SilverStar Mountain Resort is one of British Columbia’s top destinations for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With its vast terrain, reliable natural snow, and top-notch facilities, it offers an unparalleled winter experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here’s everything you need to know about skiing and snowboarding at SilverStar.
Diverse Terrain for All Skill Levels
SilverStar’s 3,282 acres of skiable terrain are divided into 132 marked runs, offering plenty of variety for skiers and riders of every ability. The mountain’s layout is ideal for anyone looking to explore different types of terrain without getting stuck in long lift lines or overcrowded slopes. The resort’s vertical drop of 760 metres adds to the challenge, giving skiers the chance to enjoy long, flowing descents.
Beginner Skiers and Riders: The Silver Queen Beginners Area, located near the village, is perfect for those new to the slopes. With easy access to the Silver Queen Quad Chair, this area offers gentle, wide-open runs designed to build confidence in a comfortable, relaxed environment. This beginner zone is great for families and first-timers who want to ease into the sport without feeling overwhelmed.
Intermediate Skiers and Riders: Intermediate skiers will love the wide variety of terrain available on Vance Creek. This area offers long, groomed runs with plenty of space to work on technique and enjoy fast, smooth descents. It’s ideal for those looking to improve their skills while enjoying SilverStar’s signature all-natural snow.
Advanced and Expert Skiers: For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, SilverStar’s back side offers a range of steeper, more technical runs. The Powder Gulch Quad provides access to double black diamonds, steep chutes, and glades that will test even the most skilled riders. The terrain is challenging and rewarding, offering everything from tight tree runs to open powder bowls. Advanced skiers looking for a thrill will find plenty to enjoy on the back side’s demanding runs.
100% Natural Snow
One of the standout features of SilverStar Mountain Resort is its consistent natural snowfall. Unlike many resorts that rely on snowmaking, SilverStar receives more than 700 cm of snow each season—100% natural. The BC interior is known for its light, dry powder, and SilverStar is no exception. Skiers and snowboarders can expect excellent snow conditions throughout the winter, with fresh powder days being a regular occurrence. The natural snow enhances the mountain’s varied terrain, making every run feel unique and exciting.
Award-Winning Grooming
SilverStar is also known for its meticulous grooming, working overnight to keep the slopes in top shape, which ensures the runs are in perfect condition each morning. For those who like the thrill of speed and carving on smooth snow, SilverStar delivers some of the best-groomed runs in BC. The resort's winch-cat grooming technology even allows for steep fall-line cruising, especially on the back side, which gives skiers a smooth ride down some of the resort’s more challenging terrain.
Terrain Parks: A Freestyle Playground
For skiers and snowboarders who love freestyle riding, SilverStar boasts some of the best terrain parks in British Columbia. It features a wide range of jumps from 2ft to over 60ft, along with a mix of metal and PVC elements for grinding and sliding, offering a variety of boxes, rails, and custom jib features for riders of all levels. The main terrain park is conveniently located below Little Dipper Park, offering a progression-friendly design with everything from small ride-on features for beginners to XL jumps and rails for seasoned pros. The park’s layout allows riders to develop their skills in a safe, fun environment.
Little Dipper Park: For intermediate skiers and snowboarders, Little Dipper Park provides medium and large features that offer a smooth transition into the more advanced park features. It’s a great space to practice before heading into the main park.
Bannister Night Park: One of SilverStar’s most unique offerings is the Bannister Night Park. This night-lit park, located near the Silver Queen area, allows riders to keep the fun going long after dark. With a range of boxes, rails, and jumps, the Bannister Night Park brings a backyard-style freestyle experience with a laid-back atmosphere.
Night Skiing: Extend the Fun
Night skiing at SilverStar is another way to extend your time on the slopes. On Friday and Saturday nights, the resort lights up 4 km of trails, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to enjoy the mountain after the sun goes down. With access via the Gondola, Silver Queen Chair, and "The Zone" Magic Carpet, the lit trails offer both beginner and intermediate options, so riders of all levels can experience the thrill of skiing under the stars.
Cross-Country Skiing: Explore SilverStar's Nordic Network
While SilverStar is renowned for its alpine skiing and snowboarding, it’s also home to Canada’s largest daily groomed cross-country ski network. With over 55 km of trails, the resort offers a premier experience for Nordic skiers. The trails are well-maintained, providing smooth and fast conditions for both classic and skate skiing. Whether you’re a casual cross-country skier or looking for a high-performance workout, SilverStar’s Nordic network is a must-visit.
Ski and Snowboard Lessons
For those new to the sport or looking to improve, SilverStar offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons. The resort’s experienced instructors provide private and group lessons for adults and children, helping everyone from beginners to advanced riders sharpen their skills. Private lessons offer one-on-one attention, allowing for personalized feedback and faster progression. Group lessons provide a fun, social environment for learning alongside other skiers or snowboarders at a similar level.
Children’s programs are also available, with lessons and camps designed for kids aged 3 to 16. These programs offer a fun and engaging way for kids to learn and improve their skiing or snowboarding abilities while making new friends.
Mountain Tours: Discover the Best Spots
One of the best ways to experience all that SilverStar has to offer is by joining a free mountain tour. Led by knowledgeable volunteer hosts, these tours provide an insider’s view of the mountain, showing you the best groomed runs, hidden powder stashes, and even the shortest lift lines. Whether you’re interested in alpine skiing or cross-country, the hosts can guide you to the best spots based on your ability level and preferences.
Conclusion: A True Skier's Paradise
SilverStar Mountain Resort offers a well-rounded skiing and snowboarding experience with terrain for every level, award-winning grooming, and some of the best natural snow in British Columbia. With its range of runs, well-maintained parks, and welcoming community, it’s a destination that keeps skiers and snowboarders coming back year after year.
