All photos courtesy Silver Star Mountain Resort.
Silver Star Mountain Resort is the first resort I skied in Canada and I’m quite loyal to this understated mountain near Vernon, BC. While you can read my reasons for loving Silver Star at this link, today, I’m thrilled to share a recent interview with Brave Ski Mom, Tara Laitinen.
Silver Star is one of your family favorites. Why?
Silver Star is the perfect place to introduce your kids to skiing or to return to and make wonderful family memories. Located near Vernon, BC, Silver Star is an easy hour’s drive from the Kelowna, BC airport. The village is charming, surrounded by a candy-colored wonderland of chalets. It looks like a picture from the Candyland game and it is almost magical.
The ski school is a quick hike from the day parking lot and is located across from the rental shop. Instruction is tailored to kids and the school is located inside a gated off learning area. The frontside of the mountain is great for beginners and intermediates with most of the black and double black skiing located on the back side of the mountain. Heli skiing is also available from the resort.
When everyone has had their fill of the alpine, the tube park and outdoor ice rink await. Pinheads, a four lane 10 pin bowling alley, indoor climbing, sleigh rides, snow shoe and snowmobile tours are also available. Nordic skiers can enjoy one of the best trail systems in British Columbia.
Part of the charm with Silver Star is that it is not like a big, modern resort. It wouldn’t be my first choice for fine dining, so stock your chalet or condo well with lots of goodies or order groceries online before your arrive.
Ski where Olympians train. Photographer: Blake Jorgenson.
Any “secrets” you’re willing to share?
Stay as close as you can to the tube park and ice rink. This is where the action is at night for family activities. From here, it’s a five-minute hike to the lifts. We think the Firelight Lodge can’t be beat.
The Firelight Lodge and the skating pond. ‘Cause nothing says skiing in Canada quite like ending your day playing hockey!
If a certain instructor is a hit with your kids, definitely book him or her for lessons – the ski school is quite accommodating. I love that you can book half days – mornings or afternoons. It’s so much easier on the little kids, plus it gives you the option to do your own thing while the kids get some good instruction.
Any other advice for families coming to Silver Star Mountain Resort?
Snow tires are essential if you are driving. If you are flying into the Kelowna airport and renting a vehicle, the same applies. Stop at the Kelowna Costco (near the airport) and hit any of the local liquor stores to load up on the excellent wines from this region. Play pens, cribs, and other baby gear are available from Silver Star Holidays (the resort’s lodging arm).
What is your favorite family skiing memory at Silver Star?
Silver Star is where our oldest daughter caught the skiing bug. We had a load of kids under seven and they all had a wonderful time. Everything is nearby and easily accessible, which is wonderful especially when you have young skiers to haul around and nap times to attend to.
What are your best family skiing tips?
In addition to my suggestions above about staying close to the adventure park and stocking up on food and drink before you arrive, I suggest picking up some Smarties Candy. They are Canada’s answer to chocolate M&M’s and make great bribery tools when kids run out of gas on the slopes.
Photo: Blake Jorgenson.
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
Being outside together and sharing our love of skiing. It can be frustrating at times, but it is totally worth it. Skiing is one activity our entire family can agree upon – from Grandparents to Aunts, Uncles and Cousins –it’s a no brainer.
Although this post focuses on family skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort, the mountain has plenty of powder, steeps and challenges for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. Photographer: Blake Jorgenson.
The Brave Ski Mom adds…
Thank you Tara! I really appreciate this update!
One of my favorite things about Silver Star Mountain Resort is their “all-inclusive” ticket. With an all day My1Pass Alpine ticket you can ski or ride all day, as well as access the cross-country, snowshoe and fat bike trail systems. You can also go tubing (tubes included) and ice skating (skate rentals available), without spending another dime.
Enjoy!
More Canadian Ski Family Favorites:
- An Insider’s Guide to Family Skiing at Lake Louise, November 14, 2016.
- Why Our Family Loves to Ski Big White, BC, November 16, 2015.
- Banff’s Ski Big 3: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, October 21, 2015.
- Why Our Family Loves to Ski Marble Mountain, Newfoundland, October 12, 2015.
- Québec City: My Kind of Ski Town, December 10, 2014.
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort: For Families Who Live to Ski and More, March 3, 2014.
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Silver Star is the reason my hubby and I want to retire in Vernon!!