Base: 1,185m | Summit: 1,915m | Terrain: 3,282 acres | Lifts: 13 | Season: Nov–Apr | Airport: Kelowna (YLW) — 90 min
Silver Star Mountain Resort sits in the Okanagan Highlands above Vernon, BC — a resort famous for two things: the lightest, driest powder in British Columbia and one of the most photogenic resort villages in North America. The Victorian-painted buildings of its main street, in vivid burgundy, forest green, and gold, give Silver Star the look of a frontier town that has been immaculately preserved (or recreated). The skiing is serious: 3,282 acres spread across two mountain faces, a vertical drop of 760m, and the cold interior BC climate that preserves Okanagan powder quality for days after a storm. Add a 105km cross-country network at the adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre and Silver Star has a claim to being Canada’s best all-round winter resort outside the Whistler/Banff tier.
Resort overview
Silver Star has been skiing since the 1930s (informal) and formally developed since 1959. The resort has two distinct ski faces: the front side (facing west, towards Vernon and the Okanagan Valley) is the main ski area with the village, the majority of lifts, and the widest variety of terrain. The back side — Putnam Creek — faces east into cold shadow and is the resort’s powder preserve, with steep, north-east-facing terrain that holds untracked snow longest. The two faces are connected mid-mountain, making the resort feel coherent and navigable.
The village pedestrian street (no cars) is genuinely lively — a range of independent restaurants, bars, and shops with a community character that large corporate resorts rarely achieve. Silver Star attracts a loyal repeat clientele from Kelowna, Calgary, and Vancouver, and a growing international following who discover it via the Ikon Pass.
Getting there
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is the primary gateway — served by direct flights from Vancouver (1 hour), Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. The drive from Kelowna airport to Silver Star via Vernon is approximately 90 minutes on Highway 97 North and then Silver Star Road. Shuttle services operate from Kelowna Airport directly to the resort during ski season. From Vancouver, the Coquihalla Highway route takes approximately 5 hours in normal winter conditions — a pleasant drive through the BC interior. Calgary is 7 hours by road. Bus services from Kelowna city to Vernon connect with local resort transport.
Looking for flights? Search flights to Silver Star Mountain Resort Guide — compare prices across airlines and find the best deal for your dates.
The skiing
Terrain and pistes
Silver Star’s 3,282 acres divide into 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% expert. The front side has excellent intermediate cruising terrain — long, wide runs like Milky Way and The Face are as good as anything in BC for sustained fast carving. The back side (Putnam Creek) is the expert domain: Headwall, Powder Keg, and Whiskey Jack are steep, heavily forested runs that accumulate powder and rarely see grooming. The terrain park, Comet Park, is well-regarded with a good variety of features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Silver Star has significant night skiing infrastructure — illuminated runs on the front side are open until 9pm, a relatively rare feature at BC mountain resorts of this size.
Cross-country and nordic skiing
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, adjacent to Silver Star, operates 105km of groomed cross-country trails and is consistently ranked among North America’s best. The trails wind through old-growth fir and pine forest at altitude, with night-lit sections and a warm lodge. This is a serious nordic destination, not just a convenience add-on — and it’s included in some Silver Star packages.
Ski school
The Silver Star Ski & Snowboard School has a strong reputation, particularly for children’s programmes. The Snowstar Children’s Centre handles ages 3+ with full-day ski school options. Adult programmes cover all levels from beginner to advanced powder technique.
Lift passes
Day passes at Silver Star are approximately CAD $115–140 — slightly less than Whistler or Revelstoke. The Ikon Pass provides 5 days (Base) or unlimited (full Ikon). The SilverStar+BigWhite combined pass is available for those skiing the Okanagan pair. Online advance purchase saves around 20%. Multi-day passes are good value for stays of 3 days or more.
Where to stay
Silver Star has excellent ski-in ski-out accommodation right on the village street. Vance Creek Hotel & Conference Centre is the largest property — comfortable, central, and convenient. The Bulldog Grand Hotel is a boutique option with a rooftop hot tub and the best location on the main street. Self-catering condos are widely available through the resort’s booking system — Silver Star Chalets and similar properties offer good-value accommodation for families and groups. The village atmosphere is strongest when staying on the pedestrianised main street rather than lower-mountain accommodation.
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Après-ski
The Silver Star après scene is warm and community-oriented. The Bulldog Pub on the village street is the main gathering point from 3pm — good beer selection, live music on weekends, and a lively atmosphere that somehow stays friendly rather than rowdy. The Vance Creek Bar and Grill is a reliable dinner option. Bugaboos Bakery Café on the main street is the essential morning stop. For a more relaxed evening, the outdoor hot tubs at several of the condo properties are a Silver Star institution. Vernon (22km) has a broader restaurant and nightlife scene for those wanting a night in town.
Best time to visit
January and February are the prime powder months — consistently cold, reliable snowfall, and the Okanagan interior climate at its best. December can be excellent in a strong snow year and is quieter than January. March brings longer days and good spring skiing on the front face. Easter week is very busy — book accommodation months ahead. Night skiing extends the skiing day through the winter season on front-side runs.
Silver Star ski tips
- Hit the Putnam Creek back side immediately after a powder dump — it holds untracked snow longer than any other part of the mountain
- Book Sovereign Lake Nordic trails in advance for weekend visits — it fills up with local day-trippers
- Night skiing on weekends extends your day without the morning rush
- Fly into Kelowna rather than driving from Vancouver — it’s faster and avoids the Coquihalla in storm conditions
- The Victorian village main street is best appreciated on a clear blue-sky afternoon — bring a camera
Frequently asked questions
Where is Silver Star Mountain Resort?
22km east of Vernon in the Okanagan Highlands, British Columbia, at 1,185m–1,915m elevation. 90 minutes from Kelowna Airport (YLW).
What is Silver Star’s village famous for?
The Victorian colour scheme — buildings painted in vivid burgundy, gold, and forest green — creating one of the most distinctive ski village aesthetics in North America. The pedestrianised main street is ski-in ski-out.
Is Silver Star on the Ikon Pass?
Yes — 5 days on the Ikon Base Pass, unlimited on the full Ikon Pass. Also available on the SilverStar+BigWhite dual-resort pass.
What is the snow like at Silver Star?
Some of the driest, lightest powder in Canada — interior BC’s cold continental climate produces Utah-quality snow averaging 750cm annually. Cold temperatures preserve powder quality for days after storms.
Is Silver Star good for cross-country skiing?
Exceptional — Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has 105km of groomed trails, ranked among North America’s best. Night-lit, through old-growth forest, with a dedicated lodge.