Grab your gear and hit the Central Okanagan mountains for deep powder, night runs, and slope-side wine tastings.
2 ski hills · Updated October 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Robert Ward · Big White Ski Resort via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The detailsthat matter.
Big White delivers 7.5 metres of annual dry snow and Canada's largest ski-in, ski-out village. SilverStar brings steep runs on Putnam Creek, while Telemark maintains 50 kilometres of groomed Nordic trails. Highway 33 requires winter tires from October through April for safe mountain access.
Best Season
Late November to mid-April
Book Ahead
Lift tickets, shuttles & stays
Best Area
Big White for powder & village
Good to know
Winter tires are mandatory
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Winter Mountain Guide
Local mountains pack heavy snowfall and varied terrain into a short driving radius. Review drive times, shuttle routes, and lift ticket details before packing your vehicle.
The short answer
Beginners and families usually head straight to Big White Ski Resort for wide cruisers and village convenience. Advanced riders often prefer the backside of SilverStar Mountain Resort, and locals looking for quiet powder days drive south to Apex Mountain Resort.
01The Big Mountain
Big White Resort
Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna
Just an hour east, Big White Ski Resort gets 7.5 metres of dry snow annually. Locals call it Okanagan Champagne Powder. You can strap on your board right at your front door because the village sits directly on the slopes. The mountain maps out 2,765 acres of patrolled terrain with runs for first-timers and seasoned athletes.
When the sun drops, the lights turn on over 38 acres of runs. The Bullet Express and Plaza Chair keep spinning after dark starting in mid-December. You can even ride the terrain park on Friday and Saturday nights.
The 56-kilometre drive up Highway 33 takes about an hour when the roads are clear. It is a winding route that demands good winter tires and careful driving. The hill is family-owned and maintains a relaxed, approachable mood. You can rent a cheap condo or book a large private chalet depending on your budget.
Local tips
Book your airport shuttle in advance during the busy holiday weeks.
Buy early bird season passes online to save money before the snow falls.
Expect day passes to start at CA$55 and peak around CA$95.
SilverStar Mountain Resort sits near Vernon, taking about 75 minutes to reach by car. The mid-mountain village is painted in bright, mismatched colours and gives you direct lift access. The hill covers 3,282 acres. The front side is full of mellow cruisers, while the backside, Putnam Creek, drops into steep, challenging terrain for advanced riders.
Apex Mountain Resort rests near Penticton, roughly 90 minutes south. The 89-kilometre drive from the west side of the lake takes you to a quiet, full-service mountain. Locals love the dry snow and lack of lift lines. The vibe here feels much smaller and more intimate than the major resorts.
Both spots give you a break from the main crowds. SilverStar caters heavily to families with its compact layout. Apex focuses on steep powder days and has plenty of off-mountain activities. Private vans run regular routes to both hills if you prefer not to drive.
Local tips
SilverStar day tickets start at CA$69 and climb to CA$129 on busy weekends.
Check for winter lodging discounts at SilverStar to save up to 25 percent.
Drive past Hedley to Keremeos and take Highway 3A when heading to Apex from the east.
If you want to skip the chairlifts, Telemark Nordic Club maintains over 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails. You can practice both classic and skate techniques here. The club lights up 4.3 kilometres of track for evening laps. The terrain suits absolute beginners as well as competitive racers.
You can also strap on snowshoes to walk 62 kilometres of dedicated forest trails. These paths wind through the trees and look out over the valley. The chalet rents out all the gear you need and runs lessons for kids and adults. It is a relaxed space to warm up after a cold morning outside.
The club operates as a non-profit to support winter sports in the region. The season usually starts in late November and wraps up by mid-March. You can buy day tickets at the front desk without buying a full membership. They even maintain specific trails where you can bring your dog.
Local tips
A season pass pays for itself in just 11 visits.
Pass holders get discounts at other regional Nordic centres and gear shops.
Read the daily grooming report online before heading up the hill.
04Road Safety
Highway Conditions
Mountain weather shifts fast on the roads leading up to the hills. Highway 33 catches heavy snowstorms regularly. You need to check the DriveBC reports before turning the key in the ignition. Give yourself plenty of extra travel time, especially on Saturday mornings or during active snowfall.
British Columbia law requires winter tires on most highways from October 1 to April 30. Your tires must show either the M+S symbol or the three-peaked mountain and snowflake logo, with at least 3.5 millimetres of tread. True winter tires with the mountain and snowflake logo grip the ice much better on steep mountain passes.
Good tires do not replace cautious driving. Slow down, leave more space between cars, and watch for black ice in the early morning. If mountain driving makes you nervous, book a seat on a commercial van. Letting someone else drive is much safer than white-knuckling the steering wheel.
Local tips
Load the DriveBC app on your phone for live road closures and accident reports.
Pack a shovel, warm blankets, and a flashlight in your trunk.
Drive during daylight hours when visibility improves and ice is less likely to form.
05Ride Shares
Mountain Transport
Multiple transport companies run vans directly to the lifts, so you can skip the icy roads entirely. These rides make sense if you fly into the local airport or just want to drink a beer at the lodge. You can grab a seat on a scheduled bus or hire a private van for your group.
Carpe Diem Tours runs a weekend public bus from town up to Big White. Vivid Tours and other local transport outfits drive all-wheel-drive vans to Big White, SilverStar, and Apex. Many drivers will stop at a grocery or liquor store on the way up so you can stock your condo.
Reserve your seats early during holiday weeks. Most companies take reservations online. A few operators run 24 hours a day, which helps if your flight lands late at night. Riding the bus means you never have to shovel out your car or hunt for a parking spot near the lodge.
Local tips
Tell the dispatch how many boards and bags you have when you book.
Ask about specialty rides, like the local Tiki Bus equipped with karaoke.
Expect the trip from the airport to SilverStar to take exactly one hour.
06Winter Wine
Tasting Tours
Many tasting rooms stay open all winter long. Pairing a morning on the slopes with an afternoon of wine tasting is a classic local routine. Several transport businesses run winter wine routes, letting you build a custom weekend itinerary.
You can ride Big White early, then have a driver pick you up for a tour of the local vineyards. The Scenic Sip route in Lake Country and the Westside Wine Trail both have estates that pour year-round. Tasting heavy reds while the snow falls outside is a great way to warm up.
Book your mountain lodging and your wine transport separately. The same drivers who run airport transfers can usually map out a custom winery route for your group. This gives you total control over your schedule and lets you pick exactly which tasting rooms you want to visit.
Local tips
Call ahead to check winter hours, as many tasting rooms close earlier in January.
Secure your driver weeks in advance to guarantee a ride.
Tell your driver what kind of wine you like so they can suggest specific stops.
Big White Ski Resort has huge snowfall and a large ski-in, ski-out village. SilverStar Mountain Resort has a bright mid-mountain village and steep backside runs. Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton is another excellent choice.
