Every December, Canada transforms into a wonderland of crisp air, shimmering snow, and a special kind of magic that only winter can bring. As someone who lives in this vast and diverse country, I’ve always believed that December isn’t just a month—it’s a mood, a rhythm, and a call to slow down while also seeking new adventures.
This year, I decided to give myself a winter romance: not in the form of candlelit dinners or handwritten love letters, but in snowflakes, ski slopes, and mountain sunsets. That romance was waiting for me in Kelowna, a city in British Columbia that often feels like a hidden treasure.
Kelowna is famous in summer for its wineries and Okanagan Lake, but in winter, it becomes something else entirely. It becomes a place where the slopes call your name, where pine trees bow under the weight of snow, and where you can discover both thrill and serenity.
I want to take you through my journey, step by step, as I immersed myself in the ski resorts of Kelowna this December. Along the way, I’ll share not just my personal experiences, but also practical advice—names of ski resorts, their locations, unique features, ticketing details, booking platforms, costs, and even small tips I wish someone had whispered into my ear before I set off.
So, if you’re dreaming of snow-dusted escapes, grab a warm drink and join me.
Why Kelowna in December?
You might ask: why Kelowna, and why December? After all, Canada is dotted with ski resorts—Banff, Whistler, Mont Tremblant, Blue Mountain. But Kelowna offers something these giants sometimes lack: balance.
Kelowna is large enough to have vibrant resorts and international-level skiing, but small enough to retain intimacy. December here is enchanting—temperatures hover between -10°C and -2°C, snowfall is abundant, and the holiday spirit radiates from every corner. Plus, the city is accessible: a direct flight from Vancouver or Calgary will land you at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in just about an hour.
Another reason is value. While Whistler is world-famous (and famously expensive), Kelowna’s ski resorts offer excellent terrain at a more approachable cost.
But most importantly: in December, Kelowna feels like a romance you’re stepping into—a story written in white ink on snowy pages.
Planning the Trip: Booking Flights, Stays, and Passes
Before stepping into the snow, the planning stage was a mini adventure itself. Here’s how I organized everything:
- Flights: I booked my flight on Expedia.ca, though you can also find good deals on Skyscanner.ca or AirCanada.com if you’re loyal to national carriers. From Toronto to Kelowna, round-trip fares in December averaged around \$550–\$700 CAD, though you can snag cheaper deals if you book two to three months in advance.
- Accommodation: Kelowna offers everything from luxury lakeside hotels to cozy Airbnbs. For this trip, I wanted to be closer to the slopes. I found my stay at Big White Resort through Booking.com, but for those seeking private cabins or condos, Airbnb.ca is excellent. Expect to pay anywhere from \$200 to \$450 CAD per night depending on proximity to the lifts.
- Lift Tickets: Each resort has its own system. Most tickets can be purchased directly on resort websites, but Liftopia.com is a good platform to compare deals across ski resorts in Canada.
- Rental Cars: A rental is almost essential in Kelowna if you want to hop between resorts. I booked mine via Rentalcars.com for about \$85 CAD per day, including winter tires (a must in December).
- Travel Insurance: For skiing, I always recommend additional coverage. I purchased mine via Manulife Insurance online for around \$60 CAD for a week.
With logistics covered, I was ready to dive into the heart of Kelowna’s ski magic.
Big White Ski Resort: The Crown Jewel
Location and Overview
Located just 56 kilometers (about an hour’s drive) from downtown Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort is the largest ski-in, ski-out resort in Canada. This was my first stop, and honestly, it set the bar almost impossibly high.
My First Impressions
Driving up the mountain road felt like stepping into another dimension. The trees became thicker with snow, the sky opened wider, and suddenly, the village of Big White appeared like a scene from a Christmas movie. Wooden chalets glowed with string lights, skiers glided past café windows, and laughter filled the air.
Skiing Experience
Big White boasts 118 designated trails across 2,765 acres of terrain, with something for everyone—from bunny hills to double black diamonds. I spent my first day on intermediate runs like Serwa’s and Born to Run, both wide, scenic, and friendly for someone like me who is skilled but not extreme.
The snow itself—what locals proudly call “Okanagan Champagne Powder”—is famously light and dry. It feels almost like skiing through silk.
Costs
- Lift Tickets: Around \$135 CAD per adult per day if bought onsite, but you can save up to 20% if you book online in advance through BigWhite.com.
- Ski Rentals: About \$60 CAD per day for skis, boots, and poles.
- Lessons: Group lessons start at \$99 CAD for 2 hours.
Food and Après-Ski
After a full day on the slopes, I indulged in poutine and craft beer at Globe Café & Tapas Bar, located in the heart of the village. Dinner here cost me around \$35 CAD, and it was worth every bite.
Tips for Big White
- Book tickets online early; they sell out around Christmas.
- If you’re staying in the village, you can ski directly from your accommodation door—no shuttles needed.
- Don’t miss the ice climbing wall—an adventure beyond skiing.
SilverStar Mountain Resort: The Colorful Gem
Location and Overview
About 75 kilometers from Kelowna (a 1 hour 20 minute drive) lies SilverStar Mountain Resort, famous for its charming, colorful village that looks like a toy town built on snow.
First Encounter
When I first arrived, the pastel-painted buildings stunned me. Purple, green, orange—SilverStar looks like no other ski resort I’ve ever seen. It’s photogenic to the point of distraction.
Skiing Experience
SilverStar offers 132 runs spread across 3,282 acres. What impressed me was the diversity: the front side caters to beginners and families, while the back side is steep, wild, and perfect for advanced skiers.
I took the Comet Express chairlift up and cruised down Cloud Nine, a gentle, scenic run that offered breathtaking views of the Monashee Mountains.
Costs
- Lift Tickets: Around \$130 CAD per adult per day, with discounts for multi-day passes.
- Rentals: Ski packages cost about \$55 CAD per day.
- Food: The famous Bugaboos Bakery Café in the village is a must. I grabbed a fresh cinnamon bun for \$6 CAD—soft, warm, and unforgettable.
Tips for SilverStar
- The village is pedestrian-only—pack light if you’re walking in with gear.
- Try night skiing—it’s magical here under the floodlights.
- If you’re a foodie, book a table at The Red Antler for après-ski burgers and beer.
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort: The Hidden Local Spot
Location and Overview
Just 20 kilometers west of Kelowna, Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is a smaller, more intimate destination compared to Big White and SilverStar. It doesn’t have the same grandeur, but it carries a charm that only local-favorite spots can offer.
My Experience
Crystal Mountain is best suited for beginners and families. With 24 runs across 160 acres, it’s manageable, relaxed, and much less crowded. I spent a quiet morning here, practicing technique and soaking in the silence.
Costs
- Lift Tickets: Around \$60 CAD per adult per day.
- Rentals: About \$35 CAD per day.
- Lessons: Starting at \$70 CAD.
Tips for Crystal Mountain
- Perfect for those on a budget or for families with kids.
- Don’t expect luxury lodges—it’s a straightforward, down-to-earth mountain.
- Great place for half-day skiing if you don’t want to commit to a full resort experience.
Other Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
While skiing was my main focus, Kelowna in December offered so much more:
- Snowshoeing in Myra Canyon: Rentals are available for \$25 CAD per day. The trails overlook dramatic trestle bridges blanketed in snow.
- Wine Tours: Yes, winter wine tours are a thing! Wineries like Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate remain open in December, offering cozy tastings by fireplaces. Tastings cost around \$15–20 CAD per flight.
- Ice Skating at Stuart Park: Free, right in downtown Kelowna, with skate rentals for \$6 CAD.
Booking Platforms I Recommend
For those planning a trip like mine, here are platforms that truly helped:
- Flights: Expedia.ca, Skyscanner.ca, AirCanada.com
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Airbnb.ca, Hotels.ca
- Ski Passes: BigWhite.com, SilverStarMountain.com, Liftopia.com
- Car Rentals: Rentalcars.com, Enterprise.ca
- Restaurant Reservations: OpenTable.ca (especially for busy holiday weekends)
- Tours & Experiences: Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com
The Romance of Snow
As my trip came to an end, I realized something: this journey wasn’t just about skiing or sightseeing. It was about falling in love with a season, with a city, and even with myself in a new context.
Standing on the top of Big White, watching the sun paint the horizon in gold while the snow glistened beneath me, I felt a rare silence. A silence that said: this is your winter romance, this is your story.
Kelowna in December is more than a destination—it’s a reminder that even in the coldest months, warmth can be found in experiences, in landscapes, and in the simple joy of snow.
