Silver Star Mountain Resort is calling on Okanagan skiers and foodies to join then in a unique outdoor adventure, the Mountain High Okanagan Celebration. The ski-in, ski-out supper offers a creative combo of cross-country skiing and gourmet cuisine.
Wine educator Gerrit Van Staalduinen will walk guests through food and Okanagan wine parings on a tasting tour of the Valley. Feature wineries include ExNihilo Vineyards, Misconduct Wine Co, Moon Curser Vineyards and Mt. Boucherie Winery.
“If you’re an active cross-country skier, this incredible uniquely Okanagan adventure is for you,” says Nordic Manager Guy Paulsen. “Guests will trek across pristine snow through the forest and then enter the mountain cabin where they’ll be treated to a fireside fondue, fine Okanagan wine and live music.”
The celebratory supper is hosted by Okanagan Life magazine and part of their 25th anniversary of publishing in the Okanagan Valley and will feature a live concert by publisher (and signer/songwriter) John Paul Byrne. Last season, Silver Star took top spot in the readers’ choice Best of the Okanagan awards.
As the sun sets, guests will set out from the village and ski to the mid-mountain Paradise Camp. The resort’s culinary team has prepared a four-course gourmet fondue meal, starting with a welcoming steaming mug of mulled wine.
As the evening progresses, wine educator Gerrit Van Staalduinen will walk guests through food and Okanagan wine parings on a tasting tour of the Valley. Feature wineries include ExNihilo Vineyards, Misconduct Wine Co, Moon Curser Vineyards and Mt. Boucherie Winery.
“Our anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing spots we have in the Okanagan and we’re excited to partner with Silver Star,” says Byrne. “For 25 years, our magazine has shared the stories of the Okanagan Valley and its communities– and now we’re celebrating with music, wine and a bit of adventure.”
Silver Star Mountain and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre opened this past Saturday, November 9 with 70-plus kilometres of groomed trails. Paulsen says there plenty of time to get out on the snow in advance of the Mountain High Celebration.
“Skiers can expect a gradual climb up 2.5 km to Paradise Camp but it’s really an easy-going tour and all about having a great time,” says Paulsen. “We’ll have two guides with the party goers, and we’re going to take an easy pace for those less experienced.”
For those new (or even a bit rusty) to cross-country skiing, the resort is offering Cross-Over to Cross-Country training clinics each weekend until Dec 8. The two-hour training sessions are $45 and include a full-day trail pass.
Headlamps are recommended for night skiing. Rentals are available but should be reserved in advance. Contact the SnowSports School at 250-558-6065.
Silver Star offers Fire & Ice dinner tours with al carte menu offerings each Friday and Saturday nights at Silver Star throughout the season. Contact Guest Services at 250-558-6019.
