Why Visit Silver Star Mountain Resort?
Silver Star Mountain Resort is the kind of place that makes winter trips feel easy, in the best way. Located just outside of Vernon in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, it’s a full-service ski resort that doesn’t feel overwhelming or chaotic the moment you arrive.
One of the biggest reasons people love Silver Star is how self-contained and walkable it is. The village is completely pedestrian-only, with true ski-in, ski-out accommodations, which means once you’re there, you can genuinely settle in! Mornings start with stepping straight onto the slopes, afternoons flow into village wandering or a hot chocolate stop, and evenings are all about good food and cozy après without needing to drive anywhere.
The mountain itself is also incredibly well suited for groups with varying abilities on the slopes!
Silver Star has a wide variety of terrain, so beginners, confident cruisers, and more advanced skiers can all find runs they enjoy without feeling separated for the day.
And if not everyone in your group skis, there’s no shortage of other winter activities, from tubing and outdoor skating to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Silver Star feels welcoming, relaxed, and thoughtfully designed for winter travel. It’s a great choice if you want a ski trip that still feels like a getaway. One where everything is close, the pace is comfortable, and the experience goes beyond just skiing.
Where to Stay at Silver Star
When you’re planning a winter getaway to Silver Star Mountain Resort, one of the biggest perks is how many great accommodation options are right on or very close to the slopes. From big family homes to cozy condos, there’s something for every group size. A good amount of the accomodations are genuinely ski-in / ski-out, which makes getting on the mountain in the morning so much easier than dealing with parking and shuttles
Our Stay: Ski-In / Ski-Out Vacation Rental
Vale Suite was our home base during this trip, and we genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better spot!
This property sits right on the mountain with ski-in / ski-out access, which means you can strap on your skis and hit the slopes straight from your door (no cars, no gear hauling, no parking!)
What made it extra great:
- Flexible rental layout: The space can be booked as a whole house or in sections, depending on how big your group is.
- Perfect for families or groups: There’s plenty of room to spread out, cook meals together, and make the place feel like a real home base. With ample storage for all of your gear and belongings.
- Ease of access: Being able to walk out the door, ski down, and come back up to the house for a mid-day break or lunch was a huge convenience! It was truly a luxury.
- All the comforts: Full kitchen, living/dining space, and the mountain views made it feel like a true getaway. Plus, in my opinion, you can’t stay at a ski resort without having the hot tub!
Silver Star has a wide range of places to stay, from larger homes to smaller condos and suites, so you can choose the vibe that fits your trip
Downhill Skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort: What to Expect on the Mountain
Downhill skiing is the main reason most people come to Silver Star, and it’s also where the resort really shines.
What makes skiing here stand out isn’t just the size of the mountain, but how well-balanced and approachable the terrain feels, especially if you’re travelling with people at different levels!
Silver Star offers a large amount of skiable terrain spread across multiple pods, which helps keep runs from feeling crowded and makes it easy to explore different areas of the mountain throughout the day.
Skiing With Kids or First-Timers
Silver Star is very family-friendly when it comes to skiing. There are dedicated beginner areas, lessons available for all ages, and terrain that lets newer skiers progress without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great place for kids or first-timers to build confidence while still being part of a bigger mountain experience.
Lift Tickets & Planning Your Ski Days
Lift ticket prices vary depending on the season, day of the week, and whether you book in advance, but Silver Star tends to feel far more accessible than some of the larger BC resorts. If you’re planning multiple ski days, it’s worth looking into multi-day passes or packages when booking your accommodation.
Things to Do at Silver Star (Beyond Skiing!)
While downhill skiing is the main draw at Silver Star, there’s also plenty to do off the slopes — which is especially nice if you’re travelling with non-skiers, kids, or just want to mix up your days on the mountain.
Tubing
The tubing at Silver Star honestly surprised us in the best way.
It’s fast, well organized, and easily one of the best tubing experiences we’ve done at a ski resort.
The lanes are long and varied, and there’s a lift system that takes you back to the top, so you’re not hiking uphill between runs!
It’s a great option for families, but it’s just as fun for adults! Especially if you’re looking for something high-energy that doesn’t require skis or snowboarding experience. Tubing is actually built into the full day pass, or you can get a single ticket, and it’s an easy activity to fit into a ski day or save for a non-ski afternoon.
Outdoor Skating
Silver Star’s outdoor skating rink is located right in the village and adds to the cozy, winter-village feel of the resort. It’s a fun, low-key activity that works well for all ages, whether you’re skating a few laps or just enjoying the atmosphere.
Skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own, and it’s a nice way to wind down after skiing or spend an evening outside without committing to another full activity.
Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing
For something quieter and more scenic, Silver Star also offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails. These are great options if you want to slow the pace a bit, enjoy the winter landscape, or give your legs a break from downhill skiing.
Both activities are beginner-friendly, and rentals are available on the mountain. They’re also a solid choice if not everyone in your group wants to ski but still wants to get outside and experience the snow.
Where to Eat at Silver Star
Silver Star’s village has a surprisingly great food scene for a ski resort — from elevated dinners to casual bites and sweet treats between runs. Whether you’re up for a sit-down meal after a day on the mountain or a quick snack while you regroup, these are the places we found ourselves returning to again and again.
Fine Dining Apres At D’Argento:
If you’re looking for something a bit special. Whether that’s a date night, celebratory dinner, or just a break from slope food, D’Argento is the spot.
What makes it stand out:
- Homemade pastas and Italian classics that feel elevated but still comforting
- Thoughtful wine selection to pair with beautiful dishes
- Delicious appetizers that set the tone for the whole meal
The atmosphere here is warm and refined, which makes it a great choice if you’re craving a true dinner experience after skiing or on a night where you want to slow down and savor your meal.
Casual & Après Options
Red Antler: A go-to for relaxed meals and après vibes. The menu here feels like classic mountain comfort food, and the atmosphere is equal parts cozy and lively — perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes or grabbing a casual lunch.
Bugaboos: Hearty, no-fuss food that’s ideal if you’re looking for something satisfying quickly. Great burgers, good portions, and easy to get in and out between runs.
Tube Town: Perfect for groups or kids. Yes, that is a 6 FOOT LOADED HOT DOG!! The casual ordering make this a good lunch or dinner option if you’re craving something informal and tasty without slowing down your day!
The Goody Box: A Silver Star staple, and a must-stop for something sweet between laps on the hill. Whether you’re craving chocolate, gummies, or treats to bring back to your rental after dinner, this place is a fun little pause in your day.
Is Silver Star Mountain Resort Family-Friendly?
Yes, and not in a generic, “we say this about every resort” kind of way. Silver Star genuinely feels designed with everyone in mind, which is something you notice pretty quickly once you’re there.
One of the biggest advantages for families is the pedestrian-only village. Not having cars driving through the core of the resort makes it feel safer and more relaxed, especially if you’re travelling with younger kids. Everything is close together, walkable, and easy to navigate, so you’re not constantly juggling logistics.
On the mountain, the terrain balance works really well for families and mixed-ability groups.
Beginner and intermediate skiers have plenty of confidence-building runs, while more advanced skiers still have options to keep things interesting.
It’s the kind of place where everyone can ski at their own level and still meet up easily throughout the day.
Beyond skiing, the range of winter activities makes a big difference. Tubing, skating, and Nordic options mean kids (and adults) don’t have to be on skis all day, every day — which helps keep the trip feeling fun rather than exhausting.
Accommodation is another strong point for families. With so many ski-in / ski-out vacation rentals, it’s easy to find places with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and space to spread out. Being able to pop back to your accommodation for lunch, naps, or a warm-up break can completely change how enjoyable a ski trip feels with kids.
Overall, Silver Star strikes a really nice balance: it feels approachable and family-friendly without feeling boring or limited. It’s a great option if you want a winter getaway where skiing is the focus, but comfort, convenience, and flexibility still matter.
My Final Thoughts: Is Silver Star Mountain Resort Worth Visiting?
Silver Star Mountain Resort is the kind of place that grows on you the longer you’re there.
It doesn’t try to be the biggest or flashiest ski resort in British Columbia and that’s exactly what makes it special.
If you’re showing up for the skiing, you’ll find a mountain that’s thoughtfully laid out, well balanced, and easy to enjoy whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate cruiser, or skiing with people at different skill levels. Add in the true ski-in, ski-out accommodations, and it becomes the kind of trip where your days feel full without feeling rushed.
What really stands out, though, is how well-rounded the experience is. Between downhill skiing, tubing, skating, Nordic trails, and a walkable village with genuinely good food, Silver Star feels like more than just a ski hill — it feels like a complete winter getaway. It’s especially well suited for families, groups, or anyone who wants a resort that’s fun and comfortable without being overwhelming.
If you’re planning a winter trip in the Okanagan and want a resort that’s easy to settle into, offers variety both on and off the slopes, and still feels cozy and welcoming, Silver Star is absolutely worth visiting — and it’s a place we’d happily return to.