OKANAGAN VALLEY - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 400

Summer Recreation
Silver Star offers the biggest range of summer recreation of any alpine resort in the interior.
Starting at the end of June, a chairlift runs from the village to the top of Silver Star Moun-
tain (1,915 meters/6,280 feet) for terrific views of Vernon and surrounding lakes. Much of
the alpine area around the summit is protected by 8,714-hectare (21,500-acre) Silver Star
Provincial Park; pick up a hiking guide in the village. The summer lift operates June-
September 10am-4pm daily; $24 for one ride, or buy an all-day pass for $45 (the day pass
includes access to hiking and biking trails). To learn more about the mountain's natural his-
tory, take the naturalist-led three-hour wildflower tour Thursday-Sunday at 1pm ($30 pp,
which includes a chairlift ride). Mountain bike rentals are $22 for one hour, $34 for two
hours, and $55 for a full day.
Accommodations
The base village contains numerous types of accommodations; book year-round through
central reservations (800/663-4431, www.skisilverstar.com ) or contact each accommoda-
tion directly. The rates quoted here are for summer, which is low season. Through winter,
expect to pay double (except at the Samesun property).
Least expensive is Samesun Silver Star (250/545-8933 or 877/972-6378,
www.samesun.com , dorms $32, private rooms $84 s or d), one of Canada's only ski-in, ski-
out backpacker lodges. Facilities include a modern communal kitchen, plenty of table space
for dining, and 140 beds in dorms and private rooms.
Pinnacles Suite Hotel (9885 Pinnacles Rd., 250/542-4548 or 800/551-7466,
www.pinnacles.com , from $165 s or d with a kitchen) has standard motel rooms as well
as multi-room suites in the heart of the village. The Lord Aberdeen Hotel (250/542-1992
or 800/553-5885, www.lordaberdeen.com ) also offers self-contained suites and is similarly
priced. The most luxurious on-mountain lodging is Vance Creek Hotel (250/549-5191 or
800/610-0805, www.vancecreekhotel.com , $175-255 s or d), which offers standard hotel
rooms and self-contained suites spread through three buildings. Guests enjoy use of fitness
facilities at the nearby National Altitude Training Centre.