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The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Kelowna, 2023/24

The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Kelowna, 2023/24
April Thompson
Written by April Thompson / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated May 24, 2022

Kelowna is a gem of a city for skiers and boarders alike – away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver and easy access to ski resorts in British Columbia. Having lived here most of my life, I've skied them all and put together a list of top resorts near Kelowna based on travel time from the city.

skiing powder trees Big White
Even the trees are white!

Why Ski Big White

Expect big things at the family-friendly Big White. It’s huge 2,765 acres of terrain has the biggest night skiing area in Western Canada! But that’s not all, the mountain receives over 300 inches of champagne powder per year on average which you access just an hour away from Kelowna and its international airport. Of course, a trip to Big White wouldn’t be complete without skiing amongst their infamous snow ghosts – spectacular snow covered trees. When convenience is key and first tracks are a priority, Big White’s village is sure to impress with ski-in/ski-out access across the entire main village! Everything from horse drawn sleigh rides to snowmobiling is on offer here.

Known for

Canada's favourite family resort and one of the best places for powder skiing

Highlights

  • Tons of powder
  • Biggest ski-in/ski-out village in Canada
  • Largest night skiing area in Western Canada
  • Low visibility and can get crowded

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 26 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 06 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 38 miles (1 hour drive)
skiing powder trees Big White
Even the trees are white!

Why Ski Big White

Expect big things at the family-friendly Big White. It’s huge 2,765 acres of terrain has the biggest night skiing area in Western Canada! But that’s not all, the mountain receives over 300 inches of champagne powder per year on average which you access just an hour away from Kelowna and its international airport. Of course, a trip to Big White wouldn’t be complete without skiing amongst their infamous snow ghosts – spectacular snow covered trees. When convenience is key and first tracks are a priority, Big White’s village is sure to impress with ski-in/ski-out access across the entire main village! Everything from horse drawn sleigh rides to snowmobiling is on offer here.

traversing through Silver Star Mountain Resort
Traversing through Silver Star

Why Ski Silver Star

Silver Star is home to Canada’s largest area of cross country terrain and the third largest ski area in British Columbia. The majority of terrain is perfect for intermediate skiers and advanced skiers though there aren’t too many runs for beginners. After you got your fill of the snow, it’s time to soak in the fun après ski activities. The resort has a gorgeous ski-in ski-out village packed with shops and restaurants and supports a number of activities and events including the Carnival Ice Sculpture Competition! The trade-off is that Silver Star tends to be a bit warmer and generally receives slightly less snowfall than Big White.

Known for

Compact layout, a popular ski destination for families

Highlights

  • Mid-mountian village with heaps of ski in ski out options
  • Terrain is perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers/ snowboarders
  • Great value and easily accessible
  • Slightly less snowfall than Big White

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 07 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 42 miles (1 hour drive)
traversing through Silver Star Mountain Resort
Traversing through Silver Star

Why Ski Silver Star

Silver Star is home to Canada’s largest area of cross country terrain and the third largest ski area in British Columbia. The majority of terrain is perfect for intermediate skiers and advanced skiers though there aren’t too many runs for beginners. After you got your fill of the snow, it’s time to soak in the fun après ski activities. The resort has a gorgeous ski-in ski-out village packed with shops and restaurants and supports a number of activities and events including the Carnival Ice Sculpture Competition! The trade-off is that Silver Star tends to be a bit warmer and generally receives slightly less snowfall than Big White.

view of the village and sundance mountain from home run Sun Peaks
View of the Village and Sundance Mountain from Home Run

Why Ski Sun Peaks

Just a 45-minute drive from Kamloops Airport, Sun Peaks is the second largest resort in Canada with a variety of terrain across a massive 4,270 acres to explore. The grooming here is impeccable and the almost non-existent crowds and lift lines are worth a mention but what makes Sun Peaks stand out is it’s family-friendliness. Not only is the terrain family-friendly but the majority of the lodging in the cozy village is ski-in/ski-out, making access extra convenient. It also makes for an affordable choice for families with everything being reasonably priced including their awesome ski school and kid’s facilities as well as activities. There is ice skating, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, tobogganing and loads more.

Known for

Canada’s second largest resort after Whistler-Blackcomb and less crowded too

Highlights

  • Family-friendly mountain and village, lots of apres ski activities
  • Diverse terrain with impeccably groomed slopes
  • Not as crowded as Whistler
  • Somewhat less snowfall compared to surrounding resorts

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 11 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 130 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Kamloops Airport - 38 miles (50 minute drive)
view of the village and sundance mountain from home run Sun Peaks
View of the Village and Sundance Mountain from Home Run

Why Ski Sun Peaks

Just a 45-minute drive from Kamloops Airport, Sun Peaks is the second largest resort in Canada with a variety of terrain across a massive 4,270 acres to explore. The grooming here is impeccable and the almost non-existent crowds and lift lines are worth a mention but what makes Sun Peaks stand out is it’s family-friendliness. Not only is the terrain family-friendly but the majority of the lodging in the cozy village is ski-in/ski-out, making access extra convenient. It also makes for an affordable choice for families with everything being reasonably priced including their awesome ski school and kid’s facilities as well as activities. There is ice skating, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, tobogganing and loads more.

Sunshine trail Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Cruising down Sunshine Trail

Why Ski Revelstoke

Another entry from the Powder Highway, Revelstoke delivers more than just dumps of snow. At 5,620 feet, it has the biggest vertical in North America! While there’s little on offer for beginners here, the 69 runs here are bound to keep everyone from intermediates to experts more than happy. The tough terrain here is as fun as it is gnarly, so much so the Freeride World Tour makes a stop here. To top it all off, there’s cat-skiing and heli-skiing available. Sitting in eastern BC, Revelstoke isn’t the easiest to access but it is well worth the trek. The nearby town of Revelstoke has plenty of restaurants, accommodation and tons of activities including dog sledding.

Known for

Ideal resort for avid intermediates and advanced skiers

Highlights

  • Biggest vertical drop in North America; loads of snow
  • Slopes are generally less crowded
  • Cat-skiing and heli-skiing available from the same base
  • Limited dining at the base village and slopes are not ideal for beginners

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 04 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 14 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 120 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Sunshine trail Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Cruising down Sunshine Trail

Why Ski Revelstoke

Another entry from the Powder Highway, Revelstoke delivers more than just dumps of snow. At 5,620 feet, it has the biggest vertical in North America! While there’s little on offer for beginners here, the 69 runs here are bound to keep everyone from intermediates to experts more than happy. The tough terrain here is as fun as it is gnarly, so much so the Freeride World Tour makes a stop here. To top it all off, there’s cat-skiing and heli-skiing available. Sitting in eastern BC, Revelstoke isn’t the easiest to access but it is well worth the trek. The nearby town of Revelstoke has plenty of restaurants, accommodation and tons of activities including dog sledding.

Quickdraw chairlift Apex Mountain Ski Resort
On Quickdraw to the top!

Why Ski Apex Mountain Resort

Frequented by local skiers who hit the mountain hard, Apex is perfect for those looking for a challenge while on a budget! It’s a smaller resort at just 1,112 acres of terrain but the mountain is set out well and easy to navigate. There are a fair number of beginner runs but these are outnumbered by the black diamond trails through trees and chutes! That said, there are plenty of amenities for families, with day care services, a tube park and ice skating rink. Apex village, while much smaller than the village at Big White and Silver Star, is well stocked with restaurants, shops, bars and activities. Don’t miss the annual Brewski held in February!

Known for

An affordable local's mountain

Highlights

  • Good for advanced
  • No crowds
  • Children 7 and under ski for free
  • Much smaller than Silver Star and Big White

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 02 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 68 miles (2 hour drive)
Quickdraw chairlift Apex Mountain Ski Resort
On Quickdraw to the top!

Why Ski Apex Mountain Resort

Frequented by local skiers who hit the mountain hard, Apex is perfect for those looking for a challenge while on a budget! It’s a smaller resort at just 1,112 acres of terrain but the mountain is set out well and easy to navigate. There are a fair number of beginner runs but these are outnumbered by the black diamond trails through trees and chutes! That said, there are plenty of amenities for families, with day care services, a tube park and ice skating rink. Apex village, while much smaller than the village at Big White and Silver Star, is well stocked with restaurants, shops, bars and activities. Don’t miss the annual Brewski held in February!