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.
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
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!