As another winter is just around the corner, I find myself dreaming of one of my favorite family mountains, Silver Star, in Vernon, British Columbia. ?With an astounding 23 feet of champagne powder per year, lack of snow is rarely an issue, and when it?s not snowing, sunny days are plentiful. ? Silver Star can be described as more of a laid back, boutique resort experience. While you may never share a lift with an A list celebrity, or eat at a Zagat rated restaurant, ?you are guaranteed to have a holiday that your kids will remember for years to come.
Most lodgings on Silver Star mountain are ski in ski out, built around an adorably quaint and colorful Victorian style village. ?Nothing is more than a few minutes walk away, possible for even a toddler to manage. ?The kid?s snow school and daycare are both excellent and evening activities include ice skating, tubing, rock climbing, night skiing (or boarding) horse and carriage rides, craft nights, movie nights, ?and a fireside story time. In short, there is something for everyone. ?Here are some photos:
silver star mountain ski in ski out village
fun at tube town
snow sleds for kids
skating on brewster's pond
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silver star mountain ? vernon, british columbia, canada
where:?1 hour drive north-east of ?Kelowna, British Columbia (map)
famous for :?champagne powder and lots of sunny days
terrain:??20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% advanced runs covering ?3,000 acres (including a 6.5 acre rail and terrain park for boarders)
family activities: skiing, snowboarding, outdoor skating and hockey, tubing, rock climbing, snow shoeing, cross country and skate skiing, movie nights, craft nights, sleigh rides
getting there (air): fly to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) which is serviced by?Alaska Airlines, Air Canada and Westjet, take shuttle or rental car to the mountain (1 hour)
getting there (car): ?see driving directions from Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle, and Spokane
getting around : walking, skiing, or resort shuttle (runs every half hour)
childcare and lessons for kids?
The lovely Star Kids facility in Silver Star village hosts the snow school and daycare. ?Fantastic instructors and small groups make this an excellent choice to get your little one comfortable on the mountain while you enjoy some time on your own.
the daycare ?
for ages : 18 months to 5 years
rates: ?$41 for half day or ?$72 for full day (includes lunch)
options: the daycare plus option for kids 3 -5 years includes a ski lesson
price: ?$112/half day or $132 ?for a full day
star kids snow school lessons?
Lessons are available for kids ages 4 and up with options for morning only, afternoon only or full day (this option includes lunch). ?As Silver Star is not a super busy mountain, it is not uncommon to pay for a group lesson and have your child end up in very small group where they get extra attention.
rates: start at $59 for a half day or $89 for a full day (incl lunch)
where to stay?
Important to know: ?Check the Silver Star website for specials on accommodations, lessons and lift passes. ?Costco Canada sometimes sells cards that offer lift and accommodation deals (example 2011-2012 season deal was $50 for your 4th night ? savings of up to $400)
snowbird lodge
These luxury condos offer the best ski in/ ski out access on the mountain. ?Suites include gourmet kitchens, laundry facilities, attractive bathrooms with heated floors and hot tubs on the patio (some with gorgeous mountain views). ?Especially nice with little ones is the common area with kids play room, video games and movie theatre. ?Parents can sit in the cozy living area outside, sipping a glass of wine by the fireplace, looking at the beautiful view of the mountain at sunset. ?Within a very short walking distance are the village restaurants and ?the daycare/ski school. ?The hotel is about a 10 minute walk (optional shuttle) to Tube Town and the outdoor skating rink.
firelight lodge
Modern condo style hotel with easy access to the Silver Queen Chair. Most suites have laundry facilities and some have hot tubs. Built specifically with families in mind, this hotel is within very close proximity to Tube Town, and the outdoor skating pond. ?It is about a 10 minute walk (optional shuttle) into the village restaurants and day care/ski school.
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vacation rentals for families with kids at Silver Star
There are also some great ski in / ski out home rentals on the mountain that are wonderful for families. ?Particularly well located are those at the bottom of the Alpine Meadows Chair within a short of the village and Tube Town. ?Here are a few well reviewed ones:
where to eat with a family at Silver Star
long johns silver pub
Owner run and nicely situated in the village. ?This is your best bet for apres ski and dinner. Pub food with some healthy options. ?Kids are welcome (and there is a kids menu). ?Loud and lively often playing ?the game? or with live music.
menu
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bugaboo?s cafe and bakery
For gourmet coffees and fresh pastries made daily, do not miss Bugaboo Cafe and Bakery. This spot is alos a great place to grab a quick lunch. ?Situated just off the ski run in the village, it is a great place to start your day or refuel part way through (although be aware that this hot spot get very busy during the peak times such as lunch hour ).
not fine, but finer dining (this is a ski resort after all)
isidore?s?
We enjoyed a lovely meal here with 4 children (3,6,8, 10). ?The food was good, but I agree with a reviewer who said that despite the children behaving very well, it is hard to feel entirely comfortable with little ones here. ?This might be best saved for a night out without kids.
menu
the den
We had a fabulous family meal here in 2012 but on last year?s trip, the restaurant was not as good (incidentally it is not owner run, but run by the mountain). ?That said, it was a nice change from pub food and the restaurant is very welcoming to families (kids menu, high chairs). ?It has a cozy fireplace and often has live music.
menu
you may also be interested in:
whistler mountain with babies, toddlers and kids
tips for first ski trip with kids
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