Skiing the Interior: Discover the Mountains from Kamloops to Kelowna
It’s not hard to find amazing skiing on Canada’s west coast, and with a six-month riding season and runs to suit any level of skill and experience, the Interior is an incredible place to start your love affair with skiing, hone your skills, or challenge yourself on new terrain. Whether its for a day or a week, there are many ski hills just a short drive from some of the area’s most popular destinations, and they all promise a great skiing experience.
Spend a Day Skiing one of these Mountains in Kamloops
Halfway between Vancouver and Banff, where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet, Kamloops and its surrounding area is a dream for every winter sports lover – especially alpine skiers and snowboarders. Take an early morning road trip from one of British Columbia’s larger cities to spend a day on the slopes at one of the top mountains in Kamloops. With its many runs and proximity to other mountains in the area, outdoor winter enthusiasts may even choose to stay an extra day or two to take advantage of the experience.
Whether you’re looking for a big day on a big mountain or something on a smaller scale, you’ll find it just outside of Kamloops.
Harper Mountain
Harper Mountain offers visitors the best of both worlds – pristine runs down beautiful mountains with views that you’ll only find on the west coast, but without the crowds of some of the country’s busiest mountain resorts. This local gem boasts 16 runs spread across 400 acres and sees an annual snowfall of about 400 cm. Only 20 minutes from Kamloops, it’s quick and easy to get to the mountain for a full day of skiing, or even for a quick evening trip to take advantage of perfect conditions for night skiing. With snowshoe trails, a tube park, and both ski and snowboard terrain, Harper Mountain is a perfect destination for the whole family.
Sun Peaks
Located approximately a 1‑hour drive from Harper Mountain is 5000 acres, 600 cm annual snowfall, 137 trails, 13 ski lifts and 3 mountain peaks that make up one of Canada’s biggest ski resorts: the always gorgeous Sun Peaks. There are long beginner runs gently sloping around the mountain, and intermediate options weaving through mixed terrain, and the truly advanced skiers will revel in the black diamonds and quiet, serene glades that surround the groomed runs. Snowboarders will love the 10 acre Terrain Park that features a mix of boxes, jumps, and even an epic 50 foot rail. With zones set up and easily marked for riders of all skill levels, this is a great place to practice your tricks and safely work your way up when you’re ready for more of a challenge.
Ski for a Long-Weekend or More in Kelowna
Kelowna’s proximity to the Okanagan Valley make it a prime summer destination (wine tours with a stunning lake backdrop, anyone?), but it’s not to be missed during ski season when the powder is fresh and the snow has just been groomed.
With an abundance of snowfall, runs and adrenaline-pumping fun, visitors can easily spend a long weekend or an entire week navigating the slopes in Kelowna, B.C.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar doesn’t use any manmade snow on their hills; with an annual snow fall of 700 cms, there’s plenty of powder to cover the grounds – just one of the factors that make this a unique destination to ski and snowboard. Stretching across more than 3000 acres, this mountain is home to 132 runs and has a great mix for all skills levels, including Eldorado – an 8 km long intermediate level run – and more than 10 double black diamond runs on the back side of the mountain. SilverStar is also home to two Terrain Parks, so skiers and boarders of all skill levels have plenty of space to play.
Big White
This resort couldn’t be more aptly named: with 750 cms annual snowfall, there’s more than enough snow to cover every inch of the mountain. Separated by an approximate 2‑hour drive, Big White is uniquely located near the Okanagan Valley, where average winter temperatures are milder than most other ski resorts, making it an amazing skiing experience, even in the dead of winter. There are 119 designated runs of mixed difficulty, 16 chairlifts, and an amazing snowboarding area – TELUS Park – with both beginner/intermediate and more advanced lanes with tons of jumps and rails. In January 2020, Big White became the first Canadian mountain to host the Snowboardcross World Cup since 2013, so visitors to the park are in the most elite
company.
A winter trip to BC promises gorgeous days and lots of run options for easy rides or daring drops, depending on your skill set (and how adventurous you’re feeling!). Whether it be a day trip or a week-long adventure, embrace the season, strap on your skis and get to know the mountain gems in the Interior.