Ski Resorts Near Kelowna
Kelowna is one of the best ski city bases in Canada, with Big White barely an hour away and Silver Star, Apex and Sun Peaks all within easy reach. For families, Big White and Silver Star are two of the most child friendly ski in ski out resorts in the country, with dry interior powder and gentle, sunny terrain. We have ranked every resort by drive time, with an honest note on who each one suits.
By the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team · Last reviewed May 2026
Every resort, ranked by how far it is
Kelowna sits in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan, ringed by interior resorts that catch dry, light powder and plenty of sun. Big White and Silver Star are close enough for a day or a long weekend, while Sun Peaks and Revelstoke reward a longer stay. The list below runs from the nearest resort outward, with the family verdict on each. Drive times assume clear roads, so allow extra in a winter storm.
| Resort | Drive | Area | The verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big White | Around 1h | Okanagan | A snowy, self contained ski in ski out village, the best family base near Kelowna. |
| Silver Star | Around 1h 15m | Okanagan | A colorful, car free village with gentle terrain and great kids' programs, superb for families. |
| Apex | Around 1h 15m | Okanagan | A small, friendly resort above Penticton with a relaxed feel and short lift lines. |
| Sun Peaks | Around 2h | Thompson | A big, sunny three mountain resort with a charming village, excellent for a family week. |
| Revelstoke | Around 2h 30m | Kootenay Rockies | Huge vertical and serious terrain for strong skiers, thrilling but not a beginner or family pick. |
Best for a day, a weekend, a family week
For a day on the snow, Big White is unbeatable from Kelowna, around an hour up the road with reliable dry powder and a compact, easy layout. Silver Star and Apex are close behind and quieter on a busy Saturday.
For a weekend, Big White and Silver Star are the family picks. Both are self contained ski in ski out villages, so once you arrive you can park the car, and both run excellent children's ski schools and gentle nursery terrain. Silver Star's car free, brightly painted village is a particular hit with younger children.
For a family week, Sun Peaks is the standout, a big sunny three mountain resort with a pretty pedestrian village and terrain for every level. A word of honesty: Revelstoke has the biggest vertical in North America and is a powder hound's dream, but its steep, advanced terrain makes it a poor fit for beginners or young families. For the wider picture, see our British Columbia guide.
Driving, flights and the practical bits
Kelowna has its own airport with good connections across Canada, making it an unusually easy fly and drive base. Most people rent a car and head up to the resorts on well maintained mountain highways, though the final climbs can be snowy, so winter tires are essential and a storm can slow the drive to Revelstoke in particular. Big White and Silver Star run shuttles from Kelowna for those without a car.
If you are weighing up resorts, our Canada guide covers the wider picture and the British Columbia page goes deeper on each mountain. Book lift tickets online in advance to save over the window rate, and reserve children's lessons and rentals early for the Christmas and spring break peaks.
Book the extras and save
Lift tickets, lessons and rentals are where a family trip quietly leaks money. Booking online ahead almost always beats the resort window price, and children's lessons sell out first.
Compare lift passesBook a transferFind lessonsReserve ski hireTravel insuranceSkiing near Kelowna FAQs
What is the closest ski resort to Kelowna?
Big White is the closest major resort, around an hour from the city, with dry interior powder and a self contained ski in ski out village. Silver Star and Apex are both about an hour and a quarter away and make easy alternatives.
Can you do a ski day trip from Kelowna?
Yes, very easily. Big White, Silver Star and Apex are all within about an hour and a quarter, so a full day on the snow and back is simple. Big White is the closest and the obvious choice for a quick day.
Which resort near Kelowna is best for families?
Big White and Silver Star are the best family choices, both self contained ski in ski out villages with excellent children's ski schools and gentle nursery terrain. Silver Star's car free, brightly colored village is especially appealing for young children, and Sun Peaks is superb for a longer family stay.
Which resort near Kelowna is best for a week?
Sun Peaks rewards a full week, a big sunny three mountain resort with a charming pedestrian village and terrain for every level. Big White also suits a week thanks to its size and snow record, while Revelstoke is the pick only for strong skiers chasing big vertical.
Is Revelstoke good for beginners or children?
Not really. Revelstoke has the largest lift served vertical in North America and is famous for steep, advanced terrain and deep powder, which thrills expert skiers but overwhelms beginners. Families and first timers are far better served by Big White, Silver Star or Sun Peaks.
How do I get from Kelowna to the ski resorts?
Most people fly into Kelowna and rent a car, then drive up well maintained mountain highways with winter tires. Big White and Silver Star also run shuttles from the city and airport, which is handy for families who would rather not drive in the snow.
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