Celebrating the Wonders of Winter
Winter's arrival transforms the Thompson Okanagan into a snow-capped wonderland, where families and friends can enjoy adventures, food, and beverages.
Sun Peaks Resort by Destination BC/Ryan Creary
Visitors see some of the best views in the Thompson Okanagan while celebrating one of the “coolest” seasons the region offers - winter. Winter blankets the region in frost-covered trails and snow-capped mountains while unlocking a variety of things to do while you stay a while in the Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Bike along the Snowy Trails
The snow-covered trails invite you to try a different type of biking: fat biking. Using a bike with oversized tires will allow you to bike through the snowiest conditions, so you don't have to hang up your helmet just yet! Check out the winter trails and let your fat bike take you around the beautiful Thompson Okanagan.
Fat Biking through a tunnel in Myra Canyon, Kelowna by Thompson Okanagan/Matthew Clark
Ice Fishing
Wintertime in the Thompson Okanagan doesn’t mean the end of fishing season for the dedicated angler. With warm socks, mittens, toques, and a bit of patience, you can catch a fish even during the coldest season of the year. Spend the day with Elevated Fishing Adventures and experience a fully guided fishing tour at Sun Peaks.
Mountain Resorts
There are seven mountain resorts for you to enjoy during your stay in the Thompson Okanagan. Each mountain offers a different view and landscape for you to traverse, regardless of whether you choose to snowboard or ski. Maybe you want to slow it down a bit during your stay? The mountain resorts in the region offer more than just snowboarding and skiing. Enjoy family fun activities like tubing, skating, and snowshoeing.
Snowboarding at Apex Mountain Resort by Destination BC/Ben Giesbrecht
Local Flavours for Après-ski (or Anytime this Winter)
Traditionally, après-ski or after skiing involves celebrating a successful day of skiing with a glass of champagne while enjoying great food and even better company at the ski lodge. However, the Thompson Okanagan offers a wide variety of local flavours for you to enjoy after any winter activity.
Farm-to-Table
Farms, orchards, and other local growers may have long finished their growing season while you are celebrating winter in the Thompson Okanagan. However, there is no shortage of local restaurants offering dishes made with regional produce.
Wineries
Although the vines have long stopped growing and the trees have lost their leaves, many tasting rooms around the region are open during the winter. Regardless of which area you decide to visit, there are wine trails throughout the region with plenty of varietals for you to try and enjoy.
District Wine Village
The wonder of the Thompson Okanagan winter has made its way further south into Oliver this year with District Wine Village’s new synthetic ice rink. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of typical winter wonder skating on CAN-ICE, tasting delicious BC wines, or pair the two with skiing or snowboarding at Mount Baldy with their “Chill and Thrill” offer.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Backcountry Adventures Around the Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan is surrounded by a diverse range of world-class backcountry experiences complete with lodges located in the middle of snowy valleys surrounded by unbelievable slopes. Find backcountry experiences you will want to add to your winter bucket list..
The winter season offers a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry terrain of BC. Instead of hiking along the mountain trails in the summer, you can float down the mountains in knee deep powder on your skis or snowboard. The Thompson Okanagan is surrounded by a diverse range of world-class backcountry experiences complete with lodges located in the middle of snowy valleys surrounded by unbelievable slopes. In this blog you will find information on backcountry experiences you will want to add to your winter bucket list.
Backcountry adventures are not only about getting the perfect shot to post on your Instagram, but finding slopes that are suitable to your ability and enjoying nature safely and respectfully. For information on backcountry safety and snow conditions visit AvalancheCanada.ca.
Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia is an organization that ensures the backcountry lodges of BC are supported and bring world-class adventure tourism to locals and visitors. On their website, you will find information about backcountry lodges, tours, safety, and general knowledge.
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, Cariboo, Monashee and Canadian Rockies
Named after its founder, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing promises to give you an adventure of a lifetime in the backcountry of BC. Their properties consist of their Blue River Resort which is made up of private chalets and estate properties (Bavarian Estate & Cabana and the Eleanor Lake Estate) and the Albreda Lodge, located 45 km north of Blue River. All properties are accessible via car. Once at the resort, helicopters will pick up guests from their chalet, estate or the Albreda lodge and take them into the mountains for a day full of powder skiing in open bowls and peaks of the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountain ranges. The diverse terrain offers a variety of slopes that everyone can enjoy. At the end of the day guests will be returned via helicopter and do it all over again the next day.
Photo Credit - Photo 1: John Schwirtlich, Photo 2: Luke Laurin
Each property has onsite chefs and amenities like saunas, comfortable rooms, and rentals for nordic skiing and snowshoeing. There are multiple packages offered throughout the properties to ensure that everyone will find the perfect trip for them.
Photo Credit - Photo 1 & 2: John Schwirtlich, Photo 3: Grant Gunderson
Wells Gray Adventures Lodges, Cariboo Mountains
In Wells Gray Provincial Park, you’re amongst giants, whether they be old-growth forest, untouched mountain ridges, this is a vast playground. Wells Grady Adventures has three lodges: Trophy Mountain Lodge, Fight Meadow Lodge, and Discovery Cabin. All three have fully equipped kitchens and functioning saunas for guests to warm up in at the end of their day. Visitors are encouraged to bring a pillowcase from home and a sleeping bag liner for their comfort.
Photo Credit - Wells Gray Adventure Lodges
Trophy Mountain Lodge can be accessed via snowcat and a short ski to the cabin. It sits right at the tree line (7000 ft, 2145 m) in the steepest terrain of the system. The area is suitable for intermediate skiers with more aggressive terrain an hour away.
Fight Meadow Lodge is a great place to learn how to backcountry ski and snowboard with laid-back terrain surrounding it and more advanced terrain a few hours away. It sits in a vast sub-alpine meadow system offering some of the best touring conditions in BC. Fight Meadow is only accessible by helicopter.
Photo Credit - Wells Gray Adventure Lodges
Discovery Cabin sits in a remote valley just below the treeline (6400 ft / 1970 m) and is only accessible by helicopter. Although it has easier terrain than Trophy Mountain, it is surrounded by intermediate terrain with expert terrain nearby.
If you’re new to the backcountry, let Wells Gray Adventures take care of the details. Their packages include guiding, accommodations, catering, and transportation to and from the trailhead.
Snowy Mountain Lodge, Cariboo Mountains
Snowy Mountain Lodge is located in the powder belt of the Cariboo Mountains. It is surrounded by terrain that offers long, steep, and naturally gladed tree skiing. Technical and advanced slopes are at every turn, making this lodge the perfect getaway for expert to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The location of the lodge offers direct day access to the Wavy Range of Wells Gray Park and several adjoining valleys. The ski season here lasts into late May.
Photo Credit - Snowy Mountain Lodge
The four bedroom lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, functioning sauna, and water that is hauled in. Guests are provided with sheets, pillows, and pillowcases, but are asked to bring a duvet or a sleeping bag from home. Access to the lodge is by snowmobile from the town of Blue River, or helicopter access through Yellowhead Helicopters, which must be organized on your own.
Photo Credit - Snowy Mountain Lodge
Dave Henry Lodge, Mount Robson Provincial Park
Set amongst subalpine meadows and lakes, Dave Henry Lodge is on the boundary of Mount Robson Provincial Park, near Valemount. It receives the same quality of snow as the nearby Cariboo Mountains, making the area recognized as world-class backcountry terrain.
Photo Credit - Dave Henry Lodge
Surrounded by magnificent peaks, miles of gentle meadows, and alpine basins, the Dave Henry Lodge is ideal for backcountry skiing, nordic skiing, and alpine touring. The lodge accommodates up to 10 people in a semi-divided room format with a fully equipped kitchen and sauna. Guests are expected to bring their own sleeping bags.
Photo Credit - Photo 1: Dave Henry Lodge, Photo 2:
@john_scurlock, Photo 3: @exploremagazine
The owners also operate Swift Creek Cabins, which are located 15 km north of Dave Henry. These cabins are located in a basin, giving guests the opportunity to ski or snowboard open glades to the alpine. Here, there are two cabins, one for the kitchen and dining room and the other for sleeping quarters that can comfortable fit six people. This area has advanced terrain, perfect for skiers and boarders with advanced snow evaluation skills or groups with a professional skiing guide. When the snow flies, guided and catering packages are also available here.
Canadian Adventure Company, Canadian Rockies
Recognized for its extremely remote location, the only access to Mallard Mountain Lodge is a 77 km helicopter ride from the town of Valemount. Once at the lodge, you will have access to five valleys covered in untouched powder, perfect for backcountry snowboarding and skiing of all abilities. Diverse terrain offers steep or moderate descents in tree or high alpine lines. If you are not yet comfortable in the backcountry, consider registering for Canadian Adventure Company’s AT 101 course which offers training in the backcountry over a period of days.
Photo Credit - Canadian Adventure Company
The lodge is powered by solar panels giving guests the capacity to charge their electronics and use the wifi. A fully equipped kitchen, washroom facilities, and communal sleeping arrangements with blackout curtains are found here. All bedding is supplied by the lodge.
Photo Credit - Canadian Adventure Company
Monahsee Powder Snowcats, Monashee Mountains
With an average snowfall of 60 feet of dry, champagne powder every year, you will enjoy making fresh lines in the diverse terrain surrounding the Monashee Powder Snowcat Lodge. Strong to intermediate levels of skiing and snowboarding is recommended to enjoy the variety of slopes a guide will take you on throughout your day in the backcountry. The diversity of the surrounding terrain offers the opportunity to decide the steepness of the runs based on group comfort levels and avalanche hazards.
To access the lodge you can take a bus from the Kelowna International Airport or Cherryville to the trailhead. If you have a vehicle, you can drive yourself to the trailhead where in both cases, a snowcat will take you the rest of the way.
CHM Heli Skiing, Cariboo Mountains
CHM Heli Ski has multiple lodges throughout BC, all accessible by helicopter. Their Valemount Lodge is secluded in the middle of incredible snowy mountains. Here, you will be surrounded by long and steep terrain with perfect trees and open glaciers.
The lodge has 10 rooms with all the amenities you need from snow shoes to the sauna and spa. Whether you are looking to be out in the powder every day, or want to relax for a few days in the lodge, this location is accommodating to all.
Venturing into the backcountry is an experience you won’t soon forget. To ensure the safety of yourself and those with you, take the proper training and be prepared with the proper conditions knowledge and safety gear before venturing into the fresh powder.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.
What To Expect on the Slopes this Season
With ski season here, I know everyone is excited to hit the powder and enjoy the crisp winter air on one of Thompson Okanagan’s many ski hills. The hills are gearing up for a busy season and want to ensure that their customers will feel safe while enjoying the season. Here is what you can expect from all of our region's hills.
With ski season already here, I know everyone is excited to hit the powder, if you haven’t already, and enjoy the crisp winter air on one of Thompson Okanagan’s many ski hills. The hills are gearing up for a busy season and can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones to enjoy their terrain and amenities.
Winter activities are a great way to spend your time, just make sure to bundle up so you will be warm and comfortable. There is nothing quite like getting outside in winter, surrounded by white fluffy snow and the silence of the cold air. Along with skiing and snowboarding, we also recommend trying snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and even skating on one of the many lakes this winter.
While getting from point A to point B, make sure you are well equipped for all winter conditions as they may change fast. Winter tires are a must in the Thompson Okanagan, and an emergency kit for the car equipped with jumper cables, a shovel, extra oil, and warm clothes are always a great idea.
Thinking about spending the day at one of the mountains? Look for online purchasing of day passes and electronic kiosks once on the mountain. Planning ahead for your ski days is an excellent idea to ensure you get a ticket.
Big White Ski Resort - 1 hour from Kelowna
Big White has a 7,606 ft summit and 2,765 acres of fresh snow-covered runs. The mountain is known for its family atmosphere and diverse runs. Check out great ticket deals all season, especially on week days. Be sure to get your tickets online two days prior to going up to get the best deal.
View of the Run from Chairlift
All winter activities like skating, snow shoeing, sleigh rides, and night skiing will be open for you to enjoy. Get ready to have some fun this season no matter what level of rider you are, as it is the perfect hill to explore whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner.
Skier in the Trees
Snow Boarder in the Trees
Harper Mountain - 20 minutes from Kamloops
Sitting at 1400 ft of elevation and only a 20-minute drive from Kamloops, Harper Mountain is the perfect place to bring your family this season. It has something for everyone; whether you need ski or snowboarding lessons or a terrain park, they have you covered. If you’re not in the mood for zooming vertically down the hill, they also have snowshoeing and cross country skiing. More flat, yet just as scenic and exhilarating.
Snowboarder in Powder
If you are looking for a fun way to spend a weekend evening, check out their night skiing for less than $30.00 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Dog and Owner in the Snow
Kids Tubing
Sun Peaks Resort - 45 minutes from Kamloops
The Sun Peaks village is surrounded by three skiable mountains, with its highest elevation being 6,820 ft. The easiest way to enjoy your ski day is by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. For people wanting to go to the mountain during the week, there will be potential discounts available to you, making those days on a less busy hill extra special!
Skier in Fresh Powder
Enjoy a variety of mountain activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and cross country skiing are open and ready for you to enjoy. Check out the Crystal Chairlift added the winter of 2020. This chair replaced the original Crystal Triple that has been at the resort since 1979. The chair has a boost of 20% to the uphill capacity, and the offloading site gives you the feeling of being on top of the world.
Sun Peaks Village
Snow Boarder in Fresh Powder
Baldy Mountain Resort - 40 minutes from Oliver
As locals like to call it, Mount Baldy, Baldy Mountain Ski Resort sits at 6,965 ft above sea level. Baldy Mountain was first founded in 1968 by a group of winter enthusiasts who wanted to make their outdoor adventure vision come to life. Today, the hill is known for its light and fluffy powder, incredible terrain, and a friendly place to spend your winter. Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Disc Golf, and even Volleyball are all free at Baldy Mountain and offer scenic views to enjoy while participating in your choice of action.
Snow Shoeing in Snow Covered Trees
Ensuring everyone is comfortable on the hill is a top priority for Baldy Mountain which is why they offer ski school and other programs for all abilities.
Ski Lessons
Snow Boarder in Fresh Snow
SilverStar Mountain Resort - 30 minutes from Vernon
The quaint SilverStar village that rests on the mountain's shoulder is ready to welcome you to a fun season of fresh snow on a 6,280 ft summit and 132 runs to be explored. This resort is one of the Okanagan’s best kept local secrets. Enjoy your time on the slopes and when you’re tired in the European styled village that offers a variety of culinary options like Bugaboos Bakery and Black Pine restaurant.
Skier in Fresh Powder
All mountain activities like snowshoeing, fat biking, cross country skiing, and much more are open and ready to be enjoyed. The skating rink sits on a frozen pond and is a great place for a game of hockey or to brush up on your skating skills.
Night Skating
Gondola in the Clouds
Apex Mountain Resort - 40 minutes from Penticton
The Apex Mountain Resort summit sits at 7093 ft elevation. Although recognized as an experienced skier and a border’s favourite spot, it is an excellent place to vacation for families with beginner boarders and skiers. All of their activities like the skating adventure loop, snowshoeing, tube park, and cross country skiing are open and experiences you won’t want to miss.
Snow Boarder in the Powder
Apex has 79 marked runs and 40+ unmarked trails. Backcountry skiing ad boarding is becoming quite popular at Apex, but remember to be careful and comfortable with skiing or snowboarding and aware of the hill's safety measures and protocols before going out of bounds.
Skier at the Top of the Run
Apex Village
Telemark Nordic Club - 30 minutes from West Kelowna
The Telemark Nordic Club is excited to welcome new and past cross country skiers and snowshoers this season. They will be open this year, and are encouraging the purchase of seasons passes to make your life easy. If you are new to cross country skiing and not ready to buy a seasons pass, that is no problem, they have day passes available online and at the lodge. Rentals are available at the lodge as well and offer the opportunity for you to try the sport for a day at a reasonable price.
Cross Country Skiers- @telemarknordicclub
Try a new way to explore the region and you never know, cross country skiing and snowshoeing may become your new favourite past time this winter season!
Snow Covered Forest - @telemarknordicclub
Snow Shoeing- @telemarknordicclub
Manning Park Resort - 45 minutes from Hope
Manning Park Resort is excited to welcome you for another exciting season. With a summit of 5,868ft, its time to reconnect with nature while cruising down one of their 34 runs! Here you can enjoy all the classic winter activities like alpine skiing and boarding, Nordic skiing, skating snow shoeing, and even winter camping.
Ski Area Overview
Check out the online booking system for tickets. Whether you like to take it easy or fly down the slopes, this mountain has something for everyone.
Snow Boarder on the Slopes
Manning Park Lodge
Strap on your skis or boards and have a great time shredding it up in the powder on one of the many mountains in the Thompson Okanagan this season.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.
Gratitude - how one champion skier earned a new perspective of the land
In 2004, Josh was in a life-changing freestyle skiing accident that left him as a T11 full paraplegic. But, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, Josh persevered, becoming the Para-Alpine World Champion in 2009. Read his story and his view of why do so many incredible people choose to call the North Okanagan home?
Here is the question I ponder from time to time: why do so many incredible people choose to call the North Okanagan home? From professionals and entrepreneurs to nomadic travelers and world-class athletes - the number of incredible humans who could effectively live anywhere they want with the work they do, still choose to make their home here, in the wonderful North Okanagan.
Could it be the robust variety of parks and ecosystems that are literally just outside your door? From the incredible trail network and vistas of Kalamalka Park to the wide variety of trail candy that surrounds Ellison Park, such as Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill Resort, or perhaps it’s the lake life that keeps drawing people from all around the world to visit here.
It’s hard to deny that we live in nature’s paradise.
So what brought me here you might ask? It was work that pulled me from my roots in the Kootenays (if you would be so generous to call being a professional ski coach, work). It can certainly feel like a job at times; however, the reality I see is that I was hired to spend time with kids in the great outdoors and share with them my passion for mountain culture - blended with a healthy mix of competitive fire.
But in 2004, my life changed forever in a ski accident, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down.
It seemed obvious to stay in the community with the kids I was coaching after my accident, although my heart did long to return to the mountains from where I came. Ultimately, we experienced this trauma together and it felt like we needed to work through it together as well.
Clearly, one could yarn on for days about the physical beauty of the Okanagan to the degree I have. We are blessed beyond measure with the abundance and variety of life in this valley. In short, what kept me here in the Okanagan is the incredible people, the community and the endless possibilities that make up this geographical goldmine. They say it takes a village to raise a child, true. It also takes a community to support an athlete. My success in life is a direct result of the environment that I spend the most time in.
Photo Credit: Josh Dueck
Okay. From an accessibility standpoint, er ... seated perspective, this valley provides an abundant amount of barrier-free opportunities for all walks and rolls of life to enjoy. A nice gentle stroll on the newly built rail-trail that connects Vernon to Kelowna (on the edge of one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes - Kalamalka - in the world, says National Geographic) to the epic vantage points of the Trestles along the Kettle Valley to the wide variety of trails in Kal and Ellison, home has a little something for everyone.
The icing on the cake for a guy like me, though, is my home mountain, Silver Star. In the early days, it was a venue for me to hone my skills when I started my campaign to ski for Canada in the Vancouver 2010 Games. It clearly provided me the environment needed to ski with the best in the world. Today, I see Silver Star as a global hub for skiers and mountain bikers alike, from the aspiring world champion to the young families who are looking for a place that has it all: Nordic, alpine, bike, skate and, of course, all the little details that make a visit here so memorable - including incredible world-class views and food to savour.
So the question that remains is no longer why, but when and how will you spend your time here?
About Josh Dueck
Some spirits are simply unbreakable.
In 2004, Josh was in a life-changing freestyle skiing accident that left him as a T11 full paraplegic. But, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, Josh persevered, becoming the Para-Alpine World Champion in 2009. He won a silver medal in Vancouver 2010 and an X Games gold medal in 2011. In Sochi 2014, Josh's story continued to inspire. On the 10th anniversary of his accident, he won a Paralympic silver medal for Canada. Days later, he won gold in the Super Combined to become Paralympic Champion and Canada's Flag Bearer.
Today, Josh continues to inspire and motivate as a speaker, leader and advocate for the Thompson Okanagan, accessible sport and gratitude.