As a consummate summer girl, I’m not sure what’s happening this year, but not only am I delighted that we’re officially in fall…I’m actually dreaming about winter? I don’t know if it’s just that so much has changed that I’m craving less activity and more of the slower, cozier pace of the -ber months, or if it has something to do with having a little one who now brings a completely different kind of joy to seasons I used to feel like I had to muscle through. A true Scorpio, he lives for Halloween, and Christmas is a close second.
At any rate, I’ve been reflecting on our winter trip to SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia, where I escaped last February with my good friend Erin and her sweet little family. Set high in the Okanagan mountains, les3s than an hour from Kelowna International Airport, it’s one of those places that genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into a little winter village.
I feel like I say this when talking about so many moments from the last few years, but truly, this trip was such a sweet escape during a really difficult time. It was so nice to go with friends I love and trust so much, and to have the chance for Cal and I to soak in new memories together. This was well over a year before things were wrapped, and certainly before I was sharing anything publicly, so while we were both struggling in different ways, this stands out in my memory of a harder time as such a bright spot.
Being in a fairytale location perched atop a beautiful mountain with snow blanketing absolutely everything, spending time with great friends and having wonderful meals was exactly what I needed. Honestly, the highlight for me was seeing the little ones ski. My goal is to get Cal back into ski lessons this winter because it was such an incredible experience for him.
I know we’re really only starting fall now, but it’s never too early to start planning your ski and winter getaways. Before you know it, winter is here, the weekends you want are booked up, and suddenly it feels like a season to survive instead of one to actually enjoy.
So if you’re planning a family winter getaway to SilverStar Mountain Resort, here’s exactly what we loved: where we stayed, where we ate and our favourite things to do on and off the slopes.
Where to Stay at SilverStar Mountain
We stayed in the unbelievably dreamy Bookend Mountain Retreat, a four-level home overlooking a forested valley, with everything you would want in a winter retreat, from hot tubs to a sauna. A shuttle runs all day that picks up and drops you off right at SilverStar Mountain Resort, so if you don’t have a car, you can still get around very easily.
Waking up here every morning with my little Cal Pal to see sunrise spreading out over the valley was such a dream. The common spaces were so incredible and perfect for staying with family or friends, including all of the books that you could ever want!
What to Do at SilverStar Mountain Resort
- Ski and snowboard on beautifully groomed runs, both downhill and cross-country.
- Take a ski lesson. Lessons are available for all levels! Cal and Lola had the most unbelievable intro lesson and are now basically pro skiers in the making.
- Go tubing at Tube Town. It is a must for speed junkies (and little ones, both were hooked). We had SO much fun flying down here again and again.
- Ice skate at Brewer’s Pond or go on a scenic snowshoe walk on the trails surrounding the pond.
Where to Eat at SilverStar Mountain Resort
- D’Argento: We went here for a local wine tasting while the littles skied and it was such a special experience.
- Long John’s Pub: We had such a great meal here. Comforting pub fare and a perfect family-friendly place.
- The Bulldog Grand Café: The best nachos EVER are here, so if you’re into nachos (I mean, who isn’t) you’ll be in heaven.
- Pizza Gratta: An amazing family-owned pizzeria with sourdough (!!!) dough. Anyone who knows me knows my passion for sourdough anything.
- Francuccino’s Gelato: Such a hit with the bosses (aka the littles) after all their hard work on the slopes.
