Local Tips: 5-Day Winter Getaway in the North Okanagan
Experience the wonder of winter in the North Okanagan, where snow-draped forests and crisp mountain air invite you to embrace the season and everything it has to offer. Spend your days exploring snow-covered trails and your down-time embracing local culture and seasonal activities. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find warmth and comfort in charming lodges, cozy cafés, and welcoming restaurants.
Local resident Hannah Brinkhurst shares her favourite five-day itinerary for making the most of the North Okanagan during the winter months.
DAYS 1-3: SILVER STAR VILLAGE
Day 1: Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
There’s no place quite like SilverStar Mountain Resort. With its mid-mountain village charm, summit elevation of 1,915 metres (6,280 ft), and over 3,093 hectares of skiable terrain, it’s a dream destination. The average annual snowfall of 7 metres (23 feet) is all-natural, and the smiles are too. If you love expertly groomed runs, Big Dipper and Gypsy Queen are my personal favorites for tight corduroy. On a powder day, don’t miss “the Backside,” accessed by the Powder Gulch chairlift, where steep loaded black and double black terrain await.
For dinner, sink into a booth at Black Pine Social, where Chef Jarred Suave and his team cook up tasty meals that pair perfectly with a satisfying day on the slopes. The chicken karaage is a must-try, and you truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Spend the evening lacing up a pair of skates. There’s something magical about gliding under the stars on Brewer’s Pond, with crackling outdoor fires and cheerful music setting the scene. Whether you’re a pro skater or hitting the ice for the first time, this 2.5-acre natural ice pond offers an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the starlit journey back to your accommodation.
Where to Stay:
Silver Star Stays has a welcoming variety of cozy homes located conveniently on the mountain, or the Prestige Hotel in Vernon offers tons of amenities only a 30-minute drive away. Curl up and relax–it’s only day one!
Day 2: The Ultimate Winter Day
Follow your nose to Bugaboos Bakery, where freshly roasted coffee and hot croissants would lure anyone out for an early start. For those with a sweet tooth, try the famous Nuttacino, a classic cappuccino with a twist: a decadent spoonful of Nutella to swirl into the hot espresso. Then, get back to the slopes.
Head over to the typically quieter areas of Silver Woods or Alpine Meadows if you didn’t make it the day before and hunt down those powder stashes. Here, you’ll find a zone we call “Bus Runs,” a reliable spot for finding snow, named for a time when a bus would transport guests back to the main village. Today, these short but rewarding runs offer a unique slice of skiing history and great snow conditions. Busback, Soreback, Fastback, and Outback–take your pick, they’re short runs but well worth it if the snow’s been flying. And not to worry, you won’t need to catch a bus anymore. Those venturing that way will end up back at Alpine Meadows or the Silver Queen chairlift.
After a day of exploration and skiing, wrap it up with the newest addition to the Silver Star dining experience, the Ravenwood Snowshoe Dinner Tour. Snowshoe through the moonlit forest to a secluded cabin, where you’ll be treated with a multicourse European-style raclette dinner. Raclette is a Swiss and French tradition that’s more than just a meal, it’s a dining experience that brings people together. The power is in your hands: you grill sausage and other meats and vegetables while the raclette cheese melts at your table. You’ll sleep well after a snowshoe back to the village, and tomorrow promises even more.
Day 3: Nordic Skiing on Canada’s largest daily groomed XC trail network
SilverStar Mountain Resort hugs the borders of Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, a Nordic skiing mecca, and together they form Canada’s largest daily groomed cross-country trail network that spans 105 km (65 miles). Explore the trails and immerse yourself in the serenity of snow-covered forests and alpine views. For beginners, pick up some classic skis from the Rental Shop and head out on a lap around the Bridle Path, which offers beauty and ease.
For more experienced XC skiers looking to get the burn on, I recommend starting at SilverStar, then taking Paradise and then Comin’ Round The Mountain up to the picturesque Captikʷł (Chap-tik) Cabin, before heading over to Sovereign Lake via the Lars Taylor Way. Spend the afternoon delving into the network of trails here, and bring a packed lunch for a stop at the Black Prince Cabin. Once you’ve had your fill, head back to Silver Star Village along Gold Mountain.
Treat grumbling stomachs to dinner at The Red Antler to close up the day nicely. The atmosphere is casual, with a menu full of family favorites, elevated by fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Elk Burger is a local favourite, while the Far Out Nachos are great for sharing. On weekday evenings, enjoy events like the popular Trivia Night or step up to the mic for Karaoke.
DAYS 4-5: PREDATOR RIDGE & VERNON
Day 4: Experience Predator Ridge
Before heading home, take a short drive out of Vernon to Predator Ridge, a community resort with a ton of fun winter activities. Strap on a pair of snowshoes to explore the 12km (7.5 miles) of maintained trails that undulate around the backyard. For those seeking a breathtaking vantage point, the Okanagan Lookout Trail is a must. As you meander, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Okanagan Lake glimmering in the distance.
Dine at RANGE Restaurant, and save room for dessert–their pumpkin crème brulée with spiced pecans is worth the journey in itself. Stay overnight to wake up surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Where to Stay:
Predator Ridge Resort has a variety of accommodation options including studio, one and two bedroom condos at The Lodge, which are comfortable, spacious, and equipped with everything you need to feel right at home. Overnight guests have access to the local ice rink as well as the year-round sporting facilities. Practice your swings in the golf simulator or have a sheltered rally inside the tennis and pickleball bubble.
Day 5: Explore Downtown Vernon and the Trails Capital of BC
Enjoy a well-earned break from the outdoor adventures and immerse yourself in the local culture of Vernon. Take a self-guided mural tour to discover the public art woven into the city streets, each piece telling a story of Vernon’s history, culture, and folklore. With 28 murals to find, think you can spot them all? One of my favourites is next to Ratio Coffee & Pastry, a coffeehouse and bakery, my go-to breakfast spot. I gaze over my mushrooms on toast (I dream of the creamy pecorino sauce) at C.E. Perry, the construction engineer for the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway. His steam train played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s development.
To explore more of Vernon’s history, go for an adventure along the Okanagan Rail Trail. This repurposed railway path now offers an accessible, scenic trail that meanders along Kalamalka Lake, one of the many trails that earned the North Okanagan its title as the Trails Capital of BC. Whether by foot or bike, it’s a great place to explore. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park also offers fantastic winter hiking and fat biking opportunities, with views of the sparkling turquoise lake and surrounding hills.
For an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Silverstar Brewing for tasty craft beers. Part of the legendary BC Ale Trail, their lineup of brews is both eclectic and delicious. The Vipers Home Game Light Lager is my top pick—it’s both a tribute to the local hockey team and a refreshing end to a day spent exploring. The Okanagan Peach Wheat Ale is a close second. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Phoenix Steakhouse and Bar, or if you’re craving sushi, Kawakubo offers some of the best in Vernon.
Ready to plan your winter getaway? Extend your stay, embrace the snow, and uncover all the magic the North Okanagan has to offer. With so much to explore, five days will only scratch the surface. Start planning your winter visit to the North Okanagan.
