Champagne powder. Probably the two most

delicious sounding words ever created in

the English language—especially if you ski

or snowboard. The Thompson Okanagan is

a virtual playground for winter activities

and the home of this prize commodity. The

GET READY FOR BIG WHITE – IT’S THE SNOW! Big White is

aptly named, as it receives over 750cm of natural, dry Okanagan champagne powder.

Throw over 100 runs, bowls and glades on top, and there is plenty of adventure for all

ski and board abilities. You’ll find everything from long gentle groomers to the steep and

deep of the Cliff to the thrill of skiing amongst the Snow Ghosts, Big White’s signature

snow-laden trees.

You’ll be happy to know the words ‘lift line’ are not in this mountain’s vocabulary. Big

White’s modern lift system includes 6 express lifts. As you stroll the streets of the alpine

village, Canada’s largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort, you and up to 17,000 other guests

can soak up the mountain vibe in hotels, condominiums, townhomes and even private

chalets. It’s no surprise that with all this, Big White is rated one of the top 5 family resorts

in the world.

If Big White has the epic resort feel covered, then Valemount is the place for something

completely different. Adventurous Nordic skiers, backcountry lovers, heli-skiers, and even

those wishing to try out their snowmobiling skills will find something to do in this natural

paradise, without pretensions.

region offers skiers and board aficionados

the ultimate in ski-in/ski-out convenience

at all four of its major resorts.

This upcoming season represents another

chance to explore epic groomed runs, deep

powder bowls, and adrenalin pumping chutes

that allow you to float through take-your-

breath-away snow-laden trees.

BLUE MOUNTAINVINEYARD BRUT

SUMMERHILL ESTATECIPES BRUT

ELEPHANT ISLANDPINK ELEPHANT SPARKLING ROSE

SUMAC RIDGESTELLAR’S JAY BRUT

GRAY MONK ESTATEODYSSEY ROSE BRUT

SEE YA LATER RANCHBRUT

Thompson OkanaganBEST IN BUBBLE

THE REGION’S OTHER “CHAMPAGNE” POWDER

paired up with the region’s best activities.�

A TASTE OF THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN: WINTER 2010

DISCOVER MY MOUNTAIN AT SILVER STAR. People love to call Silver

Star Mountain Resort “my mountain.” And

really, why shouldn’t they? This intimate

resort’s cup overflows with friendliness.

Locals love to actually take you on their

favourite runs rather than keeping it all to

themselves. And Silver Star’s picturesque

Victorian-themed village is like something

out of a storybook with its multicoloured

lodging painted across the snowy landscape.

But don’t let the friendliness and charm of

this loveable ski-in/ski-out village fool you,

there is silky smooth groomed cruisers on

the front side and party on the backside with

legendary black diamonds on Putnam Creek.

Plus Nordic enthusiasts can enjoy over 60

kms of groomed, tracked and night-lit trails

conveniently located at your doorstep. No

wonder visitors find it so easy to fall in love

with the fairy tale that is “my mountain”.

TASTE THE SUNSHINE OF SUN PEAKS. If you are looking for

vertical, you are looking for Sun Peaks. And

if you want that epic height, not to mention

nearly 20 feet of annual snow served up with

copious sunshine, you are also looking here.

Sun Peaks has over 2,000 hours of sunshine

every year and this glorious sun-worshiping

skifest is only 45 minutes from Kamloops.

Here you can enjoy two alpine bowls, plenty

of cruising green rides, surprising and varied

blue runs, and plenty of steep and deep.

And the word is out on this mountain’s

gladed stashes too, which are loaded with

powder, making this family friendly resort one

of the “Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America”

according to Conde Naste Traveller.

THOMPSON OKANAGAN

SKIING BY THE NUMBERS

TIME FOR SOME STEEP AND DEEP. For those looking for a winter

adventure slightly off the beaten path there’s

Mt. Baldy. This hidden gem is where the locals

head to find untracked powder, ski among

the trees, and get in some serious boarding.

Thirty-five runs and 460 hectares of trails

are just minutes away from Oliver, Osoyoos

and Penticton and found right in the heart of

Desert Wine Country.

And last but certainly not least on your must-

ski list is Apex Mountain Resort. Here is where

you find the steep stuff. Since 1961, skiers have

flocked here to enjoy the endless and excellent

steep and deep rides. And you’re never more

than a snowball’s throw from the intimate

village and the infamous Gunbarrel Saloon.

Canada’s #1 Ski Bar is home of the Gunbarrel

coffee, where flaming Grand Marnier is poured

down a Doublebarrel. No wonder Ski Canada

Magazine called this a Best Gem of a Resort

in 2009. And best of all, both Apex and Mt.

Baldy are close enough to sneak in some wine

tasting runs on the way to dinner.

Hungry for ski this coming season? There’s

nothing better after a day on the slopes

than great food and drinks. For more ideas,

special offers, and other great pairings, or

to see why the area has been awarded the

prestigious Gold Medal Plate award, visit

thompsonokanagan.com.

BIG WHITE SKI RESORTRuns: 118 Vert: 777m

Terrain: 1,038haSnow: Over 700cm/year

SUN PEAKS RESORTRuns: 122 Vert: 881m

Terrain: 1,488haSunshine: 2,000 hours/year

APEX MOUNTAIN RESORTRuns: 67 Vert: 610m

Terrain: 450haTerrain parks: 3

SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORTRuns: 115 Vert: 760m

Terrain: 1,214haLongest Run: Eldorado, 8km

MOUNT BALDYRuns: 35 Vert: 394m

Terrain: 3,162haCross country trails: 20km

Victoria

British Columbia

Alberta

Pacific Ocean

USA

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Edmonton

A TASTE OF THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN: WINTER 2010