As a newcomer to the exciting world of skiing and snowboarding, you will enjoy lots of new and interesting experiences. Everything here is geared towards making you a life-long skier or snowboarder!

The Silver Star Snowsports School employs some of the best coaches from all over the globe to help you get the most out of our world class terrain. Combine that with a host of fantastic programs and full ski-in, ski-out accommodation and we have what it takes to make the most of your holiday!

This guide will help you prepare for your first days on the mountain and help you make the most out of discovering the joys of skiing and riding!

Welcome to your new passion.

Once you arrive at Silver Star you will either check into your hotel or accommodation provider for directions and keys to your house, condo or hotel room. No matter where you booked your accommodation, you should be provided with accurate directions to your check in location. Feel free to phone Silver Star Holidays at 1-800-663-4431 to ensure that you do have accurate directions.

Once checked in, make sure you pick up some brochures for the area and familiarize yourself with all that there is to do at Silver Star’s world class ski and snowboard resort.

If you are driving to the resort for the day, you can park in the main lot by following the signs to the village. From here it is a short walk to the day lodge, shops, lifts and the slopes. Very convenient for day skiers and riders.

Within your accommodation there should be a directory of brochures, phone numbers and weekly events to help you plan your stay at Silver Star. Also included is a map of the village and the ski area to help you, your family and your friends navigate yourselves around the fantastic skiing and riding terrain that we have to offer.

Also included will be a brochure from the Snowsport School that lists the many different programs that you can get involved with during your stay. Whether you are looking for top notch instruction or guided tours, we have something to suit every age and ability. Come see us at the Snowsports School Sales Centre located on Main St. in the middle of the village next to Ski Dazzle Rentals and Retail.

If you require lessons or a lesson package, visit the Snowsport School Sales Centre desk located on Main St. in the middle of the village, they can provide you with valuable information about the resort and any discounts that may be available for lift, lesson and rental packages. It is strongly recommended that you register at the Ski School Sales centre at least one day prior to your lesson, even if you booked over the phone or online.

If you are interested in lessons for the younger crowd ages 3-12 or daycare for newborns to 6 years, visit the Star Kids Centre. Known for the care and patience of our staff, the Silver Star Kids Centre is a must for all children who want nothing short of the best experience skiing or riding. The Star Kids Centre is located behind Town Hall. You can get there by either walking around the building towards the ski slopes or by going downstairs from the Snowsports School's Sales Centre.

Another great place to start your skiing or riding holiday is Silver Star’s Information Desk, located inside the Snowsports School Sales Centre on Main St. The info desk is your pulse to what is happening at Silver Star during your stay. Once at the info desk you are only steps away from Snowsports School lessons, lift ticket sales, rentals, retail shops and restaurants. If you require any assistance at all, the info desk is a great place to start.

If you are not used to a typical Okanagan winter, the average temperature is -5 C. Since you will most likely be outside most of the day, here are some tips to make your day on the hill more comfortable and fun.

Dress in layers. Wear thermal long underwear on your top and bottoms. This will act as base layer to keep you warm and dry.

Wear an insulated outer shell that is wind and water resistant. If your outer layer is not insulated, or if it is a cold day, you may want to add another layer on top of the base layer like a fleece sweater and/or pants. Wool and polyester/fleece blends are better than cotton for keeping you warmer and dryer. Cotton absorbs moisture and when trying to keep warm you want a material like wool, polyester and fleece that wick the moisture away from your skin.

Your socks should be a polyester blend as well. Not too bulky is the key and only one pair of socks is necessary. Tip: make sure that your feet are dry from sweat and moisture prior to putting on your socks. If you use good ski socks and your feet are dry, you will not get cold feet.

A good hat or beanie is necessary for colder days. A headband or cap can be sufficient on warmer days or when the sun is out. Helmets are not mandatory but strongly recommended esepcially for snowboarders and children. Helmets are also made available complimentary for those children enrolled in Star Kids Centre lessons. See the Star Kids Centre for more information.

Mitts and/or gloves are a must for all days here at Silver Star. Make sure that they have an outer shell made from leather or nylon to keep your hands dry and warm.

Goggles and/or sunglasses are also a must. The glare and sun on bright days can be very damaging to your eyes, especially in winter conditions. Make sure that everyone in the family has goggles or sunglasses and that they wear them at all times while outside.

Sunscreen is also very important for those sunny blue bird days. Make sure that you pack some for the trip; your family members will thank you.

PS: Don’t wear jeans or sweat pants!

There are many different lessons, programs and packages to choose from. Visit us at the Snowsports School Sales Centre or contact us at 1-866-558-2112 where our agents will set up with the best valued package for you and your family.

Plan on inquiring about lessons at least the day prior to when you would like to begin. Then arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your lesson. This way we can make any last minute adjustments to your group.

If you are dropping your children off prior to the lesson, take advantage of the early drop off and supervision available only for Star Kids Centre lesson participants. See the Star Kids Centre for more information.

Here are some lesson suggestions for all ages:

If you are a beginner, why not try our Discover Skiing or Snowboarding Packages? These programs come with lift, lesson and rentals and are available daily, in a 3-day format or privately.

If you are interested in skiing or riding improvement sessions, try one of our daily group lessons that are designed for those interested in seeing the mountain, learning something new, and meeting new friends. It is definitely one of our more popular and best attended programs here at Silver Star for all ages.

If you are one of those people that love one-on-one attention, why not book a few private coaching sessions? Silver Star has many CSIA level 4 pros that will give you all the attention you need.

Whether you have your own equipment or not, have purchased your lifts tickets or not, the best way to find out what would be best for you is to visit us at the Snowsport Sales Centre or call us at our new Snowsports School call center at 1-866-558-2112 or email us at ssscallcenter@skisilverstar.com.

View the full Ability Chart here.

Fun, good times and great skiing or riding. Once at the Snowsports School here at Silver Star, everything should be about fun and learning something new. Upon your arrival to the meeting place, you will be greeted by your pro who will ask you what you would like to achieve from the session. Remember that coaches are there to help you with everything from equipment and resort information, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! Once you have been assigned a pro and a group that best suits your ability, you will then proceed with your class to the appropriate terrain to achieve your desired goals. The instructors will take you through all the steps to be successful so have fun with it and enjoy your day. It only gets easier from here!

Snowsport School Front Desk:

• Daily 8:00am - 4:30pm

• October to April:
• Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone
Toll free in North America: 1-866-558-2112
Ages 13+: (250) 558-6065
Ages 3-12: (250) 558-6028

E-mail
Ages 13+: lessons@skisilverstar.com
Ages 3-12: starkids@skisilverstar.com
All ages: ssscallcentre@skisilverstar.com