Visitor reviews for SilverStar Ski Resort

SilverStar Ratings

Overall: 4.2. Based on 25 votes and 12 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 4.6

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) SilverStar is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.5

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) SilverStar has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 3.8

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.3

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.5

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of SilverStar.

Public Transport: 4.0

(1) There are no buses or taxis to SilverStar, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.7

(1) No places to stay in/near SilverStar, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.7

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 4.1

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in SilverStar.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.8

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.5

(1) There are no child care facilities at SilverStar, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 2.0

(1) SilverStar relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.2

(1) There are no snow groomers at SilverStar, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at SilverStar are groomed daily.

Shelter: 4.5

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) SilverStar is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 3.1

(1) If snow conditions are poor at SilverStar, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.4

(1) SilverStar usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.6

(1) The staff at SilverStar are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at SilverStar are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 4.3

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.6

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.7

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.7

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.8

(1) No intermediate terrain at SilverStar, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.4

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 3.9

(1) Not even a kicker at SilverStar, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 4.7

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around SilverStar, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 3.8

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) SilverStar has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.3

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.3

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 3.9

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 3.3

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 4.0

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 4.2

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 4.1

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 4.1

(1) Overall, SilverStar is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 4.2

(1) Overall, SilverStar is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

January 31, 2021
Carey Robson from Ski Canada Canada
Silver Star is not recognizing any Mountain Interchange agreements though they are still advertising this benefit to passholders. As a result, other mountains are withdrawing their recognition of Silver Star. Be prepared. From Grouse Mountain Resorts Guest Services: "We have reached out to Silver Star about the Mountain Interchange program, and they have informed us that they have all reciprocal programs on pause..."
December 14, 2020
Steve Moore from Ski Canada Canada
I have never felt so taken advantage of by a ski hill! At the moment I wouldn't even give this place one star! I have skied around the world. Unfortunately, I am far from the only one who feels this way at Silverstar at the moment. There are many of us in my situation. My family of four have been season pass holders since I moved to Vernon several years ago. We were actually even considering purchasing property at Silverstar until the pandemic hit. This year I have been forced to pay the same price for a pass that I can't use. Most of the time my children are not in school and I have no other option! I spoke to the manager of ticketing and sales about it yesterday, and was offered my money back to walk away, which means walking away from skiing. This person claimed to share my passion for skiing, but no one who shares my passion for this sport would suggest anyone, let alone a loyal season pass holder and passionate skier, should walk away from the sport. This person also said they were truly "sorry for my situation." I would like to point out Silverstar created this situation (for me and many, many others) by limiting the number of seasons passes, arbitrarily without warning, before the earlybird price ending date had even arrived! I don't want the empty words of an apology! I want Silverstar to fix this situation, either by removing the ridiculous limits on our "limited" passes we paid the same price for or figuring out how to compensate us accordingly at the end of the season for the resulting lesser product they have forced upon us. I also want everyone thinking of spending money at Silverstar, to know how people like me are being taken advantage of at the moment. Apparently Silverstar has no intention of doing anything other than saying, "sorry" we're going to take advantage of you at the moment, don't like it walk away. I ask all of you, when booking your trips, holidays and ski days in the future, as this pandemic ends, do you really want to spend your money in a place that treats their passionate, loyal season pass holders the way Silverstar has treated so many of us? Probably many of you are pass holders elsewhere. How would you like to be treated this way? As the pandemic ends, you people in the skiing world will have options for where you spend your money. I suggest you consider somewhere that doesn't take advantage of their loyal, local pass holders. I understand the pandemic is difficult for everyone but solutions to pandemic problems do not need to involve taking advantage of each other! Unfortunately, I can't choose anywhere or anything else at the moment if I want to ski. I have to suck it up, as I would be breaking provincial health guidelines going elsewhere. Steve Moore A less than impressed, passionate skier
January 26, 2020
Mark Wiens from Ski Canada Canada
SilverStar is hands-down the best resort in BC. Not too big, not crazy small either. The perfect balance. Whistler is overpriced and the 'what you pay for' is not what you get. Guest relations are awful as well. But SilverStar is none of that. Amazing powder and crispy groomers. Everything at SilverStar is a dream come true. My dream resort for sure!
May 06, 2013
George Lamb from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
In March we spent 2 weeks skiing in Silver Star and it was amazing! The resort is very small compared to European resorts or larger N. American resorts such as Whistler or Vail. It is located in the Okanagen region, an hours drive from Kelowna Airport or 5 hours drive from Vancouver. In fact, it has just 5 chair lifts but the variety of runs off each lift was impressive. On the frontside of the mountain there were ample greens and blue runs for you to cruise around on and perfectly suited to beginners and intermediates. In the Silverwoods area it is all about tree skiing with wide open gladed areas and also some tighter trees for those who like to turn quickly between them. On the backside is where the fun happens with lots of blacks and double blacks for any level of skier to be challenged. And the snow that covers the runs is superb: light, fluffy powder that falls from the sky regularly. The village, like the resort, is small but perfectly formed. All the buildings are painted bright colours and it has a very romantic charm. Accommodation can be found to suit all budgets but we managed to find an absolute bargain condo on ownerdirect.com. The condo, like almost all others in the resort, was ski in/ski out which is brilliant; modern furnishings and had it’s own hot tub! We booked the kids in to ski school for morning lessons for a week and ourselves in for two morning lessons.The kids had the best time with them actually asking to go back for the afternoons! The instructors had a great rapport with the children and were very patient and understanding. They made the lessons fun while teaching them some great skills and technique and we saw their skiing improve leaps and bounds. Our instructor was also great. As we are advanced skiers we just wanted a few tips to tidy up our skills and we had certainly got that, we even got filmed and had an opportunity to watch it back with the instructor which really helps to see what we were doing wrong. I would return to Silver Star for the ski school alone! Seriously, can’t recommend it enough! There is a good variety of dining options and bars/pubs but no nightclubs as the resort is much more suited to families. Our favourite apres stop was Long Johns, where a pitcher of beer will only set you back $12 and a huge burger with the best sweet potato fries for another $15. We also loved The Den which is a bistro style restaurant and bar with main courses around $25 and drinks are very reasonably priced with again a pitcher costing only $12. If you want to cook for yourself or get bored of the on-mountain offerings the large town of Vernon is a 20 minute drive down the mountain. The lift pass is called the ‘My One Pass’ as all for the same price you get access to the ski lifts, nordic trails, tubing and ice skating! They have really positioned themselves as a fantastic family resort and also have a climbing wall and a bowling alley. Next year we are definitely going back. There is enough at Silver Star to keep you entertained for at least a week and you could combine your trip with other nearby resorts such as Big White (about 1.5 hours drive away), Revelstoke (2 hrs) and Sun Peaks (2.5 hrs).
January 19, 2013
Tom from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Silver Star is a great resort near Vernon offering a wide variety of ski terrain as well as other activities to keep the whole family amused. The quaint village has a number of good restaurants and bars but don't expect much crazy late night life (other than the saloon on the weekends). There is tubing, bowling, indoor climbing, snow mobiles and ice skating to keep the kids entertained after a day on slopes. There is great skiing terrain from green runs for beginners all the way to a large number of double black runs on the backside for the more initiated. Kids will love exploring all the tree trails and Peanut trail is a firm favourite. All marked runs are well maintained with a number well groomed nightly. The ski school has brilliant instructors that got us and the kids skiing all over mountain with confidence. Our instructor was patient and really enthusiastic throughout our lesson. The kids actually looked forward to going back the next day! There was also an option for our 3 year old to have a 1 hour private lesson while spending the day in the Star Kids daycare and it was great to see him sliding about and working on his snowplough turns.
February 25, 2012
wes from Ski Canada Canada
Haha, anyone who judges a resort based on the groomers isn't a real snowboarder/skier. I live at Silver Star - great people, great range of terrain. The front side is full of trails that snake through the trees due to the biking in the summer. Silver woods is a nice open gladed area that has little kickers to hit all the way down, great place for any skill level. If you're looking for a rush check out the back side, steep chutes and pillow lines will give it to you. The only thing I can complain about is the lack of snow but I'm just used to the west coast and there's never anyone here so fresh snow stays fresh for days. In closing, my suggestion to some other reviewers is to go explore the trees, you might have some fun instead of judging the grooming all day.
February 16, 2012
Sean from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Now snowing again at Silverstar so good covering of powder 16th Feb. Runs are well groomed with plenty of fast blues with rollers for the boarders or intermediate family/group skiing. Ticket here gives you access to Big White which is a great day out for some different tracks and conditions. Overall, compares well with the Alps but with much better guest services.
December 04, 2011
Martin Simons from Ski Canada Canada
Reading another reviewer's comments, I was doing nothing but nodding my head - after spending my youth growing up and skiing Vancouver Island - I moved to the interior again for the search of the soft snow. Silver Star was a disappointment - after having myself spending thousands of hours grooming - I was shaking my head - track marks - everywhere.
March 29, 2011
Chad Davie from Ski Canada Canada
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.
February 09, 2009
A Bond from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Had 3 days skiing in Feb 2009 at Silver Star and very enjoyable it was too. Silver Star has small acreage but is well spaced out & arranged so there is a good sense of travelling around and each area has its own feeling: Silver Woods area has nice short cruisy blues and trees/glades to play in, Powder Gulch is a better mix of blues and blacks (some genuine double blacks here), Attridge is a bit stuck out of the way but because of that was always empty with nice tree runs and good snow; main quad lift area mostly longer cruisy blues. There is a massive terrain park at Silver Star with full range of ramps/rails/hits for beginners and gnarly dudes. Only complaint would be that the park is not served by its own lift so you have to ride down to the bottom of the main quad, ride it all back up again and go half way down to the start of the park. Vertical is limited but fast lifts do their best to help out to achieve big vertical over the day's skiing. Village is tiny at Silver Star - this is a one street town - but has all you need: 4 bars/restaurants, each with a different atmosphere. Long Johns always popular with down to earth feel, very extensive menu & extensive BC wine list. The Saloon is a massive place with pool table, table hockey (this is Canada after all) and big screen tv, reasonable menu but fairly standard grub. The Den is cosy with daily changing menus; good grub when I ate there. Bulldog Hotel tries to be more sophisticated and has commensurately more expensive food menu; ribs must be eaten to be believed. All offered apres-ski special deals on food/booze. On the mountain at Silver Star, there is the Paradise Camp under the Powder Gulch lift which serves breakfast from 9.30am and lunches from 11am. Only managed brekkie there (which was always filling) but lunch menu looked attractive - bulk and quality can't be beaten. Outside the 'village' there was little to be done, so I recommend staying as close as possible if you want 'apres' or evening drinks/nibbles. This is a great beginners resort & I can see why they market themselves at Silver Star as a 'family resort' but even adventurous intermediates could enjoy 3 or so days here without being bored. Longer than that would not satisfy. For visitors from Britain, depending on your ski level/time available, I would recommend combining this with another resort for a 7/10 day trip. I would suggest Big White or Sun Peaks for twinning.