The Spring Multi-Sport Day: A Fave North Okanagan Pastime
Spring in the North Okanagan is a season of contrasts. While the Monashee Mountains remain snow-covered into May, the valley below awakens with lush greenery, blooming orchards, and inviting trails as time marches on. Longer days and warmer temperatures set the stage for our favorite pastime: the multi-sport day—blending snow adventures with warm-weather fun.
Try the North Okanagan trifecta of downhill skiing, biking, and golfing in one day. Or, hit the cross-country tracks in the morning, followed by an afternoon hike and an apres session at a local haunt.
Here are a few ways to stack spring activities into one action-packed trip to the North Okanagan.
Spring Skiing: Sunshine, Soft Turns & Park Laps
The North Okanagan’s Monashee Mountains enjoy all-natural snow from November through April, making spring skiing a must. At SilverStar Mountain Resort, shred groomers under bluebird skies and enjoy the all-time conditions of the terrain park. The mountain is open daily until early April with the new Spring Silver Queen Bannister Terrain Park open until April 27, 2025. Check mountain operations to confirm.
For Nordic skiing enthusiasts, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Resort boast 105 km (64 miles) of trails, combined, forming the longest continuous groomed cross-country trail network in Canada. Glide through pristine forests, tackle rolling terrain, and take in breathtaking alpine views as you extend your ski season well into spring.
Biking: From Snow to Dirt in One Day
Head from the slopes to the trails. As the snow melts in the valley, mountain biking season begins to rev up. Greater Vernon, recognized as the Trails Capital of BC, features an expansive network of trails that beckon to be explored.
At Ellison Provincial Park and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, riders can navigate winding trails that weave through ponderosa pine forests and open up to stunning lake vistas. Those looking for a challenge can take on the trails at Noble Canyon and Predator Ridge (usually open by mid-April). The pump track at Becker Park is also open for year-round riding.
For a more leisurely ride, rent an e-bike and set out on the Okanagan Rail Trail, a 50-kilometre (30-mile) route, that includes a portion along Kalamalka Lake, referred to as the “lake of a thousand colours.”
Check in with our friends at the North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS) for trail status updates as the season unfolds.
Hiking: Views, Waterfalls & Birdwatching
Shrug off the bike helmet and lace up your trail shoes. Trail runners and hikers can also enjoy early season trails on one of the fastest growing multi-use trail networks in British Columbia.
A visit to BX Falls Trail will reward you with a short but spectacular walk through the forest, leading to a roaring waterfall fed by the melting mountain snow. For those craving wide-open spaces and rolling terrain, the Grey Canal Trail offers panoramic views of orchards, vineyards, and distant mountains.
Nature lovers and birdwatchers will enjoy the Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve, where you can spot red-breasted nuthatches and lazuli buntings among the diverse bird species that call this protected area home.
Golf: Tee Off with Mountain and Lake Views
Load up the clubs and get out on the greens. Golfing in the North Okanagan during spring is all about cool morning air and sun-drenched afternoons. At Predator Ridge, golfers can experience championship-level play on lush fairways surrounded by rolling hills and rocky outcrops. This premier destination offers an unforgettable game set against the dramatic North Okanagan landscape. For those seeking elevated fairways with expansive lake views, The Rise Golf Course, set high above Vernon, is a stunning course that features breathtaking scenery and a layout that challenges golfers of all skill levels.
Après: The Perfect Finish to a Multi-Sport Day
After a full day of adventure, unwind with a well-earned apres at a local favourite. For those wrapping up their day at Silver Star, The Red Antler and Black Pine Social offer cozy mountain vibes, delicious food, and handcrafted cocktails—ideal for recounting the day’s adventures with friends and family.
Family-run Cambium Cider Co., just down the road from Silver Star Village, invites visitors to relax in an orchard setting while sipping on craft ciders made from locally grown apples. BNA Brewing Co, in Vernon serves up locally brewed beers and pub fare to celebrate your multi-sport wins.
Celebrate the Season: Spring Festivals & Events
Spring in the North Okanagan is a time to celebrate the changing season with vibrant festivals and events. Two standout season finales mark the transition.
The SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival ignites Silver Star with high-energy mountain culture, featuring rail jams and races, live music, art shows, and lively apres parties. Watch for popular acts like SkiiTour and Mariya Stokes on the village stage.
One of Canada’s fastest-growing Nordic ski marathons, the Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon, has been more than 20 years in the making. This thigh-burning annual race spans two world-class ski areas with multiple distances over two days. The “point-to-party” finishes in the heart of Silver Star Village, surrounded by cheering fans.
Plan Your North Okanagan Spring Escape
Whether you’re carving spring snow, biking lakeside trails, or teeing off at a world-class course, the potential for multi-sport days are boundless. Grab your gear, soak up the season, and experience the best of both worlds in Vernon, Silver Star, and beyond.
