Destination: Silver Star Mtn., BC
Trip Rating: Intermediate
Terrain: Groomed trails
Silver Star Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada, boasts Canada's largest groomed cross-country network with over 105 km of track. Connected to the neighboring Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, the area offers world-class classic and skate skiing. This is one of my favorite areas to ski in British Columbia.
Leaving early on Friday, February 5, we will stay our first night in Osoyoos, BC at the Best Western Motel. After breakfast at the Best Western we will drive to Nickel Plate Nordic and ski the well-groomed Nordic trails (skate or classic) and depart about 2 PM to head to Vernon, BC where we will stay at Timber Ridge Ranch in a very nice house that sits just below Sovereign Lake Nordic Center and Silver Star Mt. At Silver Star, one gondola ride to the top is included with your daily ski pass, then you ski the Nordic Trails DOWN. If conditions look good, we may drive one day to the Telemark Nordic Club, about a 1-hour drive from our house.
On Friday, Feb. 12th, we head home. Carpools can choose to take 2 days and ski on the way to Portland or just take a break on the trip, or they may elect to make the trip in one long day. (Skiing ideas, ask me.)
If you want beer or wine at the house, I suggest bringing it up from Oregon. Do not bring any fruit across the border in either direction.
We will try to combine our grocery shopping to prevent excess trips to town.
Meals:
- Saturday breakfast is at the Best Western Motel and included with the room.
- Other breakfasts and lunches are on your own. Silver Star does have restaurants and food to purchase for lunch. Sovereign Lakes is more basic; bring your own lunch to the lodge.
- We will take turns cooking dinners and share the meal costs at the house. (Estimate about $75 per person)
Other expenses:
- Mileage is about 550 miles each way.
- Daily ski pass is $20 - $30 per day.
- Meals and lodging on the trip home.
Other considerations:
- You need your passport, and it must not expire within 6 months of the trip.
- You need Snow Flake-rated tires and AWD (recommended) in BC.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ken.
Trip limit: 10 participants
Cost: $615 per person for lodging and the best Nordic ski trails you can imagine
Travel miles: From Portland, 1100 miles round trip, plus mileage to the ski areas
Trip Leader: Ken Wenzel