Silver Star Mountain

• Lodging in this community
• Camping in this community 

History

Vernon resident Bert Thorburn became the first person to ski in the Silver Star area in 1930. He rode his bike up to the end of a logging road in the area and then walked a distance following forestry trails to a forest fire lookout. He camped there for the night and skied down the next day. In 1946 the first rope tow was built on Burney Ridge, 800 feet (240 metres) long. It was powered by an old four cylinder engine. The cooling system was a 40 gallon water drum hooked up to the radiator. For $.50, you could ski all day. In 1958 the final three kilometers of the Silver Star road was pushed through by local contractor Ross Postill to the current day village area. Construction of two rope-tow lifts and an A-frame day lodge were also built in 1958. In 1959 a poma lift was installed from the 5,000-foot (1,500 m) level at the parking lot to the top of Silver Star Mountain, replacing the rope tow. In 1964 new t-bars were installed to replace the slower rope tows and 1965 a second A-frame structure was added to the day lodge. In 1967 and 1968 the Summit and Yellow Chairs (6,000 feet) built by GMD Mueller were installed, making Silver Star Mountain one of the largest ski areas in Canada.

In 1981 Silver Star Sports was purchased by Norm Crerar, Charlie Locke, John Hindle, Rob Marshall and John Gow, becoming Silver Star Mountain Resorts Ltd. The first Nordic trails were also cleared. In 1983 the Putnam Station Hotel was built and became Silver Star's first on-hill hotel. From 1984-1990 many new hotels and amenities were built on the hill. In 1990 the Silver Queen chair was built to serve as the bunny hill. In 1991 the original Putnam Creek and Vance Creek express quads were built and opened up extensive amounts of terrain. In 2001 the Schumann family, owners of Big White Ski Resort since 1985, reached an agreement in principle with the Honourable Judd Buchanan, (Order of Canada), majority shareholder of Silver Star Mountain Resort on the purchase of the majority assets of Silver Star Mountain Resort. In 2002 Silver Star Mountain Resort invested $10 million in a resort expansion plan featuring: The Comet Express, a $5.2 million, six passenger, high speed, Leitner-Poma chairlift which replaced the Vance Creek quad. The Powder Gulch Express replaced the Putnam Creek quad and was also built by Leitner-Poma. $700,000 was also spent on improving Guest Service infrastructure, including a new bakery, a new retail shop, a Wonder Carpet beginner lift, and upgrades to the Tube Park.

Location

Silver Star Mountain Resort is located 22 km (14 mi) northeast of Vernon via Hwy 97 and east on Silver Star Road. By air, fly into Kelowna Airport on one of several daily scheduled flights and catch the quick one-hour shuttle ride up to Silver Star Mountain Resort's village.

Places to See

• Silver Star Village

The charming, Victorian inspired village offers convenient ski-in, ski-out access to Silver Star's boutique retail shops, restaurants, and cafes. The magical village offers an excellent selection of hotels, a purpose-built international ski hostel, award-winning vacation homes, and suites and condos each with their own unique style and warm hospitality.

• Adventure Park

If you are in the mood for some fun, come and visit the Adventure Park. Whether it is a thrilling tube ride, ice skating on the outdoor pond, mini-z riding, snowmobiling, or going on a sleigh ride, the Adventure Park has plenty of fun for the whole family. You'll never run out of things to do! There is also an outdoor fire pit to warm up around while you are sipping your tasty hot chocolate.

Things to Do

• Winter Activities

Silver Star is blanketed by 7 meters (23 ft) of snow each winter, and is renowned for having dry, feather light champagne powder. Explore 3,065 acres (1,240 hectares) of varied terrain serviced by one of the most modern lift systems in North America. There are 760 vertical meters (2,500 ft) of steeps, deeps, drops, chutes, bowls, glades, natural halfpipes, groomed cruisers and gentle rollers. Plus, the most progressive terrain park in BC. Skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, showshoeing, nordic, mountain tours, snowmobiling and terrain parks are all waiting for you to enjoy. 

• Mountain Biking

Silver Star is world-renowned for it's mountain biking. There are 18 marked trails dedicated to mountain bikes from easy to most difficult. The longest trail is 7.1 km (4.4 mi). 

• Summer Activities

Silver Star is growing as a summer destination. Marked hiking trails take you to glorious meadows of wildflowers, and stunning views. Visitors can hike the mountain in both directions or take the chairlift up and walk down.

Geocaching is a popular and growing activity for the whole family and there are a number of hidden treasures on the mountain.  

Silver Star was originally an old mining town many years ago so what could be more authentic then experiencing Silver Star Trail Rides?  Enjoy Silver Star from a completely different perspective as you ride through the forest and take in the breathtaking views. Tours can be booked for either 1 or 2-hour guided trips.

Events

• Okanagan Summer Wine Festival

Come and treat yourself to an intimate weekend of wine education, arts, music and mile high outdoor recreation. The summer wine festival offers unique wine seminars, great evening entertainment, a foot-stomping musical outdoor wine tasting, and wonderful presentations by local artists.

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Silver Star Mountain Resort Ltd
PO Box 3002
Silver Star Mountain, BC
Canada V1B 3M1
Phone: (250) 542-0224
Fax: (250) 542-1236
Email: star@skisilverstar.com
Website: www.skisilverstar.com