Opening November ‘09/Courtesy Fernie Ski Resort

This is what we live for on the west coast of Canada – the arrival of snow on our spectacular mountains!  From the Kootenay Rockies – Fernie and Panorama, to the backyard of Vancouver at Cypress, Grouse and Seymour Mountains.  It’s all here for the novice to extreme skiers and boarders.   Passionate snow seekers dream of the white stuff falling as soon as summer ends… praying to the snow Gods for snow from November till late spring. And fall it has, so much so that most of the province’s ski resorts  opened this past weekend.

One of the province’s all time favourites is Sun Peaks Resort located 45 minutes outside of Kamloops.  It’s a family-friendly setting boasting accommodations, dining and outstanding skiing and outdoor adventure tailored for kids of all ages.

Bet You Didn’t Know

Family Ski at Sun Peaks Resort - Courtesy Adam Stein

Boasting 3,678 acres on three mountains including Tod, Sundance and Mt. Morrisey, Sun Peaks Resort offers 117 runs with every chairlift providing access to blue, green and black diamond runs. Uplift with your family and friends, then split up and choose a trail that suits your ability level.  Most trails lead right to the village, so it’s super easy to hook up with everyone throughout the day.

The Resort delivers some neat features including  “The Kids Ranch” -  an animated theme park with dedicated terrain for kids 3-12 years old.  For your teenagers there’s  great skiing, snow boarding, and the coolest hit …snow-biking.

If you don’t have all the gear for your winter getaway, don’t worry.  Guest Services Staff are super supportive and knowledgeable ensuring you are on the slopes in what seems to be

Nancy Greene Raine - Courtesy Sun Peaks Resort/Paul Morrison

simply a matter of minutes.  And yes, the ever hospitable Nancy Greene, BC’s own Olympic Gold Medalist calls Sun Peaks Resort home.  She skis with resort guests twice daily depending on her travel schedule, so be sure to ask if she’s in town during your visit.

Stay at the ‘mountain chic’ Delta Sun Peaks and experience their special brand of hospitality. From check-in to the ever popular kid-friendly menus (grilled cheese and hot dogs with hot chocolate!), and après-ski spa treatments for mom and dad, this is a resort hotel the entire family will enjoy.  Check out more accommodation listings on the Sun Peaks web site. There are numerous condos and chalets that welcome families with kids of all ages. Visit www.sunpeaksresort.com, or call toll free at 1.800.807.3257

A Fun Family Walk Through Silver Star Resort

With a mid-mountain village themed after a 19^th century silver mine, complete with brightly-painted Victorian-styled architecture and boarded sidewalks, the resort overflows with warmth and hospitality. Frank Berkers of Bugaboos Bakery Café (his cinnamon buns are famous the world over), explains why he and his wife Caroline have called Silver Star home for more than thirteen years.   “Shortly after we arrived on a ski trip from The Netherlands, we looked at each other and said – we’ve got to stay!” He continued that the main reason why is because “It’s the intimacy of the village. Everyone helps each other and works together to keep our guests happy!’

Best Cinnamon Buns in the West!

This is a magical getaway even if you’re not a passionate snow-seeker!  Unable to ski on my last visit, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time amidst the peaceful setting of the resort.  One afternoon found me chatting with a mid -aged gal from Toronto over a relaxing cup of tea.  Sitting together in the Bulldog Hotel, she shared that while her husband and friends were out skiing at a leisurely pace, she just wanted to unwind and enjoy the village ambiance.  We smiled at the sight of young children laughing and playing out the front of the hotel, while we basked in the simple pleasure of just watching the snow fall.  No pressure, no stress – just gorgeous scenery and pleasing company.

Yes, it’s true – the skiing and boarding are outstanding at this Okanagan resort. And whether you are new to these mountain sports, or aspiring to improve your skills, Silver Star Snowsport School is regarded as the crème de la crème within Canada.  Under the direction of Canada’s leading teacher of teachers, Norman Kruetz, he and his respected team provide a learning experience unlike any other.

After an outstanding day laying tracks, take time for a soothing massage with the team at Ousia Day Spa.  This talented group will pamper your fingers and toes, and spoil your scalp with fabulous esthetics and hair services too.  Be sure to make a reservation in advance of your arrival to ensure a blissful experience.

Dining throughout the village is on par with any upscale city neighbourhood – reserve your table at the Silver Grill Steak and Chophouse or, if you’re fortunate to be at the Resort on a Thursday through Sunday, book a romantic trip to the rustic setting of Paradise Camp atop Silver Star’s Putnam Creek. After boarding a cozy 12 passenger cab attached to a grooming machine, diners take off for an adult-oriented, sumptuous a la carte meal to enjoy the view from the top .

Kid Friendly!

Without question there’s literally a mountain of fun for families staying at Silver Star.  Kids are definitely their specialty – especially if you’ve got young ones, from newborn to about twelve.  Yes, I did say newborns!

Star Kids Centre is the hub of action for junior guests.  With a day care program that is licensed for babies (six weeks), right up to six year olds, it’s fantastic that mom and dad can enjoy a day on the hill confident that their young family members are in the best of care.

The setting is well thought out.  It’s safe, bright and secure with confident, caring staff capable of keeping your little ones pampered and entertained for a few hours each day.  Ski lessons for three to twelve year olds are held in an enclosed beginner area and while you can see the smiles and hear the laughter, the kids are protected.

If your kids aren’t into the slopes one day, there’s still a ton of great stuff to do before little heads hit the pillow!  It’s quite a sight to watch kids on mini snowmobiles or twirling around on the natural outdoor skating pond at Silver Lake.  And, how ‘bout a spontaneous game of hockey? Your budding Olympians will be grinning from ear to ear!

Championship Boarder in Training at Silver Star

For evening entertainment, there’s a family activity every night of the week.  Before your trip, view Silver Star’s weekly activity calendar on their web site and plan which events you want to attend. The evening’s cocoa is incredibly yummy; it’s complimentary and is the perfect finish to a special day on the slopes.  Visit www.skisilverstar.com for details.

Silver Star Sleigh Rides - family fun to 'snow romantic'!

TRAVEL Bites

Both Silver Star Mountain Resort and sister property, Big White Ski Resort have great packages put together for families as well as those wishing to escape the lower mainland during the Olympics.  Check out the web sites by going online at www.bigwhite.com and www.skisilverstar.com.  The visuals are stunning and meant to motivate – sit back and enjoy, then book your trip! Think stocking stuffers, to that one gift that is long remembered – like a ski holiday for the entire family!object>

If you prefer indoor activities, there’s curling, ice skating at the Summerland Arena. Or go for a swim and hot tub at the Summerland Aquatic and Fitness facilities on Kelly Avenue, in down town Summerland.

NEAR BY SKI RESORTS

- Apex Mountain Ski Resort & Nickel

- Plate X-Country Ski Trails – Penticton

- Crystal Mountain & Telemark

- X-Country Ski Trails – Westbank

- Big White Ski Resort – Kelowna

- Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort &

X-Country Ski Trails – Vernon

- Mt. Baldy Ski Resort – Osoyoos;

Some of the many courts are located at MacDonald Park on 27th Avenue, Polson Park on Highway 6, across from Alexander’s Pub on Kal Lake Road, Kalavista Park off Highway 97, Vernon Secondary School on 18th Street, Paddlewheel Park and Marshall Fields courts on Okanagan Landing Road.

If your backhand is a little rusty, or you just want to sharpen your skills and become the player to beat, Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation offers lessons for beginner and intermediate players.

Tennis isn’t the only sport in Vernon that is worth getting out your racket, Parks and Recreation offers summer drop-in badminton at the Rec Centre every Monday evening, except holidays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. until August 21.

The cost is only $4 and the court is open to all ages. If you don’t have your own racket, not to worry, you can use on of the gym’s.

Information on these and other programs offered by Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation can be accessed on-line at www.greatervernon.com or by calling 545-6035.;

The North Okanagan Sailing Association is a volunteer driven non-profit organization that promotes sailing. Adult public sailing lessons start in June and range from beginner to intermediate skill levels. Youth lessons begin the first week of July and accept children as young as six. This five-day course includes basic skills, safety rules and training in a kayak.

In addition to lessons, the sailing association hosts the NOSA International Regatta. This year the event will take place on September 8 and 9 and will include participants from all over Canada and the United States.

The sailing association is located on the east shore of the northern portion of Lake Okanagan.

For more information call 260-4255 or visit www.nosa.bc.ca;

Choose one of the many provincial or private campgrounds to pitch your tent and unroll your sleeping bag.

Ellison, Fintry, Kekuli Bay and Mabel Lake Provincial Parks offer neat grounds close to the lakes and shaded by many beautiful trees. These sites make great stops for a day or the whole summer. Enjoy hiking, fishing and picnicking at these pristine locations.

For more information on provincial campgrounds visit www.discovercamping.ca.

Perhaps you would prefer to explore one of North Okanagan’s more central private campgrounds such as Big Chief Campground, Cedar Falls Campground, Dutch’s Campground, Mabel Lake Resort, Newport Beach Recreational Park, Swan Lake Recreational Resort or Paraiso Point Tent and RV Resort.

Be sure to call and reserve before packing your bags because the area attracts many visitors and campsites fill up fast.;

Visit a orchard or fruit stand or pick your own fruit and find out why the Okanagan is famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables.

Take yourself on a self-guided tour of Davison Orchards off Bella Vista Road, or hop on the “Johnny Popper” Apple Train that takes visitors for tours daily at 2 p.m.

The Apple Harvest Hoedown celebrates Davison Orchards’ harvest on September 15 and 16. Enjoy countless activities including picking you own apples, contests and games or indulge in a decadent caramel apple.

The orchard shares its fruit with Vernon and the surrounding area at their summer produce market that is open from May to October. It is also the place to be for numerous events through out the summer, including Apple Annie’s Kid’s Day, a Canada Day BBQ, Grandparent Day and more. For more information, call 549-3266 or visit www.davisonorchards.com.

Just 20 minutes south of Vernon, lies the Gatzke Orchards in Oyama. At this fruit-loving family orchard, visitors can take a self-guided tour or pick their own fruit from almost 60 varieties.

Aberdeen Farm Market off Highway 6 in Coldstream is another great place for family fun. Not only can you stop in for fresh fruits and vegetables, but you can pick up a treat from the bakery or a scoop of delicious ice cream, then take a break and relax in the sun at an outdoor picnic table.

Sit back and watch as the kids enjoy themselves in the play area, ride on the train or make friends with the collection of small animals.

The Aquatic Centre at the Vernon Recreation Complex can accommodate any pool-goer. Whether you want to go for a vigorous swim in the large pool, soak in the hot tub, unwind in the steam room or loosen up in the sauna, the facilities have something to offer you.

Those who are searching for a little more adventure can take a swing on the Tarzan rope, take the plunge from the three-meter diving board or fly down the double-loop waterslide.

The pool is open to the public on evenings from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., as well as the weekends from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Swim for a loonie from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekend evenings.

For some city fun in the sun, head down to the Lakeview Wading Pool on 18th Street and 32nd Avenue in Vernon or the Polson Park Spray Park, both are open June 30 until September 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gather up the kids on a hot day and stop in to the Lavington Wading Pool on Lavington Way, which is open the same dates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Armstrong, the outdoor heated pool is located in Memorial Park on Pleasant Valley Road. Have a splashing good time in this facility until Sept. 1.

Guided tours are available from a number of places including Eagle Rock Ranch on the Westside of Okanagan Lake. All ages and abilities are welcomed, just make sure you call 260-3866 to book ahead.

In Lumby, Silverspur Trails also offers guided tours. Riders must have some experience and reservations are required. Call Silverspur at 547-9869.;