Your definitive, up-to-date guide to skiing and snowboarding near Kelowna, BC for the 2026 season. Local tips, real advice.
2 ski hills · Updated September 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Robert Ward · Big White Ski Resort via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The detailsthat matter.
Hit the slopes near Kelowna with this guide to the best local ski hills. Find out about Big White's famous champagne powder, SilverStar's colourful village, and Apex's hidden gems. We cover drive times, night skiing, Nordic adventures at Telemark, and essential winter driving tips for Highway 33. Plan your perfect Okanagan winter getaway right here.
Best Season
Late November to mid-April
Book Ahead
Lift tickets, shuttles & stays
Best Area
Big White for powder & village
Good to know
Winter tires are mandatory
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Kelowna Skiing & Snowboarding Guide (2026)
Here is your complete local's guide to the best skiing and snowboarding in the Central Okanagan for the 2026 season.
The short answer
The best ski hills near Kelowna are Big White Ski Resort, known for its champagne powder and large ski-in, ski-out village, and SilverStar Mountain Resort, with its colourful mid-mountain village. For a different experience, Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton is a local favourite.
01Kelowna's Mountain
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna
Just an hour's drive from Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort is a world-class destination. It's famous for its 'Okanagan Champagne Powder' – dry, light, and plentiful, with an average of 7.5 metres of snowfall annually. The resort boasts Canada's largest totally ski-in, ski-out village, meaning you can ski right from your door to the lifts. With over 2,765 acres of patrolled terrain, there are runs for every skill level, from beginner to expert.
Big White is also home to Western Canada's largest night skiing area. Ski under the lights on 38 acres of terrain accessed by the Bullet Express and Plaza Chair. Night skiing typically runs from mid-December, offering a unique mountain experience after the sun goes down. The terrain park is also open for night riding on Friday and Saturday nights.
The drive from Kelowna to Big White is approximately 56 kilometres and takes about an hour in good conditions. The route primarily follows Highway 33, a winding mountain road that requires caution and proper winter tires. The resort is family-owned and operated, which contributes to its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. You'll find a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to condos and chalets, to suit various budgets.
Local tips
Book your airport shuttle in advance, especially during peak season.
Season passes often go on sale with early bird pricing; check the resort's website for deals.
Day passes for the 2025-2026 season started from CA$55, with peak rates up to CA$95.
SilverStar Mountain Resort, located near Vernon, is about a 74-kilometre drive from Kelowna, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The resort is known for its unique, colourful mid-mountain village that offers true ski-in, ski-out access. SilverStar boasts 3,282 acres of skiable terrain with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The backside, Putnam Creek, is a playground for advanced skiers with its challenging terrain.
Apex Mountain Resort is another fantastic option, situated near Penticton, about a 90-minute drive from Kelowna. It's considered one of the hidden gems of BC skiing, offering excellent snow quality and diverse terrain. The drive from West Kelowna is about 89 kilometres. Apex is a full-service destination resort with a friendly, local vibe.
Both SilverStar and Apex offer a different atmosphere compared to Big White. SilverStar's compact village is very family-friendly, and the mountain has a distinct front-side (mellow cruisers) and back-side (steep and deep). Apex is known for its champagne powder and offers a range of activities beyond skiing. Both resorts are accessible via private shuttle services from Kelowna.
Local tips
SilverStar day passes for the 2025-2026 season started from CA$69, with peak rates up to CA$129.
Look for accommodation deals at SilverStar, which can offer up to 25% off during winter.
When driving to Apex from the east, it is recommended to continue past Hedley to Keremeos and then follow highway 3A.
For those who prefer a different kind of winter adventure, the Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna is a must-visit. The club offers over 50 kilometres of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing. There are also 4.3 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing. With trails suitable for all experience levels, it's a great place for everyone to enjoy the winter landscape.
Snowshoeing is another popular activity at Telemark, with 62 kilometres of dedicated snowshoe trails winding through quiet forests with beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley. The club offers rentals for both skiing and snowshoeing, as well as lessons for all ages. It's a family-oriented club with a welcoming atmosphere and a modern chalet to relax in after a day on the trails.
Telemark Nordic Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Nordic winter sports. They offer a variety of programs and host numerous events throughout the season, which typically runs from late November to mid-March. Day passes are available for non-members, making it easy to try out these fantastic winter activities. The club also has dog-friendly trails for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
Local tips
A season pass at Telemark can be paid off in as few as 11 visits.
Telemark season pass holders receive discounts at other local Nordic centres and retail stores.
Check the trail conditions online before you go for the latest grooming report.
04Getting There Safely
Winter Driving & Tires
Driving to the ski resorts from Kelowna involves navigating mountain highways where winter conditions can change rapidly. Highway 33, the main route to Big White, is a winding road that can receive significant snowfall. It's essential to be prepared for winter driving and to check road conditions on DriveBC before you leave. Always allow extra travel time, especially during storms or on weekends.
In British Columbia, winter tires are mandatory on most highways from October 1st to April 30th. This includes Highway 33 and other routes to ski resorts in the region. Your tires must have either the 'M+S' (mud and snow) symbol or the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, and they must have at least 3.5 mm of tread. For travel on mountain passes, tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol are recommended for better traction.
Even with the best winter tires, it's crucial to drive to the conditions. This means reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, and being aware of potential hazards like black ice, especially in the early morning or evening. If you are not comfortable with winter driving, consider taking one of the many shuttle services available from Kelowna. This can be a safer and more relaxing way to get to the mountains.
Local tips
Check the DriveBC website or app for the most up-to-date road conditions and closures.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit, including blankets, a flashlight, and a shovel.
Aim to travel during daylight hours when visibility is better and temperatures are generally warmer.
05Leave the Driving to Us
Ski Shuttles & Transport
Several companies in Kelowna offer shuttle services to the local ski resorts, providing a safe and convenient alternative to winter driving. These services are perfect for visitors flying into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) or for locals who prefer to relax on their way to the slopes. Shuttles can be booked for private groups or as part of a scheduled service.
Companies like Carpe Diem Tours offer a weekend public ski shuttle from various points in Kelowna to Big White. Other operators, including Vivid Tours and Kelowna Transfers, provide private shuttle services to Big White, SilverStar, and Apex, often in comfortable, all-wheel-drive vans. Many shuttle services also offer the option to stop for groceries and liquor on the way to the resort.
Booking your shuttle in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak periods like holidays and weekends. You can book online through the companies' websites. Some companies offer 24-hour service, which can be helpful for early morning or late-night airport transfers. Using a shuttle service not only takes the stress out of winter driving but also means you don't have to worry about parking at the resort.
Local tips
Confirm luggage and ski/snowboard equipment capacity when booking your shuttle.
Some shuttle companies offer unique experiences, like a Tiki Bus with karaoke.
Airport shuttles from YLW to SilverStar typically take about an hour.
06Okanagan Après
Ski-and-Wine Weekends
The Okanagan Valley is renowned for its wineries, and many of them remain open for tastings throughout the winter. Combining a day on the slopes with an afternoon of wine tasting is a quintessential Okanagan experience. Several tour companies in Kelowna offer winter wine tours, allowing you to create your own ski-and-wine weekend.
After a morning of skiing at Big White or SilverStar, you can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and take you on a tour of some of the region's best wineries. The Lake Country's 'Scenic Sip' or the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna are both excellent options with wineries that are open year-round. This is a great way to experience the local terroir and enjoy a different side of the Okanagan's winter charm.
To plan your ski-and-wine weekend, it's best to book your ski accommodation and wine tour separately. Shuttle companies that offer ski resort transportation can often accommodate custom wine tour itineraries as well. This allows for a flexible and personalized experience, combining the thrill of the mountains with the sophisticated flavours of Okanagan wine.
Local tips
Check winery hours in advance, as some have reduced hours during the winter months.
Book your wine tour shuttle ahead of time to ensure availability.
Ask your tour operator for winery recommendations that suit your taste.
The top ski resorts near Kelowna are Big White Ski Resort, known for its abundant champagne powder and large ski-in, ski-out village, and SilverStar Mountain Resort, which features a colourful and unique mid-mountain village. Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton is also a popular choice among locals.
