A winter wonderland has unfolded and that’s great news for skiers.
Valley-bottom rain on the weekend has translated into a 50-centimetre alpine base at Silver Star Mountain Resort, meaning the resort’s nordic trails open Saturday.
At the adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, cross-country skiing begins Friday.
“A week ago, it was so mild and warmer here than it was in town. We were getting worried a little bit,” said Anne Haight, the resort’s new sales and marketing director.
“But in 24 hours we went from fall to boom. You have to love it.”
On Saturday, there will be 53 kilometres of trails available including the Meadow Trail, the Sidewinder, the Tin Tin, the Alder Point Loop, the Comin’ Round The Mountain, Howie’s Loop and Moose Alley.
At Sovereign Lake, there is 40 centimetres of snow.
“Conditions should be some of the best early-season skiing in the past five years,” said Scott Lemon, SLNC general manager.
“We will be opening 25 kilometres of trails, including popular trails Carl Wylie and the World Cup. Trails will be ready for both skate and classic skiing.”
And if the snowfall continues, it’s expected that the alpine season will begin at Silver Star Nov. 28.
“I have the skis out and ready to go,” said Haight.
“It (season) is here, it’s realistic.”
Beyond preparing the trails and watching the weather forecast, Silver Star staff have been busy spreading the word about the resort and the North Okanagan.
“Our marketing team just came back from Calgary and there was a good response in Toronto,” said Haight.
“I am heading to Seattle this weekend.”
Silver Star has also unveiled the MyMtnFlexiCard, which costs $179 and reduces an adult day ticket to $60. The new card is valid for three days of skiing/snowboarding, any three days of the winter season.
The deadline to buy the MyMtnFlexiCard is Dec. 26 and it is available only to residents of B.C., Alberta and Washington State.
Haight was the Star’s marketing manager in 2006 and she has more than 20 years experience, including at Sun Peaks and Banff.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Anne to the Silver Star family,” said Michael Sherwood, resort general manager.
“We know that Anne has the creativity, passion, and fresh ideas to grow Silver Star’s reputation as the premier mountain destination it is.”
