Silver Star 6 Day Snow Forecast

Chad Davie from Canada writes:

Silver Star..where can I start. After moving from the coast this winter to experience this interior champagne powder I was in for a surprise.

The mountain seems to have a fun looking village but on closer inspection you notice it's just the same overpriced tourist trap goods located all around.

There is no main day lodge like other hills have, they just have a run-down small area tucked away downstairs for people who bring their own food. It's hard enough to meet people at this resort due to the 3 bars as it is.

The grooming is laughable. Having spent over 4000+ hours in snowcats - conventional and winchcats - I am ashamed to see what my brethren have (not)accomplished. There are trackmarks usually everywhere once the snow becomes "packed powder" and I don't think anyone on the team has used a blade before (the big multifunction plow on the front to get rid of moguls/ churn the snow to soften it for the tiller).

If there is a safety manager at this resort they should be having a strong word with the grooming crew.

When it snows - expect amazing dry powder! I've been shown the light so to speak - from my wet heavy coast days.

Unfortunately, when it does snow - it averages 3-8 cm of freshies. So it goes quick.

All around the terrain selection is nice. But in all true realities - I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

Big White, just a medium distance drive away, has lots more terrain (owned by the same people though... so expect the same quality grooming and arrogant help).

Revelstoke is also close and have amazing terrain, and no crowds! and it is light on the wallet too! I would suggest here over anywhere else locally.

If it was "my mountain" like the advertising campaign suggests, I would be embarrassed.

Short season, no (or very, very rare) deep snow days, expensive lift tickets, a joke of a local discount, for dollars per acre of skiing - shop around.

2011-03-29