Kamloops as a Winter Sports Hub
This breakdown highlights the top skiing and snowboarding spots within driving distance of Kamloops, covering key details on terrain, location, lift access, and what visitors can expect on the hill. Kamloops connects easily to several winter resorts across southern British Columbia. Its location makes it a practical base for both day trips and weekend visits to well-established ski destinations. These resorts support everything from casual family outings to full-season terrain for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
With short drive times and a wide range of terrain options, skiers in Kamloops can access large mountain resorts, smaller family-run hills, and steeper alpine runs. Each destination brings a different layout, climate, and snow profile, which means no two days on the hill are quite the same.
Sun Peaks Resort
Located 56 km northeast of Kamloops, Sun Peaks spans three mountains: Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey. Covering 4,270 acres, the resort features 137 runs. Most of the terrain is intermediate (58%), with 10% suited for beginners and 32% set aside for expert riders. The longest run stretches 8 km. The lift system, which includes high-speed quads, can move up to 12,000 riders per hour.
The village is designed for ski-in/ski-out access and includes restaurants, shops, rentals, and slopeside lodging. Winter activities extend beyond skiing, with options such as snowshoeing, tubing, and Nordic trails. Sun Peaks also offers kids’ programs and hosts regular seasonal events. It receives about 6 metres of snowfall each year and enjoys a high number of sunny days.
The mountain is known for its wide trails, consistent grooming, and quieter midweek slopes. Olympic skier Nancy Greene is a regular presence on the hill and often skis with guests. The layout lets skiers access all three peaks without needing to unclip.
Harper Mountain
Just 20 km from downtown Kamloops, Harper Mountain is a family-run resort with a smaller scale and a more local focus. It offers 16 runs and a vertical drop of 427 metres. The terrain is balanced for beginners and also includes a few steeper pitches. Lift access includes a triple chair, a T-bar, and a handle tow. A mid-mountain lodge provides rentals, food, and a wood-burning fireplace.
The resort offers night skiing from Thursday to Saturday and includes a terrain park and tubing area. Ski school programs and small group lessons are available. Its smaller size allows for faster lift turnaround times and less crowded slopes. Snowmaking and grooming crews maintain primary runs throughout the season.
Harper is a popular choice for locals looking for quick laps, family days, and pre-season training. Youth programs and school-based groups also use the hill for weekend instruction.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar sits roughly two hours from Kamloops near Vernon. The base area is located mid-mountain, which provides direct ski-in/ski-out access for most lodges and shops. The trail system is split between front-side groomers and the steeper terrain on the backside, offering a mix for both beginners and advanced riders.
The resort is organized into clear zones: Vance Creek supports families and larger groups, Putnam Creek caters to advanced riders with steeper trails, and Sovereign Lake focuses on Nordic skiing. While not as expansive as Sun Peaks, SilverStar maintains strong coverage across a range of terrain and is known for solid grooming and consistent mid-season conditions.
SilverStar offers rentals, snow school options, and a flexible range of tickets. It is commonly paired with nearby Sovereign Lake for visitors combining alpine and Nordic skiing in one trip.
Big White Ski Resort
Big White is located about 2.5 hours from Kamloops and is structured with families and casual skiers in mind. The layout centres on a ski-in/ski-out village, with most lodges, rentals, and dining located along the same corridor. The mountain offers an even mix of beginner and intermediate terrain, with additional off-piste and tree runs for more advanced riders.
Annual snowfall is strong, often exceeding 7 metres in active seasons. The lift system combines high-speed chairs with surface lifts and includes a terrain park and boarder-cross course. The trail layout supports long cruising runs across wide slopes.
Big White runs several programs, from group lessons and childcare to adaptive skiing and equipment services. It supports large group bookings and remains a regular destination for student ski trips and winter camps.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke is around 3.5 hours from Kamloops and is known for its steep terrain and significant vertical drop. The resort holds the record for the longest lift-served vertical in North America at 1,712 metres. Most of the runs are designed for advanced skiers looking for longer, more technical descents. Revelstoke also supports heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and guided backcountry access.
The lift system includes a gondola, a high-speed quad, and supporting surface lifts. At the base, guests will find gear shops, lockers, and accommodations. Avalanche safety training and gear rentals are available, especially for those heading beyond marked areas. Conditions can shift quickly, and riders are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Revelstoke receives heavy snowfall and remains one of the more demanding mountains in the region. Unlike other resorts with central villages, it focuses more on terrain than après-ski infrastructure.
Final Notes
Kamloops is positioned close to a range of ski destinations that serve different interests and ability levels. Sun Peaks delivers a full resort experience without a long drive. Harper Mountain offers simple access for weekday laps and beginner progression. SilverStar and Big White provide broader village options with well-maintained trails. Revelstoke gives advanced skiers some of the steepest and deepest terrain in the region.
For those based in Kamloops, the variety of resorts makes it possible to plan a full season of day trips, weekends, and extended holidays—each offering a different take on skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia.
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