Where to Ski & Après
Thinking of visiting the interior of BC this winter? We've got plenty of top spots to ski and après within our area, plus much more. Read on to start planning your winter adventure in the Thompson Okanagan.
Kamloops & Harper Mountain
Where to Stay
Accent Inn Kamloops
With easy access off Highway 1, Accent Inns Kamloops is an affordable 3-star property and convenient option that offers great views. Looking for other accommodation options in Kamloops? Click here.
Where to Ski
Harper Mountain
Celebrating 50 years in 2024, Harper Mountain is the perfect place to learn to ski or board, or to perfect your skills. While on the hill don’t miss out on tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing before heading to the lodge for poutine, mulled wine, and hot cocoa.
Where to Après
Red Collar Brewing
Arrive early or plan to get cosy with the regulars at this favourite hangout of Kamloops residents. They’ve got lots of European-inspired beer to choose from, plus they’re also home to Gin Lane Distillery – choose a gin-cocktail or beer flight and settle into the homey atmosphere.
Stills Co Tapas Lounge
Check out Kamloops’ newest foodie hotspot that’s serving delicious handcrafted cocktails and tasty tapas for an upscale après experience.
Other Winter Activities
- Keep active outdoors with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Overlander Ski Club.
- Take in the lively Kamloops arts and culture scene.
- Take a trip around the world with a stop at these four restaurants.
Vernon & SilverStar
Where to Stay
Best Western Pacific Inn
Conveniently located, the Best Western Pacific Inn has all the amenities you need to have a comfortable and cost-effective stay in Vernon.
Where to Ski
SilverStar Mountain Resort
A family-friendly mountain resort that matches lots of green runs for those just learning with plenty of adrenaline-pumping black and blue runs. Dive into the light, powdery snow for skiing or snowboarding, or try tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. If that’s not enough, there’s skating and mini-sleds, plus a picturesque village perfect for a day in the snow.
Where to Après
Cabana Kitchen & Bar
Nestled into the garden atrium of the Vernon Lodge, Cabana Kitchen + Bar offers a Mediterranean twist on their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana
Looking for a traditional Neapolitan wood-fired pizza? Look no further than Masiero Pizzeria. You’re sure to work up an appetite on the hill, and delicious pizza is a no-brainer to refuel.
Other Winter Activities
- Visit the Vernon Jazz Club for a live show.
- Book a tasting experience at Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery.
Kelowna & Big White
Where to Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites Kelowna
Located along Highway 97, Fairfield Inn is easily accessible and a convenient location to all that Kelowna has to offer, including close proximity to Highway 33 which takes you to Big White Ski Resort. Family-friendly amenities and cost-effectiveness make this hotel an easy choice. For more accommodation options in Kelowna, click here.
Where to Ski
Big White Ski Resort
Canada’s largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort village, located one hour from the Kelowna International Airport, has everything you would expect from a world-class resort. Spectacular scenery of the Monashee Mountains, groomed & powder runs and a state-of-the-art lift system, the resort is blessed with ideal ski and snowboard conditions, receiving over 750cm of dry powder snow annually.
Where to Après
Jackknife Brewing
Proudly known for their weird beer and killer pizza, Jackknife is located within the north-end brewery district making it an easy stop if you’re interested in brewery hopping.
Bernie’s
After being outdoors all day, how does a delicious dinner and movie sound? Bernie’s, located in downtown Kelowna, offers just that, with cosy seating and classic movies, be sure to make a reservation.
Other Winter Activities
- Try an Ice Wine Tasting & Tour at Grizzli Winery.
- Head into the hills of south east Kelowna & try e-snowbiking with Lakeside Ecosports.
Penticton & Apex
Where to Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Penticton
Check-in at Penticton’s newest hotel to enjoy comfortable guest rooms with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Take a dip in the pool and dine at Palmer Steakhouse to make it a perfect vacation that combines outdoor activity and modern comforts.
Where to Ski
Apex Mountain Resort
A winter playground with a wide variety of terrain to suit every snow rider with ideal weather conditions that create incredible, light champagne powder. The true ski in/ski out hotel, restaurant and bar, coffee and ski shop means you never have to drive once you arrive. Plus there are plenty of other activities that you won’t want to miss like night skiing, a tube park, an NHL sized hockey rink, and a one-kilometer skating loop through the forest.
Where to Après
Gunbarrel Saloon
Voted 10 times in a row as the #1 Apres Ski Bar in Canada, The Gunbarrel Saloon offers the true essence of a slope-side bar. Located in the center of the Apex Mountain Resort village, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From great share options and burgers, to rice bowls and mac and cheese, we know the Gunbarrel will satisfy your taste buds.
Penticton Ale Trail
With eight craft breweries and known as “Canada’s Craft Beer Capital”, Penticton’s beer scene will have a brew to suit every palate.
Other Winter Activities
- Go on a winter wine tour.
- Try cross-country skiing at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre.
Osoyoos & Baldy Mountain
Where to Stay
Sandy Beach Suites
Welcoming families, friends, and travellers from around the world for generations, this resort is tucked into a quiet sandy bay on the shores of Osoyoos Lake, offering a variety of fully equipped Suites for all your needs.
Where to Ski
Baldy Mountain Resort
A bounty of winter fun is offered at Mount Baldy, 40 minutes northeast of Osoyoos. A variety of trails, activities and amenities ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
Access first-rate tree-skiing and boarding, carving up untracked powder through forested tranquillity. Take a snowshoe excursion in the woods on 20 kilometres of marked, ungroomed trails. Explore the groomed, track-set cross-country ski trails at the Mount Baldy Nordic Centre. Test your skills with jibs, rails, jumps and more at the Terrain Park. Enjoy the relaxed, family atmosphere with a day of toboggan ride thrills and Frisbee golf fun.
Where to Après
The Sage Pub
Hungry? The Sage Pub has what you need after a fun day outdoors. Ribs, wings, sandwiches, entrees, pasta, and the best pizza in town. There’s a reason the Osoyoos locals all eat here!
15 Park Bistro
Fresh, local, and seasonal fair paired perfectly with Okanagan wine, craft beer, cider, and sophisticated cocktails. This is the spot when looking for an elegant outing to remember.
Other Winter Activities
- Visit the District Wine Village and go skating.
- Learn about the history and rich living culture of the sylix people at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.
