SilverStar: A Storybook Ski Setting

SilverStar’s ski offerings match Sun Peaks’ step for step. The sunny frontside welcomes me with gentle, sweeping runs, where I can carve effortlessly through velvety snow. But the real test of my skills awaits on the backside, where the terrain grows steeper, wilder—demanding precision, control, and a touch of daring. Each descent is a thrilling dance with gravity, my heart pounding as I weave through trees and tackle the kind of runs that leave my legs burning and my mouth grinning broadly.

The skiing is so sublime that I can’t bring myself to step away, not even for SilverStar’s other diversions. And there are plenty: A massive one-hectare natural ice rink nestled in the heart of the village, a four-lane tube park, 15 kilometres of fat bike trails winding through the snow-laden wilderness, and on it goes.

Meanwhile, the nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre invites me to slow down and immerse myself in the hushed serenity of the subalpine world. As I glide along  100-plus kilometres of pristine trails, I notice the delicate imprints of animal tracks in the snow that surround towering evergreens heavy with fresh powder. This is more than a workout—it’s a soulful, meditative journey, a way to reconnect with the land while mitigating the indulgences of the past few days.

One evening, I board a tank-like snowcat for a dining experience like no other. The “Snow Cat Dinner” begins with a cosy ride through snow-laden trees, the thrumming of the machine’s engine breaking the silence of the wilderness. At our remote destination, a candlelit cabin-style restaurant, each course highlights the Okanagan’s seasonal bounty, from rich bisques to seared steak. The combination of fine dining, a warm hearth, and the solitude of the mountains makes it an unforgettable evening.

Kelowna: A Cultural and Culinary Capital

Reasoning that I would need to recharge and refuel after four days of winter adventure, I choose to end my journey in the Okanagan’s largest city. My first stop: the region’s largest winery, the Mission Hill Family Estate in West Kelowna. From the moment I arrive, I’m struck by its grandeur—towering stone archways, a soaring bell tower, and sweeping vineyard views that stretch toward Okanagan Lake. Inside, a cavernous barrel room is the epitome of quiet elegance, the scent of aging oak filling the air. A guided tasting of award-winning vintages, expertly paired with artisanal cheeses, provides a masterclass in the region’s winemaking excellence, each sip revealing layers of depth and complexity.

As the sun dips below the horizon, I head for Prospera Place arena, where the Kelowna Rockets face off against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The energy is electric as the Rockets fight their way back from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime, the entire arena holding its breath with every breakaway and near miss. In the end, victory slips just out of reach, but again my expectations are fulfilled—and then some.