Located right on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is best known for its vineyards, mild weather in all four seasons, and being the hub of the Okanagan Valley. However, winter reveals a whole new world of memorable outdoor adventures in Kelowna. The snowy season here—which isn't nearly as snowy as other parts of Canada, and is warmer and drier, too—has a unique, picturesque charm that's not to be missed. In particular, one of the best winter activities in Kelowna is exploring the local snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails. It's a wonderful, unique way to get up-close and personal with Kelowna's natural beauty and, as a bonus, it's an excellent workout.
Whether you're totally comfortable on snow-covered trails or you've never so much as strapped on a pair of skis or snowshoes, Kelowna is the ideal winter basecamp for outdoor adventure. Join us as we take you through some of the area's best trails.
Oh, and one more thing before we dive in. Guests of The Royal Kelowna can take advantage of our Stay® | Well amenities program, which includes (among many other perks!) complimentary snowshoe rentals.
Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
Just 20 minutes east of Kelowna in the McCulloch Lakes area, the Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club has some of the best skiing trails in the region for all skill levels. 75 kilometers worth of the best trails, in fact, track-set and well-groomed right through the woods! And for those who prefer snowshoes, the club has 80 additional kilometers of groomed snowshoeing trails. From many places on both sets of trails, you'll have panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley below. Along both sets of trails, there are several warming cabins with toilets and wood stoves. Most of the trails are even dog-friendly (all of the snowshoe trails welcome dogs, and 23 kilometers of the cross-country skiing trails do)!
The Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club also is open to both members and day-use visitors. Day-use trail users can pay their fee online in advance or bring cash to put in the boxes at trailheads. Note that the cash rate is slightly higher than paying online. The club also offers equipment rentals and lessons out of the main day lodge, but advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Telemark Nordic Club
On the opposite side of the lake from The Royal Kelowna, but still just 30 minutes away, you'll find the Telemark Nordic Club. This club is highly regarded as having some of the best skiing trails in the entire Okanagan Valley, with most of them designated as blue (moderately difficult). Don't worry, among the 60 kilometers of trails, there are plenty of beginner-friendly options and several that are expert-level, too.
Along the same lines, the Telemark Nordic Club also has a great network of snowshoeing trails, and even some designated specifically for winter hiking.
If you don't already have complimentary snowshoes from The Royal, you can pick up a pair onsite at the club. They also offer a variety of ski rentals and lessons, plus there's a day lodge with food and warm drinks. In addition, Telemark hosts several special programs for both newbies and experienced skiers. For example, there's a Youth Development Program and a Biathlon training program.
Big White Ski Resort
Although Big White is best known as a downhill ski resort (and one of the most fun things to do in Kelowna in the winter!), it's also home to a nice network of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. 25 kilometers of trails comprise a combination of groomed trails for skiing and wilderness trails for snowshoeing, with something for every experience level. The resort even includes the trails in its daily grooming report, so be sure to check conditions before heading out. Day and season passes are available.
One of the major perks of going to Big White to snowshoe or go Nordic skiing is that you can also take advantage of several other fun winter activities in Kelowna. Aside from skiing or snowboarding on the mountain, you can book snowmobile or dog sled tours, go ice skating, tube downhill, or try fat biking.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
If you're willing to trek just a bit further, the SilverStar Mountain Resort in nearby Vernon is home to the largest network of groomed cross-country skiing trails in all of Canada (yes, really!)! The resort partners with nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre to offer a tremendous variety in trail length, difficulty, and scenery. 55 of the total 105 kilometers of trails are located within SilverStar's property, and they truly offer a little of everything. Trails start at green (easiest) and range up to black (most difficult), and include dog-friendly trails and a night loop.
If you prefer snowshoeing, you're in luck. SilverStar has 16 kilometers of groomed single-track trails traversing through the gorgeous forest. Better yet, these trails are all dog-friendly! There are also a number of scenic viewpoints and warming huts placed along both the skiing and snowshoeing trails. All visitors to either SilverStar Mountain Resort or the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre need to have a single-day ticket or season pass.
Experience World-Class Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at a Top Resort in Kelowna
Now that you know where to find the best skiing trails in the Okanagan (not to mention some other fun things to do in Kelowna!), it's time to plan your trip.
Wondering where to stay? Located right in the heart of downtown, The Royal Kelowna offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxurious relaxation. Unwind in your condo-style suite after your adventure-filled day, gazing out at Okanagan Lake from your private balcony. Or, head up to the stunning rooftop terrace and enjoy a soak in one of the indoor or outdoor hot tubs.
Book your stay at The Royal Kelowna today, to see for yourself that Kelowna is just as enchanting in winter as it is in summer.
