Thompson Okanagan Welcomes Snow Hounds

by Jane Lang

Skiers float through waist-deep pillows of freshly fallen snow as the sun shimmers in a clear, blue sky. Those content to glide revel in long runs while the more adventuresome - skiers and snowboarders alike - accept the challenge of steep, bumpy runs. These are the moments yearned for by ski and snowboard enthusiasts and these are the scenes found in British Columbia's Thompson Okanagan, where resorts offer sublime snow, myriad activities and super packages.

Apex Mountain Resort, 33 kilometres (20 miles) west of Penticton, has been pleasing locals and visitors since it opened in 1960. Recently voted the 'best small destination resort' by Ski Canada magazine, the description "small" is a plus, as the 222 hectare (600 acre) Apex encompasses some of the best fall-line skiing in the province with 609 vertical metres (2,000 vertical feet). Uncrowded slopes, the western-style village and night skiing under a starry sky guarantee a good time.

Apex offers diverse, well-serviced terrain with friendly, down-home hospitality. You can ski-in, ski-out at The Coast Inn at Apex and for a friendly place at day's end, head to the Gunbarrel Saloon.

Fifty-four kilometres (thirty-three miles) southeast of Kelowna, Big White is known for it's "champagne powder", of which it receives over seven and a half metres (25 feet) annually. Big White is a hit with powder hounds as well as nordic skiers, who have 25 kilometres (15 miles) of trails to enjoy. And the Mega Snow Coaster, the largest mountain tube park of any ski resort in North America, is 10 acres and nine lanes of pure fun. You can also skate at the new full size rink, snowshoe and take a dog sled or sleigh ride.

Accommodation on the mountain is wide-ranging, featuring 4 hotels, 21 apartment buildings, over 150 mountain resort chalets, and 2 youth hostels. Hot tubs, lively bars and a full range of restaurants can be found close by after a full day of winter activities.

Silver Star in Vernon has a loyal following; in fact, some keeners have been coming here for forty years. The reasons are many: a charming, Victorian village, heaps of dry Okanagan powder - close to seven metres (20 feet) - and two very distinct mountain faces guaranteed to satisfy every skier's wish list. For the ultimate challenge, head to the North Face to take on the double blacks and for the best cruising, stay on the south face. As well as grin-inducing runs for both skiers and boarders, including Silver Star's new second terrain park which features some of the most challenging and versatile terrain in BC, the apres ski scene pleases both party animals and family groups. Known as a friendly mountain, Silver Star lacks line-ups no matter how sunny the day. There are also 105 kilometres (65 miles) of groomed and track-set trails for nordic skiers.

The newest of the interior resorts is beautiful Sun Peaks Resort. Located north of Kamloops, it has garnered applause from near and far, winning awards and luring skiers from as far as Europe. Sun Peaks has a vertical of 881 metres (2,891 feet). Its extensive network of trails and bowls start in the high alpine and cascade through the tree line. Add perks like the award-winning slopeside village, the lack of crowds at the chairlift, and the fact that it has been noted as having the best ski weather in Canada and you have a winner. The resort boasts over two dozen shops and restaurants and offers many winter activities such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. As another bonus, you may get to ski with Nancy Greene Raine, Canada's own Olympic champion who can be found most days at the top of the Sunburst quad.

This season, the resort is opening its third mountain - Mt. Morrisey - for cat skiing on weekends and holidays. The new mountain features cruising runs and wide open glades ideal for the intermediate and advanced skiers.

A great time to visit Sun Peaks is January 22-25 for the annual Sun Peaks Icewine Festival. The event is held throughout the alpine village and includes icewine tasting, plus special dinners and seminars.

As well as skiing and snowboarding, these resorts offer many other winter activities. Non-skiers can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, sleigh riding and dog sledding. You can't go wrong planning a winter vacation in BC's sunny Thompson Okanagan.