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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 kilometres (14 miles) northeast of Vernon. From Vernon, drive north on Highway 97 and turn east on Silver Star Road. Fly into Kelowna Airport with West Jet, Air Canada, or Horizon Air, and catch the quick one-hour shuttle ride up to Silver Star Mountain Resort's village.
Places to See
- Ski School and Star Kids Centre
Spend some time under the direction of the highly skilled pros and you're guaranteed to enjoy skiing or snowboarding even more than before. Kids need their own place to play and have fun while learning - the team at the Star Kids Centre will have your kids playing, laughing, and exploring the entire mountain in no time.
- 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.
- Silver Lode Restaurant
The Silver Lode Inn's centerpiece is the cozy dining room overlooking the village. From homemade bircher muesli to classic fondues, enjoy authentic, award-winning Swiss / International food created with the finest ingredients. After dinner, relax in the lounge in front of the wood-burning fireplace.
- 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
- Snowmobile Safaris
Guests enjoy Silver Star from a totally different perspective, traveling throughout the entire perimeter of the resort's skiable area, which is close to 30Km! Enjoy a true mountainous tour - cruise down Silver Woods, around Putnam Creek, and then climb back to the summit of Vance Creek through a varied mix of open terrain and tree laden trails. These unique tours provide truly spectacular vistas that most skiers/boarders will never see, including Alder Point and even the twinkling lights of Vernon miles below.
For the juniors, there's a specially-built "motocross style course" where children ages 7-12 can power their way on brand new Artic Cat machines. These sleds will guarantee endless fun and plenty of smiles!
- Shopping
Silver Star offers an eclectic array of boutique shopping with something for everyone. Enjoy a stroll down the boarded sidewalks and check out the vast collection of goods from outdoor multi-sport clothing, to ski equipment, to unique gifts and souvenirs.
- Dining
Silver Star has a wide variety of dining options, from casual comfort food to fine dining. Savor traditional Swiss cuisine, tasty pasta dishes, and romantic casual dining overlooking the village. Silver Star also has some of the best on-mountain coffee bars with fresh baking every day. There is even a restaurant at the top of Putnam Creek with delicious lunch options and a sundeck for those beautiful sunny days!
- Skating
Outdoor Skating is pure magic on Brewer's Pond, with a one-hectare natural skating surface, an outdoor fire, and music. Skating passes and skate rentals are available at the Tube Town Ticket Office.
- Sleigh Rides
Jingle all the way through Silver Star village on a horse-drawn sleigh! Starting at 11:00am daily; two tours available. Please make your reservations with the Info Desk.
- Snowshoe Tours
Join Silver Star's mountain guides on an unforgettable adventure to discover the natural wonders of winter and explore the subalpine wilderness. Rent high performance snowshoes, or bring your own for a discount. A uniquely Canadian experience for all ages! Bring your camera!
- Skiing
Silver Star is world renowned for its cross-country skiing facilities. Silver Star offers over 60 kilometres of daily groomed Nordic trails for all abilities and age groups. The resort is also a training ground for some of the best racers in the world and is a frequent training ground for Olympic athletes. Canadian and International competitions are held at Silver Star every year, showcasing some of the best talent in the world.
Events
- K2 National Ski Races
Some of the best 13-14 year old racers from across Canada converge on Silver Star's race courses to compete in the K2 Nationals. The racers will be competing in Super Giant Slalom, Super Combi, Giant Slalom, and Slalom.
- Retro Day
Bust out the zinc, stretchy pants and mono boards - it's Retro Day! Get in your best retro outfit and shred some sweet pow pow! After your tights have spilt, meet in the village at 4pm for the retro dance off! Once the sun falls, get ready for some farout fluro festivities at The Club Saloon.
- Annual Dummy Gelunde and Season's Pass Holders BBQ
A Silver Star Classic, the Dummy Gelunde is the true example of grace and beauty on snow. Adhere to the competition rules and put together your Dummy for this fun, free event. The competition will begin at 3:00pm sharp near Snowbird Lodge; entries will be judged for best dressed, biggest air, and best crash and burn.
- Piping Hot Summer Drummer
Piping Hot Summer Drummer is North America's largest two-week summer program for piping, drumming, and Highland dancing. The facilities at BC's beautiful Silver Star Mountain keep getting better, and you won't find a better location to get your music and dance engines running in high gear!
- 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.
Contact Information
Silver Star Mountain Resort Ltd
General Enquiries
Open from 8am to 4:30pm daily
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
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