Skiing the Thompson Okanagan in British Columbia is more than just a winter escape, it’s an experience defined by world-class snow, mountain culture, and innovation. As November’s chill is settling into BC’s interior, anticipation builds across four legendary resorts, Big White, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, and Apex, as the 2025/26 ski season is about to explode into life.
The Thompson Okanagan isn’t just another ski destination. This year brings some of the biggest infrastructure investments in recent memory, innovative snow technology, and expanded terrain that’ll have you reconsidering everything you thought you knew about BC skiing.
Big White Ski Resort: Raising the Bar for BC’s Winter Experience
The Headlines You Need to Know
Big White isn’t playing around this season. The resort has unleashed a $9.4 million investment that touches nearly every aspect of the mountain experience, and it shows the kind of long-term vision that separates good ski hills from legendary ones.
Lifts That Mean Business
The Black Forest Express just received a $2 million makeover, including a new auxiliary drive system engineered specifically for those brutal cold snaps that can shut down lesser mountains. When temperatures plunge, Big White keeps spinning. The Falcon Chair now runs on a brand-new haul rope, while the Ridge Rocket Express is undergoing electrical modernization that’ll support future tech upgrades, think RFID gates, real-time lift data, and faster load times.
Even the details matter here. Lift towers across the mountain have been freshly repainted, a subtle touch that reflects Big White’s attention to detail to maintenance and mountain pride.
Access and Infrastructure
Ever circle a parking lot for 20 minutes when fresh snow is falling? Big White heard you. The resort has added 200 new parking spaces in the Black Forest area, cleverly repurposing fill from the upper lot. It’s the kind of smart, sustainable solution that makes everyone’s day better.
Behind the scenes, new power lines on the Ridge Rocket and Snow Ghost chairlifts are laying the groundwork for automation upgrades and improved efficiency. This isn’t just about this season, it’s about the next decade of skiing.
Grooming Perfection
Big White’s legendary corduroy is getting even better. A new $700,000 winch cat now tackles steeper terrain with precision, while a state-of-the-art $600,000 WINTERSTEIGER tuning machine ensures your rentals are dialed in perfectly. Sharper edges, smoother bases, and equipment that performs exactly as it should, every single time.
Village Life, Elevated
Families will enjoy a new daycare facility joining the Kids’ Centre in the Village Centre Mall, offering more flexibility for parents itching to squeeze in extra runs. Meanwhile, Whitefoot Lodge now hosts the redesigned “The Rider” shop, stocked with everything from technical gear to locally inspired gifts.
Culinary Revival
Foodies, pay attention. The legendary Kettle Valley Steakhouse returns in mid-December 2025 after a five-year hiatus, bringing back signature dishes like the Tomahawk Steak and Seafood Tower in a refreshed space that honors the original while embracing modern updates.
But the biggest food story might be at Globe Restaurant, which is undergoing a complete transformation. Chef-owner Ross Derrick, who opened Globe in 2008 and took full ownership in 2022, is pivoting to a boldly Canadian concept that celebrates the country’s multicultural culinary identity.
Big White Maps → here
Slopes Silver Star Mountain Resort: Victorian Charm Meets Backcountry Thrills
Tentative opening November 28, 2025, Silver Star Mountain Resort ushers in the new season with a perfect blend of small-village charm and big-mountain adventure. The resort’s colorful, Victorian-inspired village feels like a snow globe brought to life, and this winter, there’s even more to explore.
New Terrain: Dandy Glades
The headline news this season is the debut of the Dandy Glades, a brand-new 22-acre zone of glade skiing on the mountain’s backside between Aunt Gladys and Just Dandy. The area, shaped and cleared by Silver Star’s dedicated slashing crew over the summer, offers fresh tree-skiing lines and natural terrain features designed to maximize powder retention and flow.
The Dandy Glades give advanced skiers and riders a new reason to chase “from-the-sky” snow, a fitting nickname at a resort proud to rely entirely on 100% natural snowfall (no snowmaking).
Cutting-Edge Grooming & Enhanced Snow Surface Commitment
Silver Star continues to invest in its grooming fleet to ensure the smoothest corduroy in the Okanagan. A new state-of-the-art snowcat joins the lineup this season, equipped with SNOWsat LiDAR technology, bringing the total to three snowcats using this advanced system. The result? Even more precise grooming, optimized snow distribution, and that perfect early-morning carve Silver Star is famous for.
Throughout the off-season, crews also performed enhanced summer grooming across more than 20 runs to create an ideal snow base once the first flakes fell, proof that the work behind Silver Star’s perfect runs happens long before winter arrives.
Après, Dining & Signature Experiences Reimagined
Off the slopes, Silver Star is redefining its après-ski scene. The resort’s Ravenwood Snowshoe Raclette Dinner returns after last year’s sell-out success, now with additional sittings for 2025/26. Guests can wander through the forest under the stars before enjoying a cozy alpine-style dinner by firelight.
Meanwhile, the beloved Paradise Camp Snow Cat Dinner Tour gets an elegant upgrade this winter, introducing Flavours of the Alps, a new multi-course European-inspired menu paired with wines to match, served high above the village for one of the most unique dining experiences in BC.
Down in the village, The Den now opens early for Euro-lite breakfasts and features new Mediterranean-inspired lunch and dinner options, adding even more flavor to the mountain’s growing culinary identity.
What Makes Silver Star Different
Spanning 3,304 acres of skiable terrain and 133 marked runs accessed by 10 lifts, Silver Star balances big-mountain variety with intimate village charm. The Vance Creek side offers forgiving blues and greens ideal for families and intermediates, while Putnam Creek brings the intensity with long, steep, double-black chutes and mogul lines that test even the most seasoned skiers.
The resort’s 16-acre terrain park, 2.5-acre natural outdoor ice rink, 14 km of snowshoe trails, and fat biking routes make it one of BC’s most versatile winter playgrounds.
And when the sun sets? Night skiing runs every Friday and Saturday from mid-December through the end of March, with 4 km of illuminated trails accessible via the Gondola, Silver Queen Chair, and “The Zone” magic carpet. There’s nothing quite like carving turns under the lights with the vibrant Victorian village twinkling below.
Nordic Paradise
For cross-country skiers, Silver Star is a world-class destination. The resort offers over 55 km of daily groomed trails, and when combined with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, that expands to over 105 km, making it Canada’s largest groomed Nordic network. With a lit night loop and lift access to the upper trails, it’s an experience that matches the alpine side in both scope and serenity.
New Perks & Signature Events
Silver Star also joins the Ikon Pass network for the first time this winter as a Bonus Mountain, granting Ikon Pass holders two complimentary days on the slopes. Silver Star season passholders also enjoy 50% off the Ikon Session Pass (3-Day), opening doors to more than 40 world-class destinations across North America.
Signature events return, including the Annual Light Up celebration, BC Snowboard Slopestyle, Over the Hill Downhill, and Spring Queening. The season will crescendo with the SEISMIC Spring Festival, a 10-day celebration of sport, art, music, food, and mountain culture that brings the entire community together.
Why Silver Star Shines
Between its new terrain, upgraded grooming fleet, expanded après experiences, and unwavering community spirit, Silver Star continues to define what makes the Thompson Okanagan such an exceptional ski region.
It’s a place where every run tells a story, from first tracks through the Dandy Glades to late-night laps under the stars, and where guests become part of a mountain culture built on heart, connection, and pure joy in the snow.
Silver Star Winter 25/26 Map → here
Sun Peaks Resort: Innovation Meets Tradition
As the 2025/26 ski season kicks off, Sun Peaks Resort once again proves why it’s one of Canada’s premier winter destinations. Combining big-mountain adventure with small-town charm, the resort continues to push boundaries with new technology, thoughtful upgrades, and an unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional on-snow experience.
Canada’s First Snow Storage System
Sun Peaks has officially become the first ski resort in Canada to implement large-scale snow storage technology, a groundbreaking system designed to ensure reliable early-season skiing. Using 18 insulated mats developed in Finland, the resort successfully preserved around 14,000 cubic meters of snow through the summer months. When the mats were removed in October, the stored snow provided a solid base for the Nancy Greene International Race Centre, allowing it to open earlier than ever before.
This innovative process doesn’t just extend the ski season, it’s a smart sustainability move. By reusing snow, Sun Peaks saves an estimated 1.5 million gallons of water, freeing up resources for other key snowmaking zones and reducing energy use. It’s another example of the resort’s long-term vision: blending mountain tradition with modern environmental consciousness.
Terrain and Trail Enhancements
This season, Sun Peaks introduces a number of strategic terrain improvements designed to enhance flow and accessibility across its three mountains. The McGillivray Ski-Back trail now features a brand-new skier bridge, linking upper-mountain runs to the East Village and improving overall connectivity.
Several key trails have also been widened, including Rambler, Upper 5 Mile, and Lower Chute, which now has an additional race-training lane for the Nancy Greene International Race Centre. In the Nordic network, the Blue Grouse trail has been expanded, while new glade work between Carpe Diem and the Orient pod supports both improved forest health and better powder access.
Behind the scenes, the grooming fleet welcomes two new energy-efficient snowcats, continuing the resort’s commitment to smoother, more sustainable grooming operations.
Family Magic and Mid-Mountain Moments
Families will find even more to love this season. Sun Peaks continues to expand its whimsical Kids’ Adventure Zones, a series of themed on-mountain areas designed to transform little skiers into full-fledged explorers. From the cozy Grouse’s Nest on Mt. Morrisey to Bear’s Lair on Sundance Mountain, each zone features interactive surprises, character sculptures, and ski-through tunnels that make every run an adventure.
At the mid-mountain area, gathering spaces are being refreshed to enhance the social heart of the resort. Expanded seating areas and cozy fire pits create ideal meeting spots between runs, bringing that alpine village warmth to higher elevations.
Opening Day and Season Highlights
Opening Day is scheduled for November 22, 2025, with operations running through April 6, 2026. With ~4,400 acres of terrain and 139 trails, Sun Peaks remains Canada’s second-largest ski area in BC, a place where big-mountain scale meets small-town authenticity.
Sun Peaks Trail Maps → here
Apex Mountain Resort: The Powder Purist’s Paradise
Tucked near Penticton and opening December 6, 2025, Apex Mountain is the resort that refuses to overcomplicate things. Famous for dry champagne powder that rivals anywhere in North America, Apex focuses on what matters most: exceptional snow, authentic mountain culture, and terrain that challenges without intimidating.
What Makes Apex Special
Apex offers 1,112 skiable acres and a varied mix of terrain that rewards adventurous skiers and families alike. The resort’s lift system gives access to dozens of named runs and glade areas, with a strong emphasis on advanced gladed terrain and steep fall-line runs. Beginners have dedicated learning zones, intermediates can enjoy long groomers, and experts will find steep chutes and gladed areas to challenge their technique.
Night Skiing and Parks
Apex continues refining its terrain parks for the 2025/26 season, with features ranging from beginner-friendly boxes to advanced jumps. Night skiing extends your day well past sunset, a tradition that makes weekend trips even more valuable.
Après-Ski Legend
The Gunbarrel Saloon has earned its reputation as Best Après-Ski Bar (Ski Canada) for ten consecutive years. There’s a reason locals keep coming back: genuine hospitality, cold beer, live music, and the kind of community vibe you can’t manufacture.
Bonus: Adventure Skating Loop
Don’t miss the one-kilometer Adventure Skating Loop through the forest, a magical experience whether you’re a skilled skater or wobbling along with the kids.
Apex Winter Map → here
Planning Your Thompson Okanagan Ski Adventure
Getting There
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) serves Big White (59 km away), Silver Star (short drive north), and Apex (90 minutes south near Penticton). Kamloops Airport (YKA) is ideal for Sun Peaks (just 45 minutes away). Both airports offer direct flights from major Canadian cities, with connections from international destinations.
Rental cars provide maximum flexibility for exploring multiple resorts and hot springs, though many resorts offer shuttle services from airports and nearby towns.
When to Visit
Early Season (Late November – Mid-December): Resorts are freshly groomed with fewer crowds. Great deals on lodging, though terrain may be limited until natural snow accumulates.
Peak Season (Late December – Early March): The best snow conditions, full terrain access, and that magical mid-winter atmosphere. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during holidays.
Spring Skiing (March – April): Warmer temperatures, longer days, and corn snow conditions make for relaxed, social skiing. Many resorts host end-of-season events and parties.
Where to Stay
Each resort offers slope-side accommodations ranging from budget-friendly condos to luxury chalets. Big White and Sun Peaks feature full villages with ski-in/ski-out access, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Silver Star’s Victorian village creates a European alpine atmosphere, while Apex’s compact village keeps everything conveniently close.
For multi-resort trips, base yourself in Kelowna or Kamloops and day-trip to different mountains. This approach works well if you’re combining skiing with wine tours, hot springs visits, or other Okanagan experiences.
Season Passes and Deals
All four resorts offer season passes with early-bird discounts if you buy before the season starts. The Indy Pass includes Apex Mountain along with 180+ resorts across North America. Sun Peaks is part of the Ikon Pass network, offering access to 60+ destinations worldwide.
For shorter trips, consider Alpine Peaks Cards at Sun Peaks (3, 5, or 10 pre-loaded days) or multi-day tickets at other resorts, which offer significant savings compared to single-day rates.
The Verdict: Why Now, Why Here
The 2025/26 season represents something special for Thompson Okanagan skiing. Big White’s massive investment shows confidence in the future. Silver Star’s new terrain expands what’s possible. Sun Peaks’ snow storage technology ensures reliability from opening day. And Apex continues doing what it does best: delivering authentic powder experiences without pretension.
The infrastructure is world-class, the snow is exceptional, and the experience feels genuinely British Columbian, warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and a deep respect for the mountains.
Whether you’re planning a family ski week, a powder-chasing adventure, or a romantic getaway, the Thompson Okanagan delivers. The season is about to begin. The mountains are ready. The only question is: which run will you take first?
Plan Your Next Winter Adventure → Visit britishcolumbia.com/plan-your-trip where every turn leads to something real.
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