Silver Star Mountain Resort is a family destination winter and summer.
In summer, the resort gets an infusion of young thrill-seekers who come to tackle Silver Star's renowned mountain biking trails, but Silver Star still welcomes families and empty nesters to hike the mountain trails and take in the wildflower show.
Downhillers and snowboarders tackle 1,240ha/3,064ac of terrain geared to challenge skills from beginner to powderhound. Boarders and skiers step it up a notch on the rails, jumps and table tops at the resort's terrain parks. Both riders and gliders hone their skills with group lessons or private coaching at the Snowsports School. Disabled skiers hit the slopes with the help of Silver Star Adaptive Snowsports.
Cross-Country Skiing
The early season, excellent conditions and variety of cross-country trails attract the world's elite athletes to train here. Prior to the 2010 Winter Games, Silver Star hosted 10 Nordic national teams. But that doesn't mean the terrain is too tough for everyday free-heelers. With 105km/65mi of trails at Silver Star and the adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, there's cross-country skiing for every skill level.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoers can try something different at Silver Star. Guided backcountry tours provide the opportunity to tramp off-trail and learn steep terrain techniques in a safe environment. For a more conventional winter hike, check out the 16km/10mi of self-guided, signed snowshoe trails at the adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Club.
More Winter Activities
When the sliding, gliding and tramping are done for the day, or it's just time for a change of pace, Silver Star comes through with a host of other winter activities. Head for Brewer's Pond and join a pick-up game of hockey or help the little ones learn to skate on the 1ha/2.5ac natural surface. Sign up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the forest to Wild Horseman's Cabin or take the ultimate downhill ride in Tube Town.
Silver Star Summer Activities
Mountain Biking
Silver Star Bike Park is a must-ride for serious mountain bikers, but its also offers excellent trails for easy cruising through the sub-alpine forest. Canada's largest mountain bike lift scoots to the summit in under eight minutes. Then pull on a helmet and take the long route down or armour up and challenge the 488m/1,600ft of vertical. Work on skills training in the beginner area or graduate to the progressive features of the Vault Skills Area and Jump Park.
Hiking
Join Outdoor Discoveries Nature Tours and naturalist Roseanne Van Ee for a guided hike through Silver Star's wildflower meadows. Ride the Summit Chairlift to the top of the mountain and learn about wildflowers, bears, berries, the Silver Star mine and First Nations history on the hike back down. For a really easy hike, take the lift up and spend some time strolling around the summit.
Check out the wildflowers and take in the views of Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and the Monashee Mountains, then ride the lift back to the village.
For more information on things to do around Silver Star, visit Guest Services on the Main Street Boardwalk. Alternatively, contact the nearby Vernon Visitor Centre.
Read Less