The resort
Introduction
Silver Star — where the village is bright and the powder is deep.
Silver Star feels like stepping into a storybook. Its ski-in, ski-out village is painted in bright heritage colours inspired by the region’s 1890s mining days, and nearly everything is within a short walk or glide. Sitting at 1,609 metres in British Columbia’s sunny Okanagan, just 55 km from Kelowna International Airport and a 20-minute drive from Vernon, it is one of the easiest Canadian resorts to reach from Australia.
The mountain is bigger than many expect — 133 marked runs, 760 metres of vertical and around 7 metres of natural snowfall each season — with sunny front-side cruisers for families and steeper, treed terrain on the Putnam Creek side for stronger skiers. It also adjoins Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, together forming Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country network. Dry Okanagan snow, short lift queues and a warm community atmosphere make it a lovely first North American ski trip for individuals, groups and families alike.
Mountain Statistics
Marked Runs
133
Vertical Drop
760 metres
Village Elevation
1,609 metres (ski-in/ski-out)
Summit Elevation
1,915 metres
Skiable Terrain
1,328 hectares
Annual Snowfall
~7 metres (700 cm), all natural
Lifts
10
Cross-Country Network
105 km (combined with Sovereign Lake)
Terrain Breakdown
17% Beginner | 39% Intermediate | 44% Advanced/Expert
Season
Early December 2026 to early/mid April 2027
From Kelowna Airport
55 km (about 1 hour)
From Vernon
22 km (about 20 minutes)
Silver Star relies entirely on natural snowfall — there is no man-made snow. Around 700 cm of dry Okanagan powder falls each season.
REVIEW FLAG: Summit elevation (1,915 m), skiable terrain (1,328 ha), lift count (10) and terrain breakdown percentages are carried over from the previous guide — confirm against the resort’s 2026/27 fact sheet.
REVIEW FLAG: 2026/27 opening and closing dates not yet published — confirm with the resort (historically early December to early/mid April).
For Australian travellers
Why Silver Star?
Big-mountain terrain without the big-resort crowds — wrapped around a village you never have to drive out of.
A True Ski-In/Ski-Out Village
Most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, and restaurants, rentals and lifts are a short stroll apart. A free in-resort shuttle links the village with the surrounding neighbourhoods, so there is no need for a car once you arrive.
Natural Okanagan Powder
Around 7 metres of light, dry snow falls each season — all of it natural. The interior climate means colder, drier snow than coastal resorts.
Terrain for Every Level
Gentle, sunny groomers above the village roll into the steeper glades and bumps of the Putnam Creek side, so mixed-ability groups ride the same lifts and split off to their own terrain.
Uncrowded and Relaxed
Silver Star is far quieter than Canada’s mega-resorts, with short lift queues and a friendly community feel — ideal for a relaxed holiday.
Easy Access from Australia
Connect through Vancouver or Calgary to Kelowna (YLW), then it is just 55 km to the village — one of the shortest airport transfers in western Canada.
So Much More Than Skiing
Tubing, natural-ice skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, night skiing, snowcat and snowshoe dinner tours and a mountainside spa keep non-skiers and rest days busy.
Silver Star for Every Traveller
Families
Ski-in/ski-out stays, Tube Town and the mini snowmobile track, Brewer’s Pond skating, kids group lessons and 4-day adventure camps. The compact, walkable village makes it easy to manage little ones and gear.
Groups
Group lessons for every level, terrain that suits mixed abilities, snowcat dinners at Paradise Camp and Ravenwood snowshoe dinner tours. The resort has a dedicated groups team for larger bookings.
Individuals & Couples
Sunrise Fresh Turns sessions, private lessons, quiet groomers, Elevate Spa and relaxed village dining — easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Travel
Getting There
Silver Star sits 22 km above the city of Vernon — an easy drive from Kelowna International Airport, the closest and most convenient gateway.
From Australia
Fly from Australia to Vancouver (YVR) or Calgary (YYC), then connect on a short domestic flight to Kelowna International Airport (YLW). From Kelowna, Silver Star is 55 km away — about a 1-hour drive north via Vernon.
Airport Shuttle
The most popular option to get to Silver Star, with services meeting flight arrivals into Kelowna Airport.
Private Transfers
Flexibility and comfort, ensuring your own group has its own ride up. No wait time.
Rental Cars
The most flexible option if multiple resorts are needed for short stays (winter tyres will be provided).
Approximate distances to Silver Star
| Airport | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelowna (YLW) | 55 km | ~1 hour | Closest and recommended gateway |
| Kamloops (YKA) | ~147 km | ~2 hours | Regional alternative |
| Vancouver (YVR) | ~497 km | ~5.5 hours | Major international hub |
| Calgary (YYC) | ~586 km | ~6.5 hours | Scenic road-trip option |
Driving
From Kelowna Airport, follow Highway 97 north to Vernon, then take Silver Star Road 22 km up to the village. Winter tyres are required on most BC highways from 1 October to 30 April — check road conditions on DriveBC before you set off.
Ask your Travelplan consultant to pre-book your transfers, lift passes and accommodation as a package — call 1300 SKI SKI (1300 754 754).
REVIEW FLAG: Kelowna Airport shuttle operator, schedule and 2026/27 availability to be confirmed.
REVIEW FLAG: Road distances and drive times for Kamloops, Vancouver and Calgary are approximate — verify before publication.
For first-time visitors
Travel Essentials
Practical information for your first trip to Silver Star — currency, power, entry requirements and local customs.
Before you go
Always check current entry requirements and travel advice on the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website before departure. Comprehensive snow-sport travel insurance is strongly recommended for every ski and snowboard holiday.
Smartraveller — Canada travel advice (Australian Government)Currency & Tipping
- Currency:
- Canadian Dollar (CAD).
- Cards:
- Cards are widely accepted. Carry a little cash for tips and small purchases.
- Tax:
- Prices are usually shown before tax: 5% GST plus 7% BC PST (10% PST on liquor) is added at payment.
- Tipping:
- 15–20% at restaurants, bars and for taxis is standard and expected.
Language & Etiquette
- Language:
- English is spoken everywhere in British Columbia.
- Customs:
- Canadians value politeness and queueing. The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19.
Power & Phones
- Plugs:
- Type A/B (two flat pins), 120 V, 60 Hz. Australian devices need a plug adaptor — check voltage compatibility.
- Mobile:
- Prepaid SIMs from Bell, Telus or Rogers are available. Check roaming with your Australian carrier before departure.
Visa & Entry
- eTA:
- Australian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada. Apply online only through the official Government of Canada website before departure.
Emergency & Health
- Emergency:
- Dial 911 for police, fire and ambulance.
- Insurance:
- Snow-sport travel insurance is essential — check it covers on-mountain rescue and medical evacuation.
Weather & Packing
- Temperatures:
- Okanagan mountain winters are cold and dry. Expect daytime temperatures well below 0 °C, with cold snaps that can drop below −20 °C.
- Pack:
- Thermal base layers, an insulated waterproof jacket, snow boots, waterproof gloves, a beanie, neck warmer and goggles.
REVIEW FLAG: Typical Silver Star daytime temperature range for December–March to be confirmed (source gave a general Canada range of −10 °C to −30 °C).
Orientation
Maps
One village base, several distinct faces — grab a current trail map so the whole group knows where to meet.
Trail Map
The official winter trail map covers the front side above the village and the Putnam Creek back side, plus the Nordic trails. Download it from the resort website or pick one up in the village on arrival.
View winter trail mapsVillage Map
The village is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most accommodation ski-in/ski-out. The free in-resort shuttle connects the village with the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Mountain Areas
Front Side (Vance Creek)
Sunny, rolling groomers and gentle learning terrain directly above the village.
Back Side (Putnam Creek)
Steeper bumps, chutes and tree runs — the playground for strong skiers and riders.
Silver Woods
Sheltered tree-lined runs and cruisy blues.
Attridge
Additional terrain on the back side of the mountain.
REVIEW FLAG: Embedded interactive trail and village maps to be added — request high-resolution maps from the resort for embedding.
REVIEW FLAG: Mountain-area descriptions (Vance Creek, Putnam Creek, Silver Woods, Attridge) to be checked against the 2026/27 trail map.
On-mountain access
Lift Pass Options
Silver Star offers a range of passes to match your trip — from the all-in-one My1Pass to the multi-resort Ikon Pass.
My1Pass
Silver Star’s all-in-one pass
One pass covering downhill skiing and snowboarding plus tubing, cross-country, snowshoeing and ice skating — the easiest way for a mixed-ability family or group to enjoy the whole mountain.
Season Pass
Full-season access
The perfect pass for longer stays, with a bunch of in-resort benefits including 10% off at Silver Star-owned restaurants. Best value packed pass — book early for the best price.
4Pack
Any 4 days, no blackouts
Four days of skiing to use any time in the season with full activity access. Buy before the early-bird deadline to receive a 5th day free.
More detailsIkon Pass
Silver Star is part of the Ikon Pass network — perfect if you have already purchased an Ikon Pass for your northern-hemisphere season. Ikon Passes are direct-to-lift, so you can skip the ticket window.
| Pass Type | Days at Silver Star | Blackout Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Ikon Pass | Up to 7 days | None |
| Ikon Base Pass | Up to 5 days | 26–30 Dec 2026; 16–17 Jan 2027; 13–14 Feb 2027 |
| Ikon Session Pass | 2, 3 or 4 days (shared across select destinations) | Blackout dates apply |
- Free access to Silver Star’s winter activities — tubing, snowshoeing, skating, cross-country, night skiing and fat biking.
- Free in-resort shuttle around the village and neighbourhoods.
Ask Travelplan to compare passes and bundle them with your accommodation — call 1300 SKI SKI (1300 754 754).
REVIEW FLAG: 4Pack early-bird deadline conflicts between sources (resort website: 3 November; product summary: 31 October) — confirm deadline and 2026/27 pricing.
REVIEW FLAG: My1Pass and Season Pass inclusions and 2026/27 pricing to be confirmed with the resort.
Equipment
Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Travel light and leave the equipment to the SilverStar Rental Shop, right in the village.
Alpine Rentals
Performance and beginner ski and snowboard packages, with friendly staff to match you to the right gear.
Cross-Country Ski Rentals
Beginner and performance cross-country packages from the Rental Shop in the village.
Activity Rentals
Snowshoes and fat bikes from the Rental Shop. Ice skates are available for hire at the Brewer’s Pond base.
Specific sizes and models are not guaranteed when pre-booking, due to limited availability of some sizes.
SilverStar rentalsREVIEW FLAG: 2026/27 rental package prices and pre-booking discounts to be confirmed.
Lessons
Snow School
Friendly, knowledgeable instructors cater to everyone in the group — from first-timers to experts.
Adults
Alpine Private Lessons
The fastest way to progress, tailored to you, your family or a small group.
Adult Group Lessons
Grouped by ability for skiers and snowboarders — a social way to improve.
Fresh Turns Experience
An exclusive sunrise session on freshly groomed runs before the lifts open to the public.
Nordic Private Lessons
Learn to glide with ease on Silver Star’s cross-country trails.
Kids & Families
Kids Group Lessons
A fun group learning environment, from the basics to all-mountain skiing and riding.
Seasonal Adventure Camps
4-day adventure camps on multiple dates through the season — ideal for visiting families.
Adaptive Program
The SilverStar Adaptive program makes snow sports accessible to everyone.
Children’s programs cover ages 3–16 for skiing and 7–17 for snowboarding. Helmets are strongly recommended for all ages.
Book lessons well before you arrive — group classes and kids’ programs fill quickly over Christmas and school holidays.
SilverStar lessonsREVIEW FLAG: Kids group lesson age bands, meeting points and 2026/27 prices to be confirmed; check adventure camp dates align with Australian school holidays.
What’s new
New & Notable for 2026/27
Every season brings something fresh to Silver Star — here’s what to look out for.
Ravenwood Snowshoe Dinner Tours
An evening snowshoe through the forest to the new Ravenwood cabin for a gourmet dinner.
Bear Bites Food Truck
South American street-style food in the village.
La Plata
A pop-up dining experience serving authentic Spanish tapas.
Ikon Pass access
Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders get days at Silver Star plus free access to the resort’s winter activities.
REVIEW FLAG: Confirm which items are genuinely new for 2026/27 (some were introduced in 2025/26) and add any newly announced lifts, events or venues.
On & off the mountain
Activities
From tubing and skating to snowcat dinners and spa days — Silver Star is about far more than the runs.
Cross-Country Skiing
Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country network — 105 km of trails combined with neighbouring Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre.
WebsiteIce Skating at Brewer’s Pond
Glide across a natural rink of about 1 hectare — perfect for first-timers, families and a casual game of hockey.
Tube Town
Slide, spin and swerve down multiple lanes of packed snow — a must for kids and kids-at-heart. Tube Town Café & Bar is on hand to warm up.
Mini Snowmobiles
Kids take the driver’s seat on a safe mini snowmobile track at Tube Town.
Snowshoeing
Explore 16 km of forest singletrack trails weaving around the mountain.
Fat Biking
Ride 15 km of single and double track on bikes built for snow.
Night Skiing
When the sun goes down the lights come on — ski beneath the stars on selected evenings.
Snowmobile Tours
Guided tours into Silver Star’s backcountry.
Paradise Camp Dinner Tours
Ride a snowcat to the back side of the mountain for an unforgettable evening dinner.
Ravenwood Snowshoe Dinner Tours
Snowshoe to the new Ravenwood cabin for an evening of adventure and gourmet food.
Free Guided Mountain Tours
Join a seasoned local for a free tour of the mountain’s stories and secret spots.
Non-Snow Activities & Rest Days
Mountain Yoga
Find your calm, build strength and reset your mind between ski days.
Bear Byway Scavenger Hunt
A family-friendly trail to discover and learn about bears.
Vernon Vipers Hockey
Cheer on six-time national champions the Vernon Vipers — a true Canadian night out, 22 km down the hill in Vernon.
WebsiteVernon & the Okanagan
Shopping, cafés, galleries and Okanagan wineries in Vernon and Kelowna. Many winery tasting rooms keep reduced winter hours, so check before you go.
WebsiteREVIEW FLAG: Night skiing schedule (days and hours) for 2026/27 to be confirmed.
REVIEW FLAG: Dog sledding and heli-skiing appear in the source summary but are not offered by the resort — excluded until a local operator is confirmed.
REVIEW FLAG: Spa, tour and activity prices intentionally omitted — confirm 2026/27 rates if they are to be published.
Food & drink
Dining
Cosy cafés, lively pubs, alpine brasseries and snowcat dinners — all a short walk or glide apart.
Silver Star-Owned Venues
Season passholders receive 10% off at all Silver Star-owned restaurants.
The Red Antler
Canadian · Pub
The best in Canadian cuisine and the mountain’s largest selection of beer on tap.
The Den
Alpine brasserie · On the slopes
An alpine brasserie perched on the slopes, inspired by Mediterranean warmth.
Paradise Camp
Mid-mountain · Breakfast & lunch
A cosy mid-ski retreat for euro-inspired breakfast and lunch.
Italian Restaurant
Italian · Dinner
An intimate Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and a curated wine and cocktail list.
Town Hall
Quick breakfast
The place for a quick breakfast to fuel up for a day on the slopes.
Tube Town Café & Bar
Café · Snacks
Warm up with a hot drink and light snack between tubing runs.
Bear Bites Food Truck
South American street food
Street-style food in the village.
La Plata
Spanish tapas · Pop-up
A pop-up dining experience serving authentic Spanish tapas.
Independent Village Venues
Bugaboos Bakery Café
Bakery · Café
Silver Star’s award-winning bakery — follow your nose.
Black Pine
Upscale casual
Alpine charm blended with culinary excellence — great for a special dinner.
Pizza Gratta
Pizza
Sourdough pizza by the slice.
Francuccino’s Gelato & Frank’s Fries
Gelato · Fries
Ice cream, gelato, fries, hot dogs and more.
The Bulldog Grand Café
Café · Bar
Inspired by Amsterdam’s famous brown bars — good times and tasty food.
Long John’s Pub
Pub
A local favourite for lunch or dinner.
Dining Experiences
Paradise Camp Dinner Tours
Snowcat dinner
Ride a snowcat to Paradise Camp for a memorable evening meal — great for groups and celebrations.
Ravenwood Snowshoe Dinner Tours
Snowshoe dinner
An evening snowshoe to the new Ravenwood cabin for gourmet food.
Reservations are recommended in peak periods. For larger groups, book dinner a couple of weeks in advance.
Dining Website Portals
- SilverStar Restaurants & Cafés
Official list of resort-owned and independent venues
https://www.skisilverstar.com/mountain-dining-shopping/restaurants-cafes/
- Destination SilverStar — Eating & Drinking
Village dining guide from the local tourism association
https://destinationsilverstar.com/experience/eating-drinking/
- Tourism Vernon — Eat & Drink
Restaurants, wineries and breweries in Vernon
https://www.tourismvernon.com/eat-drink
REVIEW FLAG: Italian restaurant name not captured from the resort website — confirm name.
REVIEW FLAG: Paradise Camp and Town Hall showed “returning”/“closed” notes on the resort website — confirm 2026/27 operating status and hours for all venues.
Evening
Après & Nightlife
Silver Star’s après is relaxed and friendly — boots on the snow one minute, a fireside drink the next.
As the lifts wind down, the village pubs and cafés fill with the day’s stories. It is more cosy-mountain than late-night club, and the whole village is walkable, so you can enjoy après and dinner without getting in a car.
Long John’s Pub
The locals’ favourite for an après drink and hearty meal.
The Red Antler
Canadian fare and the mountain’s largest selection of beer on tap.
The Bulldog Grand Café
Amsterdam brown-bar style — a fun spot for drinks and food.
Black Pine
Upscale-casual dining for a special evening.
Evening Activities
Night skiing on selected evenings, skating on Brewer’s Pond, and snowcat or snowshoe dinner tours.
Supplies
Groceries, Shopping & Services
In the Village
| Venue | What You’ll Find | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Aberdeen Market | Full grocery store: fresh produce, meat and fish, local baked goods, pantry basics, Canadian maple syrup and local gifts, plus local wine, beer and liquor | Phone 250 503 1992 |
| SilverStar Rental Shop | Ski, snowboard, cross-country, snowshoe and fat bike rentals | Skates hired at Brewer’s Pond base |
| Village shops | Clothing, accessories and souvenirs | Check the village map on arrival |
In Vernon (22 km)
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Full grocery range, including specialty dietary options |
| Pharmacies | Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication (no pharmacy in the village) |
| Hospital | Vernon Jubilee Hospital — emergency and general medical care |
| Fuel stations | Petrol and diesel |
| Liquor stores | Full range |
Self-catering? Stock up in Vernon on the drive in — the range is larger and prices are lower than on the mountain. Pack regular medication before heading up.
SilverStar grocery & liquorNeed to know
Other Information
Altitude
The village sits at 1,609 metres. Most Australian visitors won’t notice the altitude, but stay hydrated and go easy on alcohol on your first night.
Payment
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Remember that tax is added at payment and tipping is expected.
Weather & Clothing
The Okanagan interior delivers a cold, dry snowpack. Dress in waterproof layers, carry an extra layer and protect your face on cold days. Helmets are strongly recommended for all ages.
In-Resort Transport
The village is compact and walkable, and a free in-resort shuttle connects the village with the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Find out moreSki & Luggage Storage
Ask your accommodation about ski lockers and luggage storage at check-in.
Babysitting & Child Care
Families should arrange childcare in advance through their accommodation or Travelplan.
Medical
Ski patrol provides on-mountain first aid. The nearest hospital and pharmacies are in Vernon, about 22 km away. Comprehensive travel insurance with ski injury cover is strongly recommended.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Canada. General guidance:
| Service | Guide |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15–20% of the pre-tax bill |
| Bar service | CAD $1–2 per drink, or 15% of the tab |
| Ski instructors | CAD $10–20 per day (discretionary) |
| Transfer drivers | CAD $5–10 per bag |
| Hotel housekeeping | CAD $3–5 per day |
Best Website Portals
- SilverStar Mountain Resort (official)
https://www.skisilverstar.com/
- Snow report & forecast
https://www.skisilverstar.com/the-mountain/weather-conditions/snow-report-forecast/
- Winter trail maps
https://www.skisilverstar.com/the-mountain/mountain-maps/winter-maps/
- Winter lift tickets
https://www.skisilverstar.com/tickets-passes/winter-tickets/
- Ikon Pass — SilverStar
https://www.ikonpass.com/en/destinations/silverstar-mountain
- Lessons
https://www.skisilverstar.com/lessons-rentals/lessons/
- Rentals
https://www.skisilverstar.com/lessons-rentals/rentals/
- Winter activities
https://www.skisilverstar.com/events-activities/winter-activities/
- Groups at SilverStar
https://www.skisilverstar.com/groups/groups-at-silverstar/
- Destination SilverStar (village guide)
https://destinationsilverstar.com/
- Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
https://www.sovereignlake.com/
- DriveBC road conditions
https://www.drivebc.ca/
Useful Link
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/canada
REVIEW FLAG: No childcare/daycare information found for Silver Star — confirm whether in-resort childcare or babysitting is available for 2026/27.
REVIEW FLAG: Tipping amounts are general Canadian guidance — review before publication.
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