Why Silver Star
Silver Star and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre together offer 105 kilometres of groomed cross-country and skate ski trails. Silver Star operates approximately 55 kilometres, with Sovereign Lake contributing the remainder — together forming one of the largest combined alpine-Nordic networks in North America.
The mountain’s high elevation means reliable early-season snow. Silver Star is frequently one of the first areas in North America to open groomed Nordic trails each fall, which is why national ski teams choose it for pre-season training.
Unlike most Nordic centres, Silver Star’s trails are integrated with the alpine resort. You can take the gondola to reach cross-country terrain, and trails like Sidewinder offer open mountain views rather than the typical in-the-woods Nordic experience.
105km
Combined groomed network with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
First
Frequently among the first areas in North America to open each fall
Gondola
Lift-accessed cross-country terrain, integrated with the alpine resort
What’s Here · 02
Classic Skiing
Set tracks across the full difficulty range, from gentle village loops to long climbs into the high terrain. Classic trails are groomed daily through the core season, with twin set tracks where the trail width allows.
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
What’s Here · 02
Skate Skiing
Wide, freshly groomed skate lanes run the length of the network — the same corduroy that draws national team athletes for fall training. Expect firm, fast surfaces at elevation, with conditions that hold well into spring.
Skate Lanes
High Elevation
Race-Ready
What’s Here · 03
The Sovereign to Silver Star Ski Marathon
One of Western Canada’s signature Nordic races.
Held each spring, the S2S Marathon draws hundreds of competitive Nordic racers to Silver Star. The race connects Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre and Silver Star Mountain Resort across the combined 105-kilometre network — both a competitive event and a celebration of the world-class terrain the two centres share.
Spring
Held Annually
100s
of racers
105km
Connected Network
What’s Here · 04
Guided Nordic tours
Prefer to be shown the network? Guided mountain tours pair you with someone who knows where the grooming is freshest and the views are best — a relaxed way to find your bearings across 105 kilometres of trail.
The Facts
Nordic at a glance
Common Questions
Nordic skiing at Silver Star, answered
Silver Star is one of the premier cross-country skiing destinations in Canada. Together with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, Silver Star offers 105 kilometres of groomed cross-country and skate ski trails, one of the largest combined alpine-Nordic networks in North America. National ski teams regularly use the area for early-season training, and the network attracts competitive and recreational skiers from across the continent.
Silver Star’s Nordic trails typically open in November, and due to the mountain’s high elevation and reliable snowfall, Silver Star is frequently one of the first areas in North America to offer groomed Nordic trails each season. The season generally runs through April, with late-season spring skiing remaining strong through the Sovereign to Silver Star Ski Marathon.
The Sovereign to Silver Star Ski Marathon is one of the signature Nordic racing events in Western Canada, held each spring and drawing hundreds of competitive Nordic racers to Silver Star. The race connects Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre and Silver Star Mountain Resort across the combined 105-kilometre trail network. It serves as both a competitive event and a celebration of the world-class Nordic terrain the two centres share.
Silver Star’s combined Nordic network with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre — 105 kilometres of groomed trails — is one of the largest in North America and is consistently rated among the best in Canada. Unlike most BC Nordic destinations, Silver Star integrates alpine and Nordic terrain, with gondola access to cross-country trails and open mountain trail options alongside traditional in-the-woods skiing.
Yes. The Silver Star and Sovereign Lake trail network includes trails suitable for all abilities, from first-time skiers to national-level competitors. The network’s scale means beginners and experts can ski simultaneously without the trails feeling crowded.
Silver Star and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre share a connected 105-kilometre trail network. Sovereign Lake operates independently and has its own facilities, but the two centres are linked by trail. Visitors can ski between them or access Nordic terrain from Silver Star’s village directly.
Through the Season
When to come
November
Early access
Often the first groomed Nordic trails in North America. The national team training window — serious skiers arrive before the crowds.
First Snow
DEC – FEB
Peak season
Full network groomed and all difficulty levels accessible. S2S training ramps up across the connected trail system.
Full Network
MAR – APR
Late season & spring
The S2S Marathon anchors the shoulder season. Spring conditions can be excellent at elevation — one of Silver Star’s most undermarketed windows.
S2S Marathon
Summer
Off-season
Nordic trails are not operational. Summer visitors turn to the resort’s hiking and world-class mountain biking instead.
Hike & Bike
Plan your visit
Everything you need to ski here
Getting Here
22 km from Vernon, BC
About 30 minutes from downtown Vernon, and 65 km from Kelowna International Airport.
Accommodation
Trailheads at your door
Ski-in / ski-out options put Nordic trailheads right outside your accommodation.
Related Experiences
Alpine & après
Combine alpine and Nordic days, or find where to eat and warm up in the village afterwards.
Skiing & The Village
Partner Centre
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
For Sovereign-specific trail conditions, day passes, and facility information.
First snow to late season — your tracks are waiting.
From the community