WINTER ACTIVITIES

PENTICTON IS NOT JUST A SUMMER DESTINATION!

When the snow starts falling, Penticton turns into a winter wonderland creating the perfect opportunity to explore the city and surrounding area in ways you might not have tried before. From snowshoeing, winter hikes and fat-biking on the snow covered trails, to lacing up your skates at a local rink, or enjoying the comforts of the valley with a cozy fireside meal paired with your favourite beverage.

The alpine terrain around Penticton is famous for its dry, light champagne powder. If you are looking for an alpine lodge, groomed Nordic skiing trails, marked snowshoe trails or wanting to carve the slopes, you’ll find it all within 45 minutes from downtown.

DOWNHILL SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

The iconic Apex Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the South Okanagan, and remains one of the hidden gems of Canadian skiing and snowboarding. Just a short 30 minute drive from Downtown Penticton, Apex Mountain is a full-service resort with quality snow, great weather, incredible terrain and a friendly local atmosphere. Apex offers a wide variety of terrain to challenge any skill level within 1,112 skiable acres and 2,000 feet of vertical. From groomers on gentle slopes to the open alpine bowls and glades, beginner to advanced riders alike will find the perfect challenge for their abilities. Start your morning with a coffee and breakfast at The Edge Bistro, and after a full day on the hill, make sure to visit the legendary Gunbarrel Saloon, voted #1 après ski bar in Canada for 10 consecutive years!

Nordic Skiing

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is 1,850 metres above sea level and offers one of the longest Nordic ski seasons in Canada. Just 15 minutes past Apex Mountain Resort (45 minutes from Downtown Penticton) Nickel Plate offers 56 km of groomed classic and skate skiing trails and there is even a dedicated 1.6 km dog-friendly trail for your four-legged friends to join in the fun! The higher elevation rewards skiers with an unparalleled experience of fresh air, blue skies and endless mountain vistas, all winding through snow-covered pines. Nickel Plate offers a wide range of lessons and rentals for those new to the sport or those looking to take their skiing to the next level.

Snowshoeing

At the higher elevations, the snow gets deeper, creating perfect conditions to explore with a pair of snowshoes. Breaking trail through a fresh layer of snow and taking in incredible vista views of the region is the best way to spend a glorious winter day. Nickel Plate Nordic Centre has an extensive network of over 22 km of dedicated and marked snowshoe trails, perfect for every experience level. A full rental fleet is available for visitors to use on their trails or for exploring neighbouring Nickel Plate Lake Provincial Park. Closer to Downtown Penticton, the Carmi Recreational Trail Network features a great forest setting which is good for all skill levels and a great option for those with their own equipment. Be advised this area is a rustic and unmaintained network of trails. Plan ahead as conditions can change very quickly in the mountains.

Winter Trails

Penticton’s temperate climate keeps our iconic trail networks accessible year round. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Campbell Mountain and the Three Blind Mice trails continue to be well used in the winter by hikers and fat-bike riders. Keep in mind the trails are not groomed, so be prepared with the right equipment and keep an eye out for icy spots.

Ice Skating

Lace them up and take the family for a skate. Apex Mountain is home to the famous 1 km adventure skating loop through the trees, in addition to the full-size outdoor NHL rink at the base of the ski resort. Chute Lake Lodge, a rustic alpine retreat just 30 minutes past Naramata, has a large outdoor rink next to the lodge that is perfect for overnight guests and day-trippers. There are a few options to get on the ice right here in Penticton as well. Each winter, the Penticton Lakeside Resort converts their private beach area on Okanagan Lake into a fully refrigerated ice surface that is open to both guests and the public by reservation. There’s also a new public outdoor public skating rink, located in the heart of downtown, between Gyro Park and City Hall. With a fully refrigerated ice surface and heated washrooms, this a must do activity in Penticton during the winter. Indoor public skating is also available at McLaren Arena, a city-operated facility. Visit www.penticton.ca for scheduled times and fees at McLaren Arena.