the skiing
With its long season (nov to april), 23 foot of snow every season and its 3065 acres of slopes which means 107 runs to you and I; Silver Star will appeal to the majority of skiers. There are two distinct faces of the mountain, Vance Creek and Putnam Creek. Vance creek is probably one of the safest areas for families as all runs lead back to the same point so no one is likely to get lost! There are 10 lifts – all fast and new and you can also enjoy night skiing on the floodlit Vance creek Slopes. The Putnam Creek slopes are more suitable for advanced skiers, however there are a couple of blues and greens for the intermediates and beginners. Ski guiding is a free service and happens every day with the friendly locals. There is a particularly good mountain restaurant between to the two areas, which serves a mean hot choccy! The skiable area is not vast compared to European resorts so you may like to consider a 2 centre holiday with ‘Big White’ and a fantastic helicopter transfer between the two (not much more in price than the longer journey by car)
advanced
Head straight for Putnam Creek where you will find steeps and bumps amongst the glades – loads to choose from.
intermediate
With over 50% of skiing in Silver Star being specifically geared to the intermediate skier you will be very happy on the many slopes the resort has to offer. Start at Vance Creek and then the more adventurous can head off to Putnam Creek for something a little more challenging – and if you bottle at the last minute you’ll find a blue to get you down instead!
beginner
Stick in Vance creek until you find you feet then head for the long greens over at Putnam Creek. Ski schools and private lessons take place on the separate cordoned off nursery slopes.
family
Perfect, a safe environment on and off the slopes with an excellent crèche that will take from newborn to age 6 and ski kindergarten for lessons (ages 3 upwards)
snowboarding
You will find a 2 half pipes, a terrain park and some quarter pipes here– and the slopes will cater for all level of boarders – according to a local if you catch the Putnam Creek terrain on a powder day you will never want to leave! There are also lessons available for all levelsand beware the lifts can be tricky to ride.
apres ski
The resort is small but the nightlife in the few varied bars and restaurants was on the whole lively. There are bars that have live music and dancing and others that also do good food. The restaurants varied in type and all had good ‘specials’ at reasonable prices. However, don’t go looking for a nightclub here – the main street is where it’s at and that’s it! Snowmobiling here is great fun through the huge specially prepared tracks through the trees. You can also ‘tube’ or ice-skate and there is an excellent snowmobile park especially for kids. There is a swimming pool, it is very ‘basic’ but has two wonderfully warm hot tubs. For the more sporty there is a fitness room and a climbing wall. There are horse drawn carriage rides and If you’ve never tried dog sledding – try it here the scenery is amazing.
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