Winter Activities

Vernon offers a wide range of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding at SilverStar Mountain Resort to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. Other popular activities include ice skating on Brewer’s Pond, fat biking, snowmobiling, and tubing. For those who prefer something less intense, cozy winter walks through local parks like Kalamalka Provincial Park and Predator Ridge are also popular.

The best place for skiing and snowboarding in Vernon is SilverStar Mountain Resort. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 132 marked runs, it caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The resort also offers night skiing, terrain parks, and lessons for those looking to improve their skills.

Yes, there are several rental shops in Vernon where you can rent winter sports equipment. SilverStar Mountain Resort offers rentals for skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and fat bikes. In town, stores like Stussi Sport also provides rentals for cross-country skis and snowshoes. Be sure to check availability during peak seasons.

Vernon has plenty of great options for snowshoeing. Popular spots include the 16 km of dedicated snowshoe trails at SilverStar Mountain Resort and the 14 km of trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. Predator Ridge and Kalamalka Provincial Park also offer scenic snowshoe routes, with options for all skill levels.

Yes, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Centennial Outdoor Rink which is free for public skating. The Kal Tire Place is an NHL sized arena for skating ringette and hockey to the public. The Priest Valley Arena is another which is for various clubs, ringette, adult hockey, public skating and skating lessons. For outdoor natural skating, Brewer’s Pond at SilverStar Mountain Resort is a 2.5-acre ice rink where you can skate under the open sky.

Yes, snowmobiling is a popular winter activity near Vernon. The Vernon Snowmobile Association manages 160kms of trails in Silver Star Provincial Park and the adjacent Trinity Ricardo Recreation Area. SilverStar Mountain Resort offers snowmobile tours that take you through the backcountry, allowing you to explore deep snow and scenic mountain views. The tours range from 1 to 3 hours, and they are suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders.

Families visiting Vernon have plenty of options for winter fun. Besides skiing and snowboarding at SilverStar, you can head to Tube Town for tubing, skate at Brewer’s Pond, sledding, or try snowshoeing on easy trails at Sovereign Lake or Predator Ridge. SilverStar also has a mini snowmobile track for kids aged 6-12, which is a big hit for young adventurers. There are also many hiking trails close to the city that are easy for kids.

Yes, there are several guided winter tours available. SilverStar Mountain Resort offers guided snowshoe and snowmobile tours, while Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre provides guided cross-country ski lessons for beginners. For a unique experience, consider booking a cat-skiing adventure with Monashee Powder Snowcats, located about 40 minutes from Vernon.

It’s important to dress in layers when enjoying winter activities in Vernon. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer like fleece or down, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, and insulated boots. For skiing or snowboarding, goggles and helmets are recommended, and you can rent them if needed.

Yes, Vernon offers a variety of après-ski options. At SilverStar Mountain Resort, you can relax at several village restaurants and bars like The Den or Long John’s Pub. Warm up with a hot drink at Tube Town Café after a day on the slopes, or head back into Vernon for more dining and craft beer options.

Fat biking is similar to mountain biking, but with bikes equipped with oversized tires that allow you to ride on snow. In Vernon, you can fat bike at SilverStar Mountain Resort, which has over 15 km of dedicated fat biking trails. Rentals are available at the resort, making it easy for visitors to try out this exciting winter activity. Other places to go fat biking are Ellison & Kalamalka Lake Provincial Parks.

You can enjoy tubing at Tube Town in SilverStar Mountain Resort. It’s a fun and family-friendly activity with multiple lanes for tubing and a special lift that takes you back to the top, so you can ride again and again without the hassle of walking uphill.