These 8 Kelowna Ski Resorts Will Make You Love Winter
Ah, winter in Canada – skiing, snowboarding, roasting marshmallows around the fire.
If you’ve been dreaming of fresh powdery turns, Kelowna is the place to be!
With unbeatable views of Okanagan Lake nestled among the mountains, there’s no shortage of pristine skiing opportunities you can find in and around the city.
Regardless if you’re a downhill pro or a first-timer just starting out, we’ve compiled a list of the best ski resorts near Kelowna that you need to check out. Get ready to hit the slopes!
1. Big White
Thinking about hitting the slopes in Kelowna? Look no further than Big White Ski Resort, the closest ski resort in the area and one of British Columbia’s best.
It really is as good as everyone says, too – loaded with 16 lifts and 119 marked trails ranging from gentle greens to thrill-seeking double blacks. It’s enough to keep any avid skier occupied for weeks.
There’s also night skiing on 38 acres of terrain – the largest such area in western Canada.
For added convenience, the entire village is ski-in/ski-out – get rid of those cumbersome car keys!
Choose from luxury cabins or hotels, and for those who are budget-minded, hostel beds can easily be found.
Ski amongst the snow ghosts (snow-covered trees) and grab a bite afterwards in one of their bars or restaurants.
End your day with awesome free fireworks show on Saturdays during the season.
But skiing isn’t all that Big White has to offer – what about dog sledding tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snowmobiling?
Even when the snow isn’t falling around here, there are still activities in the spring till fall like mountain biking and hiking trails with stunning wildflowers abound.
All things considered, this ski resort sure packs a punch!
2. Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Skiing as a family is more fun when there’s lots to keep everyone entertained, and Sun Peaks Resort ticks all the boxes.
Perfectly groomed trails and hardly any lift lines make this destination ideal for the most demanding of skiers.
For those with an appetite for luxury, we recommend staying at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel – it’s one of Canada’s finest ski hotels.
The resort consists of three majestic mountains – Mt. Tod, Morrisey and Sundance – offering something for every level.
And with extra services from childcare facilities to ski schools, “family time” takes on a whole new meaning when you hit the slopes of Sun Peaks.
Aside from the slopes, snowmobiling, dog sledding, heli-skiing, ski biking and horse-drawn sleigh rides are all activities you can enjoy at Sun Peaks.
And when night falls, head to Bottoms Bar & Grill for a lively night out.
Whether you’re an intermediate cruising down gentle slopes or an advanced ripper negotiating moguls or glades, there’s no denying that you’ve got a prime spot for skiing and snowboarding glory.
Trust us: until you’ve experienced Sun Peaks for yourself, you haven’t been on a proper ski vacation!
3. Apex Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain is all the rage in the Okanagan ski world, and for good reason.
Not only does it accommodate skiers of all abilities, from complete beginners to advanced thrill seekers, but it also offers fantastic machine-groomed runs and unbeatable snow conditions.
You’ll find all the perks you’d expect from a premiere ski resort. And did we mention that their prices are totally pocket-friendly?
From ice skating loops to a hockey rink, tube park and snowshoe trails, there’s something for everyone here.
For a break in between runs, you can grab lunch or drinks at the Gunbarrel Saloon.
4. Whitewater Ski Resort
Skiers and snowboarders alike are gravitating to Whitewater Ski Resort in the Selkirk Mountains, thanks to its accessible backcountry terrain.
Whether you consider yourself a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone here: deep bowls, glades as far as the eye can see, and some of the best powder around!
Need a break from shredding the slopes? Enjoy a healthy meal at Fresh Tracks Cafe or boogie down at Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub – it’s ski day plus chill day at Whitewater Ski Resort.
5. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Calling all experienced snow bunnies; hit the slopes at Revelstoke Mountain Resort for some seriously epic scenery and powder.
With its lengthy vertical descent, high elevation and record-breaking snowfall in a single season (over 80 feet!), Revelstoke is a must if you’re looking for an intense winter adventure.
Forget about your bunny hill days – negotiate steep faces and traverse alpine bowls in between technical glades for an extra leg burn.
But make sure you show up early after a big snow dump, otherwise you might end up waiting in line all day!
While these snow-capped heights may look inviting, one word of warning: it’s definitely not the spot to take up skiing or snowboarding if you’re a newbie.
But with activities such as snowmobiling tours, soaking in a hot spring, heli-tours, and snowshoeing, there’s plenty to keep everyone in your group stoked.
And if the summer months are more your thing, pack those hiking boots and your bike for an adventure-filled holiday!
6. Baldy Mountain Resort
Don’t let the family-friendly atmosphere fool you; Baldy Mountain Resort quickly rises to the challenge, offering the 3rd highest elevation among ski areas in the province – 1300 feet and 22 runs of pure snow bliss.
Unlike other big-name resorts, here you can be one with nature and bask in the beauty of the Nk’mip Desert merging with the inland rainforest of West Kootenay.
Whether you seek to hone your skills on the slopes or want to feel the crunch of untouched powder under your snowshoes, this place has got you covered.
To top off the day, grab some delicious food and relax in the Baldy Resort Bar – now doesn’t that sound perfect?
7. SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort really puts the “silver” in the name; you’ll be dazzled by the bright, picturesque village and the convenient ski-in ski-out experience.
With a great variety of terrain and open slopes ranging from Gentle Greens to some gnarly Blacks, this gorgeous resort near Kelowna sure has something for everyone.
For advanced skiers, snag those skis and hit up Caliper Ridge or Ridgeback for thrilling rides, or check out the back side of the mountain for moguls and powder!
For beginners, no shame in starting on the front side so take it slow, enjoy the breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake, and when you’ve got enough confidence, zoom down those steeper lines!
The ski-in ski-out village has everything you need for an amazing getaway, full of delicious eateries and exciting shops.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out unique activities like tubing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
But don’t forget the real star of the show is really the slopes! Night skiing can be accessed via The Gondola, Silver Queen Chair, and for those so inclined – there’s a Magic Carpet specifically for the bunny hill crowd.
Kids ride the Gondola for free – another great reason why families keep coming back to SilverStar.
8. RED Mountain Resort
At RED Mountain Resort, you’ll find it all; cozy lodging near the lift and some of the best skiing in the world – 360-degree descents and pristine powder – need we say more?!.
Whether you’re looking to stay in a nearby hostel or kick-back slope-side at a hotel, RED forms the perfect backdrop for your next adventure.
Legend has it that this world-class mountain town is home to Gold Rush ghosts, intriguing history and more than a few modern marvels – now that’s something worth descending from the skies for.
And if your appetite needs curbing during a long day on the slopes? There’s a snowbound taco truck to satisfy your cravings – something you won’t find anywhere else in Canada!
