Here’s our ultimate guide for lucky first timers.
ever been to SilverStar Mountain Resort before? Lucky you – because you’re in for a treat. This gem of a resort is tucked into the mountains of interior British Columbia in Canada, and it’s an all-time favourite among families, beginner skiers, expert powder hounds and everyone in between.
When to go
SilverStar’s season kicks off in November and finishes up in April, with over 700cm of natural pow falling each season keeping powder lovers happy. And while each month of the season is great for a visit, our tip is to try and hit the slopes in February or March – you’ll be rewarded with a deeper snow base, longer daylight hours, better deals and not a lift line in sight (well, truth is there’s never a lift line at SilverStar).
Where to go
Start at the beginning, of course - SilverStar’s pedestrian only storybook village, where vibrant coloured buildings line the ‘main street’ and make for a picture-perfect ski resort. This is where you’ll be able to purchase lift passes, rent your skis, sign up for a ski lesson or find a steaming-hot cup of hot chocolate.
Then it’s time for the best part - the skiing. SilverStar is the third largest ski area in the province, with over 3282 skiable acres. That’s 132 runs over a vertical drop of 760m, all serviced by 10 lifts.
Choose from beautifully groomed green runs that wind their way through pine forests; intermediate runs perfectly positioned to take in the best views of the surrounding mountains; or the back side of the mountain, full of black and double-black runs that’ll get your legs burning and your heart pumping.
With four distinct mountain faces, there’s plenty of room for everyone, meaning you’ll never be battling a crowd for the best line down the mountain.
Where to stay
Ski-in, ski-out is every skier and boarder’s dream, and it’s a dream that comes true in SilverStar. With a wide variety of properties on offer, from cosy lodges to luxurious apartments - and each with great proximity to the slopes - you’ll never be too far from the action.
What to do
A SilverStar lift pass doesn’t just include skiing and snowboarding – it also covers off snow tubing (tubes included), ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat bike trails. Spend your day on the slopes before challenging your loved ones to a race down the lanes of the tube park, take a few laps around the skating rink under the stars, or try getting on the pedals of a fat bike for the very first time on their 15km of snow biking trails.
The mountain also offers up mini snowmobile rides for kids and snowmobile tours for adults, sleigh rides, heli skiing, trips to see ice hockey games in the nearby town of Vernon and snow bike tours, along with a 10 pin bowling alley for those who want to try their hand at bowling at altitude.
What to eat
You’re on holiday, so why not make dinner a little different? At SilverStar, you can have a uniquely Canadian dining adventure in the form of a snowcat dining tour to Paradise Camp on the backside of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner lit by lanterns. Or hitch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh and glide out to a secluded cabin to enjoy hot chocolate, hot apple cider and a BBQ buffet dinner.
Add 18 bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from, offering everything from local Canadian fare (poutine, anyone?) to the best European pastries you’ll find outside of Europe at Bugaboos Bakery. And for the coffee lovers, SilverStar understands how to make a great Aussie-style coffee. Start the day at Coffee +, inside the Town Hall, with one of 20 specialty coffees on offer to get you fueled for the slopes.
Where to après
With wine on tap along with local beers and ciders, plus live music, the Red Antler is our pick for winding down after a big day on the mountain. Or head to Long Johns Pub to debrief with the locals – after a couple of Caesars, they might just share their favourite secret spots on the mountain.
