Things to Do in Vernon in Winter: Local Guide

Short answer: In winter, Vernon is about the mountain and the carnival. Ski or snowboard at SilverStar, cross-country ski or snowshoe at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, skate for free at the Centennial Outdoor Rink, go tobogganing, and plan around the 10-day Vernon Winter Carnival in February. When you want to warm up, there’s the spa at Sparkling Hill, live theatre and a good pub.

People who haven’t lived here assume the Okanagan hibernates in winter. It doesn’t. The valley floor usually stays milder than much of Canada, and you can be on a snowy mountain in about half an hour. That combination is one of the big reasons people move to Vernon.

Here’s how I’d spend a Vernon winter, whether you live here or you’re visiting.

Where can you ski near Vernon?

SilverStar Mountain Resort is Vernon’s home hill, up the Silver Star Road from the city. According to Tourism Vernon, winter at SilverStar includes alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skating on Brewer’s Pond, tubing, fat biking and snowshoeing.

The village itself is a big part of the charm: colourful buildings, ski-through streets and a real mountain-town feel. I spend a lot of time up there with clients, and plenty of them end up asking what it would be like to own a place. If that’s you, start with my overview of SilverStar neighbourhoods or The Village.

Where is the best cross-country skiing near Vernon?

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, next to SilverStar, is the go-to. Tourism Vernon describes it as having about 50 km of groomed Nordic ski trails and 14 km of snowshoe trails, with rentals available. The trail networks connect with SilverStar’s, so there’s a huge amount of terrain to explore.

It’s also a great spot for beginners. You don’t need to be fast to enjoy a quiet trail through snowy forest.

Is there outdoor skating in Vernon?

Yes. The City of Vernon runs the Centennial Outdoor Rink at the Recreation Complex on 35th Avenue. The City says public skating there is free, weather permitting, and that it typically reopens in December. There are no skate rentals, so bring your own.

For something more scenic, the skating pond at SilverStar is a lovely evening outing.

Where can kids go tobogganing in Vernon?

Tourism Vernon’s toboggan guide lists several local hills, including slopes at school grounds such as Kidston Elementary, Clarence Fulton Secondary, Vernon Christian School, Mission Hill Elementary and Vernon Secondary, plus a toboggan hill at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. For tubing, SilverStar has its own tube park.

Always check for posted rules at school sites and go outside school hours.

What is the Vernon Winter Carnival?

The Vernon Winter Carnival is the big event of the season. The 2026 edition was the 66th, running for 10 days in February, and Tourism Vernon calls it the largest annual winter carnival in Western Canada.

Recent highlights included a hot air balloon glow, a downtown parade, a craft beverage tasting, family activities and fireworks at Kal Beach, and a closing après-ski party at SilverStar. Dates and events change every year, so check the carnival’s website each winter.

I cover the carnival and the rest of the calendar in Vernon’s year of events.

What can you do on a stormy day?

Some of my favourite winter days are indoor days.

Soak it in: Sparkling Hill Resort on the hill above Okanagan Lake is known for its spa and wellness centre.
Catch a show: the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre hosts theatre, music and touring acts. See my guide to arts and culture in Vernon.
Visit a gallery: the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Vernon Community Arts Centre are both worth a stop.
Watch hockey: the Vernon Vipers play in the BCHL at Kal Tire Place.
Go out for dinner: after a day on the snow, a brewery or pub downtown is hard to beat.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the valley

Snow on the valley floor comes and goes, but many lower trails stay walkable through much of the winter. Predator Ridge offers snowshoe trails, according to Tourism Vernon, and on dry days the trails around Kalamalka Lake and Middleton Mountain can be lovely in the low winter light. Traction aids for your boots are a good idea when trails are icy.

Tips for winter in Vernon

Get proper winter tires. Highways to SilverStar and through the Okanagan have winter tire requirements from October 1 to March 31 on many routes. Check DriveBC and the province’s rules before you go.
Check the road before you drive up. Silver Star Road can change quickly in a storm.
Layer up. The valley and the mountain can feel like different seasons on the same day.
Book early for Carnival week. Popular events and dinners fill fast.

Is Vernon a good place to live if you love winter?

If you want four real seasons, I think it’s one of the best places in Canada. You can live in town near schools, shops and the lakes, and still ski after work. Some of my clients choose a full-time home on the mountain in places like Alpine Meadows, while others keep a home in the valley and a ski cabin up top. Either way, winter becomes something you look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

How far is SilverStar from Vernon?

SilverStar is up the Silver Star Road from Vernon, roughly a half-hour drive from downtown depending on conditions. Check DriveBC before heading up in winter.

When is the Vernon Winter Carnival?

The carnival runs for about 10 days each February. Exact dates change yearly, so check the official Vernon Winter Carnival website.

Is there free skating in Vernon?

Yes. The City of Vernon offers free public skating at the Centennial Outdoor Rink when weather permits, typically starting in December. Bring your own skates.

Does it snow a lot in Vernon?

The city gets snow most winters, but much less than the mountain. SilverStar and Sovereign Lake above town get far more, which is why the skiing is so good.

More Vernon guides

Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?

I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.

Text or call Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

Featured photo by Tom Dils on Unsplash.