A review of Okanagan ski resorts

The Okanagan is popular as one of the best skiing destinations in the country. When winter comes, the Okanagan ski resorts are blessed with lots of snow and good weather. This and the presence of world-class ski mountains here make it a downhill and cross country ski paradise for many tourists who love to ski.

Let’s take a look at the major Okanagan ski resorts here, offering ski in, ski out accommodations, ski lessons for very affordable rates and fast lifts. These ski resorts do welcome family vacationists and have services especially tailored for those traveling with children.

Big White Ski Resort

This ski resort near Kelowna, BC, is perfect for those with children as they have plenty of facilities and services that cater to kid’s needs. The resort is only a 45 minute drive from Kelowna. Some state-of-the art facilities here include a children’s centre operated by Happy Valley Gondola, a Kid’s Learning zone, skating rink, a Mini-Skidoo centre and a comfortable day lodge where the kids can warm up before and after skiing. Kids will surely have loads of fun and will never want to leave. You don’t need to worry if this is the case because the resort has an After Dark program where you can leave them behind to have some quality time with your partner or spouse.

Of course, the adults are never left behind in the fun. Up on the mountain, all adults, whether they’re beginners, intermediate or advanced skiers, can enjoy the slopes. Each of the lifts has a green run down, where even beginners can experience the 2,500 feet of vertical. Intermediates can take on a never ending cruiser that starts high up in the trees and ends on the valley floor, deep in the trees. There are also fantastic runs fit for those seeking more of an adrenaline rush.

Unparalleled excellence in this 5 bedroom 5 bathroom home (Sleeps 22) – Unit ID 90232

Apex Mountain Ski Resort

Only a 35 minute drive from Penticton, BC, this resort is one of the gems of Canadian skiing. Apex Mountain Ski Resort is a full service resort with high quality snow, amazing terrain, wonderful weather as well as extra friendly people. Being situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the resort is known to feature the lightest powder imaginable. It receives around 600 cm of dry powder every winter season. Excitement and happiness are evident in the faces of the locals and tourists as they hoot and holler among the open terrain leaving beautiful and light clouds of powder behind them.

Beaconsfield at Apex Mountain Resort

Mt Baldy Ski Area

Mt Baldy Family Ski Area is situated high above the South Okanagan Valley, in the Okanagan highlands. This area was home to the British Columbia Winter Games in 1985, and is a 45 minute drive from Oliver and Osoyoos.

The community has 95 cabins which are privately owned and a condominium complex which consists of 12 units. Both of these accommodations offer luxurious ski in and ski out lodging. There are 2 T-bar lifts at this family ski area. Baldy T-bar with 1460 ft. vertical and access to 11 ski runs is the main lift. The other lift is the McKinney T-bar which has 450 ft. vertical, access to 3 ski runs and the famous snowboard park. A double-chair lift is also available and is servicing the smaller hill.

Mt. Baldy also offers free-of-charge daytime and nighttime skating for those who love to skate. All you need is a pair of skates. Other facilities at Mt. Baldy include a day lodge, cafeteria, lounge and rental shop. If you love Okanagan powder, Mt. Baldy will not disappoint you as it offers one of the best-kept secrets of the Okanagan Valley when it comes to powder.

Silver Star Ski Resort

Consisting of 2700 acres and 2 distinct areas, Vance Creek and Putnam Creek, this resort has daytime and nighttime skiing operations till 9 pm to make sure you get as much skiing in as you want. Vance Creek is situated on the mid-mountain and allows you to ski in and ski out from your accommodation when you are in the resort, which is 30 minutes away from Vernon BC.

Start your day by taking the Vance Creek Express Chair towards the summit where you can choose from black, blue or green terrain. Beginners can warm up with the green run which is enough to awaken their reflexes and get warmed up for the rest of the day. Intermediates will enjoy the spirit-lifting blue terrain, whether they go for the Gopher Glades, Walt’s Run or the Big Dipper. Advanced skiers will have an enjoyable time at Putnam Creek where steep and fast downhill routes are found on well-maintained trails.

Silver Star guesthouses – Unit ID 1178

Sun Peaks Ski Resort

Carved from the imagination of a woman named Nancy Green, this resort is 45 minutes from Kamloops BC and offers ski lessons at affordable prices. This resort is perfect for beginners because is has services and facilities that will help a beginner become more comfortable with skiing. The green trails are excellent for beginners trying to learn new skills in skiing. The top to bottom Greenie is perfect for first timers who wish to build confidence by going down gently and safely.

The resort has a lot more to offer, including facilities and lifts for intermediate and advanced skiers and those traveling with kids. They have the Kids Ranch animated theme park especially designed for kids who are 3 to 12 years of age. Sun Peaks Ski Resort is a great destination for those vacationing with children and those who don’t have any experience with skiing yet and would like to take advantage of the lower priced ski lessons.

Now that we have provided more in-depth details on the different ski resorts in the Okanagan, which one will be perfect for your next skiing adventure? Make sure you choose the right accommodation for your ski trip. Check out Okanagan ski accommodations from OwnerDirect now. Accommodations that are ski in ski out, family-friendly and featuring affordable rates are all available for you to choose from.