As someone who grew up in sunny Southern California, I have a huge affinity for snow. Snowy winter mornings were something I had only seen in movies and when I did get up close and personal with “snow,” it was really just ice left over from the artificial snow on the closest peak.
While getting ready for my trip to the region of Thompson Okanagan in British Columbia, I had no idea just how magical snow days could really be. Throw out everything you’ve seen in wintertime Hallmark movies, because Thompson Okanagan blows all that right out of the water.
I’ve broken down the following article into something perfect for three different travelers: the luxe traveler, the skiers and snowboarders, and the general winter adventurer. Each is paired with the ideal mountain resort. The best part? The following three adventures are all within an hour and a half drive from one another. So mix and match for a combination to satisfy any kind of adventurer within you. And with direct flights into Kelowna, there’s no excuse not to go.
For the luxe traveler: Sparkling Hill Resort
When I travel, I want to get away from my everyday moderate lifestyle. If you’re also the kind that likes to pull out all the stops to bask in a weekend of luxury, Sparkling Hill Resort is absolutely the place to do so. At a location where every room has a view, the hotel is perched on a property that’s laced with 15 miles worth of outdoor trails overlooking the Okanagan Lake.
But if hitting the trails, enjoying fitness classes, kicking back in a cozy library, or participating in activities with any one of the hotel’s partners (like helicopter tours, or depending on the season, golfing or driving around in your dream car) just isn’t enough, there’s always the one activity that everyone can agree on: Relaxing in British Columbia’s largest 4-star spa. Complete with year-round pools, cold chambers, specialty massages, and steam and saunas rooms, you’ll have everything you need to feel rejuvenated and ready for your next endeavor. While you have access to classic fine dining at PeakFine, a unique experience at Gerni’s Farmhouse awaits with authentic Austrian cuisine in a breathtaking location that transports you to central Europe.
If my word isn’t enough, the hotel is rightfully showered in a myriad of accolades, including multiple years worth of Travelers Choice awards from Trip Advisor, Four Diamonds from AAA, and Readers’ Choice from Condé Nast. It’s clear that excellent service is a priority at Sparkling Hill. You won’t find a more luxurious stay anywhere else in the Okanagan.
For the skier and snowboarder: Silver Star Mountain Resort
Just a half hour from Sparkling Hill, Silver Star Mountain Resort is a snow sportster’s dream. The small town is perfectly laid out to make moseying from the shops to the ski lifts a cinch. The gear rental, ticketing station and lessons area are all straightforward and easy to navigate — creating a non-intimidating atmosphere for even the beginners or solo travelers. Something I can personally speak to as even I dared to hit the kiddie slopes with the newfound confidence I gained from my first skiing lesson with the incredible teaching staff at the resort. New to the game or seasoned professional, the smaller and more intimate nature of Silver Star Mountain Resort is perfect for those dedicated to having a good time on and off the slopes.
Beyond the boards, Silver Star has great places to fuel up and rest between shreds, like Long John’s Pub for beers, Black Pine Social for lunch, De’Argento for an intimate pasta dinner, and my personal favorite, Paradise Camp. Located on the backside of the mountain, for a daytime coffee pitstop for skiers and boarders, or for an outstanding nighttime dinner experience involving a awesome snowcat party bus ride to the restaurant. Too sore to do any of that? There’s a full service spa in town that offers deep tissue messages for the perfect recharge.
For the general winter adventurer: Big White Ski Resort
Just an hour drive from the Kelowna Airport is Big White Ski Resort. While the mountain has enough runs to satisfy any level of winter athlete, the draw goes far beyond the slopes. The 15 miles of stunning nordic and wilderness trails alone are worth the stay — well maintained and clearly labeled, take your fat tire bike, nordic skis, or snowshoes out for a spin! You won’t be disappointed.
But Big White is nothing if not true to its name. With all the more room, there’s additional opportunities for snowmobile rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides through a magical forest to private candlelit dining, tubing and sledding on an epic hill, and my personal favorite activity: dog sledding. That’s right. No need to fly all the way out to Alaska to experience the epic moments on a dog sled. At Candle Creek Kennels, you’ll be met by a very cute welcoming committee of real Alaskan huskies who’ve been rescued or are simply retired from their professional mushing careers but are still passionate about what they do best — playing and running around in the snow. Take it from me, the experiences at Big White are priceless.
