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Visiting Silver Star Mountain Resort in the off-season
Silver Stars Summer season closed on September 16th
Most of the mountain remains closed until the winter season starts on November 22 (Tentative)
Visiting Silver Star Mountain Resort in the off-season - It is important to note that this trip was gifted to us by the suite owner we were in!
We decided to go during the off-season as we had never stayed at Silver Star, near Vernon BC, and wanted to experience it during a season rarely reviewed. We were alone during the drive up to the mountain; we did not see a single other car the whole way up. We made our way to Vance Creek Hotel, finding the parking lot empty; inside, the lobby was just as empty. In fact, we never saw anyone else in the hotel the entire time (we did see one room light up on Saturday morning, but we never saw the guests). There was a sign stating that the front desk staff were out except in the mornings.
We decided to go during the off-season as we had never stayed at Silver Star, near Vernon BC, and wanted to experience it during a season rarely reviewed. We were alone during the drive up to the mountain; we did not see a single other car the whole way up. We made our way to Vance Creek Hotel, finding the parking lot empty; inside, the lobby was just as empty. In fact, we never saw anyone else in the hotel the entire time (we did see one room light up on Saturday morning, but we never saw the guests). There was a sign stating that the front desk staff were out except in the mornings.
Vance Creek Hotel - Silver Star Mountain Resort
The hotel was beautiful, clean, and in the middle of the village. Our room, once again a gift, was on the second floor when entering from the village and on the main floor when entering from the parking lot. It is important to note two things here: 1, the hotel is three floors, and not all rooms have balconies like ours did, and 2, there is no elevator, so if you are not on the main floor from the parking lot, you will need to carry your items upstairs! The hotel was extremely quiet the whole time; when viewing the village camera, we were the ONLY room light visible, which made the trip very peaceful!
Accommodations on Silver Star Mountain Resort
If you are planning an off-season visit like we did, you need to plan. The restaurants and stores are closed for the season except for the Red Atler Pub, which is only open for select hours on weekdays. We brought food with us, so we didn't get a chance to visit the Red Atler.
Most of the higher and cross-country trails are closed (more on this below), and the stores are closed, so you need to create your own entertainment to enjoy this trip. I will agree that the off-season is not for everybody! The mountain market and liquor store is open during the off-season in the Village (Lord Aberdeen Market). The spa also remains open but by appointment only, so if you are coming up for a relaxation session and think you would enjoy the spa, be sure to book ahead of time; the fitness center is also open during off-season and costs $8.00 a person to use. Visiting Silver Star Mountain Resort in the off-season requires planning.
Hiking Silver Star Mountain Trails
I know many Adventure seekers are wondering about walking during the off-season. While Silver Star does close a few trails during this time, there are still LOTS of walking and exploration opportunities! We spent a few hours walking the residential streets. We walked halfway up the mountain to where the road ended. Silver Star has obvious signage to tell you if a trail is closed. In addition, they have several biking and walking trails through the village and neighborhoods open to the public; the neighborhoods are definitely worth exploring as they have beautiful views and lookout points mixed with open trails. Our favorite was the trail around the brewer's pond; locals know this place as a local hit for skating in the winter. Situated right next to Tube Town (you will not believe the height difference of the Tube Town loading area before the snow!), this trail was shattered with statues of bears made from different materials.
Silver Star also has a fun game that is set up for the summer but remains up for the off-season called "gnome roam," which has little gnomes hidden along different trails, and beautiful hand-painted rocks; this is truly a magical sight!
Should you do an off-season stay?
While I agree an off-season stay may not be for everyone, for us, it was a hit, and I believe anyone who does not require set entertainment would love this trip! We loved the quieter time on the mountain and the feeling of almost having the whole mountain to ourselves.
The avid explorer or tail walker would enjoy this stay-cation. The Season at Silver Star Mountain Resort is an exciting experience!
Visiting Silver Star Mountain Resort in the off-season
Visit off Season, Silver Star
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Comments 8
Love stories so thank you for this. Learned a lot and sounds like you enjoyed your peace and quiet. Well deserved. Posted for social this week.
Greg Girard Thanks! It was a fun 2 days!!
I wouldn't have thought to visit in off season. Thank you, Samantha, for a great idea. As I read, I found myself imagining what it would be like to explore the area with no one around. An appealing thought!
Great idea to go in off season.
Each season is its own experience. Thank you for writing about the off-season at Silver Star, Samantha. Getting away to explore and hike some trails and enjoy the peace sounds appealing, I learned from your article that planning makes all the difference, pre-booking the things you want to do such as the spa and bringing in your own groceries and snacks so one is not disappointed when places are closed.
Yes Pre-plan!!
Visiting Silver Star Mountain in the off season sounds dreamy! You get to enjoy all the comforts of your accommodations and are free to explore the mountain on your own. I have skied there a few times over the years and always loved it...now I will add visiting in the off season to my list too!
This sounds like a relaxing and peaceful getaway in the off-season, and the setting looks like the perfect place to reconnect with nature without the crowds. Great idea!