SilverStar Mountain ResortSilver Star Mountain Resort sits on Silver Star Mountain in the Shuswap Highland of the Monashee Mountains and is known for a compact, European-style pedestrian village at mid-mountain surrounded by subalpine terrain. The resort spans multiple faces and offers over 3,269 acres of skiable terrain with a summit at about 1,915 m and a village elevation around 1,609 m.
The hill has a long local history of skiing beginning with rope tows in the 1930s and formal development from the late 1950s; more recent upgrades include the Schumann Summit Express gondola (opened 2018) and continued lift and terrain expansions. Ownership has changed over time, and the resort today operates as a full-service resort with winter and summer activity programs.
Visiting feels like a high-alpine village experience: wide groomed cruisers, gladed terrain and steeper faces, plus lift-served mountain-biking and hiking in summer. Snow season typically runs from late November to mid-April, weather permitting, while summer lift access for bikes and hikers runs from roughly the end of June through September.
- Summit views: From the summit you get expansive views across the Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan valleys below.
- Pedestrian mid-mountain village: The compact, pedestrianized village offers lodges, eateries and ski-in/ski-out access to lifts without needing a car.
- Schumann Summit Express gondola: The gondola quickly links the village to the summit and is also used to shuttle mountain bikers in summer.
- Silver Woods and diverse terrain: The resort spans several faces and gladed areas, giving a mix of wide cruisers, steeper runs and tree skiing.
- Bike park and summer trails: In summer the lift-accessed bike park and network of hiking trails make the mountain a busy outdoor hub.
Best Time to Visit SilverStar Mountain Resort#
Silver Star is busiest and most predictable as a winter ski destination from late autumn through spring; summer is best for biking and hiking once lifts open.
Weather & Climate near SilverStar Mountain Resort#
SilverStar Mountain Resort's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1017 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -4° | -12° | 112 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -1° | -9° | 80 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 2° | -6° | 79 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 7° | -1° | 67 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Acceptable | 0° - 12° | 4° | 78 mm | overcast | 72% | 2.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.3h |
| June | Good | 4° - 16° | 9° | 90 mm | overcast | 70% | 2.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 16.2h |
| July | Very Good | 6° - 20° | 13° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.7h |
| August | Very Good | 6° - 21° | 13° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.3h |
| September | Good | 2° - 15° | 7° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 8° | 1° | 79 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | -7° - 0° | -7° | 113 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| December | Poor | -11° - -4° | -12° | 117 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
How to Get to SilverStar Mountain Resort#
The nearest town is Vernon, British Columbia, about 22 km southwest of the resort; smaller nearby communities include Armstrong. The closest major airports are Kelowna International Airport (Kelowna) to the south and Kamloops Airport (Kamloops) to the northwest, and the nearest major railhead is Kamloops.
From Vernon or Kelowna the last stretch is a mountain road up to the ski area and its base facilities; visitors typically drive, take private shuttle services or use local transfers from Vernon or Kelowna and then follow on-mountain signage to the mid-mountain village. In winter check road and weather conditions before travel; in summer lifts run to support biking and hiking access.
Tips for Visiting SilverStar Mountain Resort#
- Snow season is variable - plan flexibly and check current conditions before booking travel.
- The village is mostly pedestrian; leave skis or bikes at racks when stopping in shops or restaurants.
- Bring layered clothing and sun protection for high-altitude exposure, and expect colder, windier conditions at the summit.
- If arriving from Kelowna or Vernon, allow extra time for the mountain road and parking or shuttle transfers.
- Summer lift access operates on a different schedule from winter - confirm lift dates for mountain biking or hiking.