A Brave Ski Mom Interview with Marion, a Brave Ski Mom of Two Boys, from Canada
If you could only ski at one resort this season with your family, which resort would you choose?
Silver Star Mountain Resort, Vernon, BC!
Why is Silver Star your favorite?
This was our first family ski holiday together. I would definitely go to Silver Star Mountain Resort during my kid’s Spring Break again because of the amazing Star Kids Snowsport School; the family friendly skiing; the lift lines (almost non-existent); and the small village atmosphere. I have been to Whistler without the kids, and I get really wrapped up in all the stores and the “scene.” Silver Star has a few stores, but you really focus on skiing with the family and not shopping.
What are the best amenities for family skiing at Silver Star?
The best amenities are the Star Kids Snowsport School with their amazing instructors. You can go to their web-site and see the bios for all the instructors, they have many credentials and such great attitudes when teaching kids. The facilities for the new skiers are just great, but they manage to get the kids out of that area pretty fast and skiing on the big runs.
There are three different sections of the mountain. It appears that the folks who need some challenging runs don’t have to spend their time dodging around new skiers because they can access numerous other parts of the mountain.
The three areas at Silver Star are Vance Creek for family friendly skiing; Silver Woods for great tree skiing and groomed runs; and then Putnam Creek which the Silver Star brochure introduces by stating “welcome to the dark side.”
We spent most of our time on Vance Creek. However, the other areas offer a few green runs (I think these are snow cat runs) and fabulous blue runs so everyone can try all the areas out.
Again, when we were at the resort, the lift lines were so fast – another plus.
What needs to be improved at Silver Star to make it even better for family skiing?
I think Silver Star strives to be family friendly. Maybe they could update the very small grocery store.
Are there any “secrets” are you willing to share about Silver Star?
If you are staying in accommodation that has a kitchen, purchase all your food before you head up the mountain (you could do this in Vernon or we live in Richmond and went to Costco and packed a cooler with our perishables and took bins of food).
Also, Bugaboos Bakery Cafe has great food. We would go before the lunch crowd, have the ham and cheese croissant with an Americano and cinnamon bun (the best I have ever had) and the kids love the hot chocolate.
What advice would you give other families before they come to Silver Star?
If you have a season pass for your local mountain, check to see if you have a “Mountain Interchange Program” and if Silver Star Mountain Resort is a participating Canadian resort. We got 25 % off each of our tickets which made a big difference. Also, check Canadian Costco because they have a deal on tickets. The other advice would be to purchase your food before you head up the mountain and book your children’s ski lessons before you go up.
We also purchased our tickets for the next day at the end of the day. Again, if you have the Mountain Interchange Program, you will have to show them your season passes, don’t leave home without them.
What are your favorite places to eat at this resort?
Favorite places for lunch and coffee, Bugaboos Bakery Cafe. One night we went to Isidore’s Cuisine on Main Street – this restaurant has an a European Ski Chalet ambiance with very nice food but is also family friendly with a kid’s menu. The chef/owner came out and talked with us – lots of fun.
What is your favorite place to stay at Silver Star?
We stayed in a private cabin/house. It was amazing being able to eat at home and be so close to the hill.
What makes Silver Star unique?
This resort is unique because of the amazing snow, lots of families, and small village feel which helps you re-connect with your family and for me, focus less on shopping and my unhealthy love of consumerism.
What is your favorite memory of Silver Star?
Skiing with my whole family, watching my 11-year-old ski in the trees, and my proud 7-year-old showing us all his newly discovered trails.
At what age your children start skiing? Do you have any tips to share with other parents?
My kids started skiing last year after we were all watching the winter Olympics and Alexandre Bilodeau won the gold medal for freestyle skiing. As for tips, we had been putting our younger son in private lessons at our home mountain and he wasn’t enjoying them very much. At Silver Star he was in a group with other kids who really inspired and motivated him. He enjoyed the social aspects of learning with other boys and girls and made a lot of progress. Another tip: My older son spent a lot of time playing hockey and he rip sticks. Skiing came very easy to him and I think it is because of the skating.
At what age did you start skiing?
I started skiing with my dad when I was 7. He would take me to Cypress Mountain in the afternoon so we could get half-day lift tickets at a discounted price. It was a great way to spend time with my dad. I was also lucky to have an amazing friend (Tania) whose family took me with them when they went to Whistler — what a highlight that was.
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
Being together, no one is getting in trouble, the TV and video games aren’t on – what more could I want?!!!!!
When You Go….
Thank you Marion! I love sharing your hot-off-the-press travel report.
Sadly, I have never had the opportunity to ski in Canada. But I want to, and Marion’s experience at Silver Star has me inspired!
Like most resort websites, the Silver Star website has a wealth of information on accommodations, travel to the resort, other activities and the snowsport school (which has offerings for everyone from teleskiers to nordic skiers to, of course, alpine skiers).
Please note that when I’ve been on the Silver Star website, it can load really slowly. If it isn’t working for you, try calling Silver Star at 1-800-663-4431 or 250-558-6083 or contacting the resort by e-mail info@skisilverstar.com.
Enjoy!
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