Silver Star Resort: The BC Champagne Powder Sampler

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The next stop on the magical, mystical BC champagne powder sampler is Silver Star Resort. Think Candyland meets Santa’s Workshop. Silver Star shines like a diamond among BC’s epic ski resorts. Famous for its cheery ambiance and movie set architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve just landed in a Disneyland Frozen themed ski resort.

Waking up to this picturesque resort is surreal. Silver Star is nestled high above the clouds mid-mountain at 1609m.  The summit, Vance Creek is not far away at 1915m.  Only 55 minutes north of the Kelowna airport and 22 minutes from Vernon, outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world have easy access to this gem of a winter destination.  The 3rd largest ski resort in BC, Silver Star has been voted both the Okanagan’s #1 Family Resort and #1 Ski Resort by Okanagan Life Magazine.

SilverStar

A star choice for families, couples and even big kids, don’t be surprised to find yourself referring to Silver Star as ‘my mountain’ just like the locals and social media fans.   Offering big mountain pleasures with a small town vibe, the heartbeat of Silver Star revolves around an old candy coloured boardwalk that feels like Disneyland’s Main St USA situated on the edge of alpine bliss.  Skiers and riders enjoy 128 runs over 1900 acres, 55 acres of Nordic and 16 kms of snowshoe trails. In addition, the extracurricular activity options are endless.

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The resort has made it easy and affordable for families to get the most bang for their buck by introducing Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket and season pass.  My1Pass holders get free ski days at 12 Powder Alliance resorts including Steven’s Pass, Mt Hood Skibowl, Crested Butte, Timberline Snow Basin and more! The Silver Star My1Pass day ticket also gives travelling families the chance to do it all without the annual commitment, Nordic, snowshoe, hockey and even some good old Canadian fun in the Tube Town Adventure Park all for the price of a regular alpine day pass. Kids under 5 are FREE. Adult $81, Senior $69, Youth $77, Child $43 (CDN)

The beauty of BC small interior resorts like Silver Star is that no snow making is required. It is pure, natural champagne powder. Twelve lifts, a 2,500 FT vertical drop and an average daily temperature of -5˚C (23F) makes for perfect conditions. The alpine terrain takes family friendly to the max. Safe and easy to navigate, there is a run for every skill level. From steep chutes to endless moguls and tree runs to beginner areas like Silver Queen, there really is a slice of the snow pie for each and every member of the family.

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The best way to navigate any new mountain or deep powder is to hire a guide. Bonus, the guides at Silver Star are free! When you take the complimentary mountain tour (intermediate to expert), it’s clear that Silver Star hosts love what they do and where they live. Take Norman Kreutz for example, Director of Snowsports and a Silver Star legend. Aside from his ski skills, he is famous for his manly locks and knows the mountain like the back of his hand. When in doubt – cruise with a Mountain Host. Scheduled times are listed at Guest Services.

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Norman Kreutz, Silver Star Director of Snowsports

Silver Star offers unique and fun snowshoeing trails for everyone! All but one of the snowshoe trails is named after man’s best friend, his dog so it’s no wonder all the snowshoe trails are pet friendly. Tin Can Alley is the exception and is named after a cat. Silver Star’s snowshoe trails are well-marked and fun to explore. Some are narrow enough that they give you the feeling of being in an enchanted forest. Others are wide, open and free, showcasing the majestic surrounding landscape.   Grab a trail map and pick a route. Depending on what else you have planned for the day, there are trails for all levels and of varying lengths.  The day rate for trail use is only $7.50 for adults and youth and $5.50 for seniors and children. Hosts are available for guests. Those more experienced or who enjoy snowshoeing in groups or pairs may prefer to explore the magic and solitude of the Silver Star snowshoe trails with a close companion. Hint: they are romantic and magical so keep your eyes open for a BC forest fairy!

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The Chakra snowshoe trail is named after a dog!

 

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Wild Horseman Cabin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a little added adventure during your stay while at Silver Star, try the Snowshoe Dinner Tour. An evening jaunt along the winding trails ends happily ever after at the Wild Horseman Cabin where a buffet dinner awaits and then a horse-drawn carriage return to the village. Yes, it is right out of a fairy tale. Full tour details HERE. Note: the XC trails run parallel to some of the snowshoe trails, so respect the trail etiquette if we are to continue to keep the designated areas pristine. Feb 2015 084

Before hitting the slopes, head to Bugaboos on the boardwalk for some scones and a latte. Come lFeb 2015 089unchtime or après, head to the village for a plethora of dining options. A snowball toss away to your slopeside accommodations you’ll want to sample the après as much as the champagne powder at Silver Star. For beer and high-end pub grub with ambiance and a wood burning fire, The Den Bar and Bistro has endless specials every day of the week. Whisk away your ice prince or princess for some fine dining at The Silver Grill Steak and Chop House. No need to hold back on the Okanagan wine pairing, as your palace is only steps away. Besides, nothing beats a short winter walk home under the moonlight.

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Full moon fever outside The Den Bistro and Bar

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The Silver Grill – North African spiced half lamb rack, pistachio crust, candied lemon and mint Israeli cous cous, sumac labneh

The beauty of Silver Star is the proximity to everything the village has to offer. You can literally see it all right outside your window. There is something to be said about a family vacation where you can let your kids explore this snow haven by day or night knowing they are near, meeting new friends and making memories of their own.  Large families looking for space and a private outdoor hot tub should book Snowbird Lodge. Firelight Lodge on the other hand is perfect for families looking to be as close

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Try a new snow sport like fat biking!

to the action as possible eg: the popular modern age bowl-er-ama Pinheads is right downstairs.

Do try something new at Silver Star. Whether it’s an on-mountain yoga class to limber the joints, taking the kids for a spin on a mini snowmobile or sweating through the snowy trails on a fat bike, there’s fun for the entire family. Silver Star has it all and then some. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store, wanting to try everything in sight. Kind of like Christmas Eve, expect to feel beyond exhausted from all the day’s activities but at the same time excited to get up early and see what the day has in store. The children (and big kids) are nestled all snug in their beds while visions of snow ghosts danced in their heads. For a full list of BC Playcations visit www.hellobc.com.

Create your own magical experience. Frolic through the Candyland of Silver Star Resort and sample all the sweet toppings this resort has to offer!

 

Gear Essential: Columbia Sportswear Company Minx Mid II

MinxMidIIOHPrint-BL1587_660_120445Every whimsical winter princess needs a pair of warm and cozy lightweight boots to slip into after a day of play on the hill.   The Minx mid length Omni-Heat boot will make sure you look and feel like a princess out of Frozen. Available for purchase at retail stores in the village, these technical boots complete with 200g’s of insulation were made for playing hard.

Lightweight, fashionable and designed for the elements with a thermal reflective lining, these boots will enable you to play like a powder puff girl. Sturdy and comfortable enough to wear fat biking, snowshoeing or après, this is your Silver Star resort gear essential.

 

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