| The Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, is | | | | Village Centre, making staying in Kelowna an easy |
| surrounded by the coastal BC mountains, which offer | | | | option for accommodations. Like Silver Star, Big |
| protection from the cold arctic climate. Not only does | | | | White runs from November to early April. |
| this create hot and dry summers, it also makes for | | | | Apex Ski Resort: Although it is much smaller than Big |
| beautifully mild, ideal for outdoor recreation, winters | | | | White and Silver Star, Apex is a full service ski |
| as well. If you're looking for destinations for Canada | | | | destination located 33km/21 miles west of the city of |
| ski vacations, consider the beautiful Okanagan in the | | | | Penticton BC. With an average temperature of |
| south central Interior British Columbia. | | | | -4°C, Apex receives about 600 cm of dry |
| The Province of British Columbia covers almost a | | | | "Okanagan" powder each season. Among the locals, |
| million square kilometres, which makes it about ten | | | | Apex is well known for it's steep 2000 feet of |
| times bigger than the United Kingdom. In addition, | | | | vertical drop in a short time. But it's also got a great |
| approximately 75 percent of BC is covered in | | | | variety of ski and snowboard trails for every level of |
| mountains, and thanks to the westerly winds that | | | | skill, with a total of 68 trails. |
| blow in off the Pacific Ocean, it snows hard here all | | | | A total family ski resort, Apex is affordable, fun, and |
| winter long. | | | | ideal for those looking for quality and comfort. |
| Vernon BC, Kelowna and Penticton are all situated | | | | Accommodations at the resort are convenient and |
| within about 2 hours of each other. And within that | | | | cozy, and there's a variety of activities for kids and |
| region are a number of ski areas, and resorts that | | | | families during time off the hill. Nickel Plate Nordic |
| accommodate family ski vacations very nicely. | | | | Center offers cross country ski trails. And an outdoor |
| Although the Okanagan Valley is primarily a summer | | | | hockey rink of regulation size is the center of activity |
| vacation destination, it is often overlooked when | | | | after the runs close, so bring a stick and a pair of |
| considering winter ski vacations. | | | | skates along. You'll also enjoy an outdoor skating loop |
| Ski resorts in the Okanagan Valley include: | | | | for those who want to do some outdoor ice skating. |
| Silver Star Resort: Located near the city of Vernon, | | | | Apex operates from late November/early December |
| BC, Silver Star offers world class skiing and | | | | until early April. |
| snowboarding in a picturesque, family orientated | | | | Mount Baldy Ski Resort: As a small ski resort |
| mountain village. With an annual snowfall of over 23 | | | | destination, Mount Baldy remains relatively |
| ft., 6 lifts, 115 runs, a tube park, and cross country | | | | undiscovered. But with one of the highest base |
| terrain, Silver Star has absolutely everything one | | | | elevations in BC at 5,665 ft, Baldy consistently gets |
| could ask for when considering Canada ski vacations. | | | | over 650 cm (20 feet) of annual snowfall. The hill |
| The daytime temperatures average -3 C (27 F)! | | | | includes a chair lift to over 1,200 vertical feet, a t-bar, |
| Silver Star Mountain resort operates from November | | | | a magic carpet lift, and a small terrain park. There are |
| to mid April for winter vacations. The village is a | | | | a few accommodations on the mountain, including |
| beautiful Victorian style inspired community, with retail | | | | private cabin rentals, a B&B, and a lodge. Other family |
| shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, vacation homes and | | | | activities on the hill include tobogganing, snow |
| a hostel. Much of the village is ski-in, ski-out access. If | | | | shoeing, cross country skiing, and a unique Frisbee |
| you prefer a vacation where you can stay right at | | | | golf course. Now that's original! |
| the hill, this is one of the most beautiful in British | | | | With 35 runs & 500 acres of trails, Mt. Baldy is |
| Columbia. | | | | convenient, fun, and inexpensive. It's located 76km |
| Big White Ski Resort: Located just 45 minutes from | | | | (1hr 10min) from the city of Penticton, or 35 km (40 |
| the city of Kelowna, Big White is considered the | | | | min) from the largest concentration of wineries in the |
| second largest resort in the province, and caters to | | | | Okanagan, the town of Oliver BC. If you're looking |
| skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With a mild | | | | for something romantic, Mt. Baldy is also a perfect |
| average temperature of -5C (23 F), 750 cm (24.5 ft) | | | | choice. For example, an annual Valentines Moonlight |
| of snowfall, and 118 runs, it is quite comparable to | | | | Snowshoeing event happens on or near Valentine's |
| Silver Star, and truly accommodates family vacations. | | | | Day. This evening includes a romantic night time |
| It's got a huge terrain park, Nordic trails, and | | | | snowshoe hike, wine and cheese and an outdoor fire. |
| snowmobiling for outdoor adventure off the slopes. | | | | There's much more to the Okanagan Valley than |
| Big White is centrally located in the Okanagan, making | | | | meets the eye. As one of the most beautiful places |
| it perfect for those who want to spend a day there, | | | | to visit in Canada, summer or winter, we hope you |
| and then try out other resorts as well. | | | | consider visiting and spending your vacation here. |
| Big White is just 56 km (35 miles) from Kelowna to | | | | Maybe we'll see you on the slopes! |