific Terrain
Cruise forest glades and glide gentle slopes or attack deep powder bowls, steep 'n' deep narrow runs and moguls. Precision riders can check out natural halfpipes as well as the rails and jumps in two terrain parks.
The 450ha/1,112ac of skiable terrain includes 67 marked downhill trails with a maximum vertical of 607m/2,000ft. The longest run is 5km/3.1mi and some runs are lit for night skiing. Line-ups are reasonable even at peak times, and there are four lifts, including a high-speed quad that zips up the mountain to the 2,195m/7,200ft level, and a magic carpet for beginners.
Winter Activities at Apex
Apex Mountain Resort provides many add-ons to the downhill-thrills. Go ice skating on the 1km/0.6mi night-lit loop, try high-speed tubing in Tim Horton's Tube Park, enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, or zip along while snowmobiling.
Accommodations and Rentals
The mostly ski-in/ski-out resort offers plenty of choice with accommodations ranging from hostels to hotels and condos to chalets – there’s even RV parking. Food and beverage service includes fast snacks, groceries, pub fare and the Gunbarrel Saloon.
Equipment rentals are available for all the winter sports and the ski and board school offers programs for adults while Rippin Rascals is the place for kids. Little ones from 18 months are welcome in daycare.
How to Get to Apex
Take the Channel Parkway in Penticton to Green Mountain Road. Follow the signs for Apex Mountain Resort, approximately 22km/14mi to the intersection at Apex Guest Ranch. It's another 11km/7mi to the parking area. Good winter snow tires are required from October to April. To avoid driving, book a shuttle with Ambrosia Tours or catch the Tim Horton's Sun Snow Bus weekends and holidays.
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