Resort comparison
SilverStar vs Big White: skiing it and owning there
Sean Phillips sells real estate at both mountains and hosts at SilverStar. Here is the honest side-by-side, for a ski trip or a purchase.
Updated October 2026 · by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®
Which is better, SilverStar or Big White?
Big White is bigger and higher (2,765 acres, a 2,319 m summit and about 750 cm of snow) and is open to non-Canadian buyers. SilverStar is 20 minutes from Vernon, has a compact car-free village, 3,304 acres and Canada’s largest daily-groomed Nordic network with Sovereign Lake, and is on the Ikon Pass. Pick Big White for a holiday-town week; pick SilverStar if you want to live nearby or ski often.
Last verified October 10, 2026 by Okanagan Lifestyle Real Estate Agent Sean Phillips
Both are North Okanagan–Monashee powder mountains with ski-in/ski-out villages. The differences that matter show up once you own: the drive, the passes, who can buy, and what the village feels like in July.
By the numbers
| SilverStar | Big White | |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable terrain | 3,304 acres | 2,765 acres |
| Runs | 133 | 119 |
| Lifts | 10, including a gondola | 16, including a gondola |
| Vertical | 760 m | 777 m |
| Summit | 1,915 m | 2,319 m |
| Average snowfall | 700 cm+, all natural | About 750 cm |
| Nearest city | Vernon, 22 km (20 min) | Kelowna, 56 km (55 min) |
| Nordic | 105 km groomed with Sovereign Lake | A fraction of that |
| Night skiing | Fri and Sat to 8:30 pm | Largest lit area in western Canada |
| 2026/27 pass partner | Ikon Pass | Indy Pass |
| Non-Canadian buyers | Inside federal ban areas | Outside them |
For the skiing
SilverStar is two mountains in one: the sunny front side for groomers and families, and the Putnam Creek backside for long, steep fall-line runs and trees. Big White is higher and snowier, famous for its snow ghosts near the summit, and has a huge lit area for night skiing. Both have dry Okanagan powder.
For owning
- Living nearby. SilverStar is 20 minutes from Vernon’s shops, hospital and schools. Many owners ski after work. Big White owners usually come up for the week and stay put.
- Who can buy. The federal ban on non-Canadian buyers runs to January 1, 2027. Big White is outside the ban areas; SilverStar is inside them.
- Short-term rentals. Both resorts are exempt from BC’s principal-residence rule, with provincial registration required.
- Summer. SilverStar’s bike park has 69 km of downhill trails and hosts Crankworx; Big White runs a quieter summer.
- Prices. See SilverStar condo prices and Sean’s Big White homes for sale site.
Sources: SilverStar skiing & snowboarding, SilverStar getting here; Big White figures as on Sean’s Big White resort profile. Foreign-buyer information per BCREA and the Association of Interior REALTORS® (2026); confirm with a lawyer before you buy.
Photos from the mountain
Photos: Sean Phillips. Tap any photo to see it larger.
More questions
Is SilverStar or Big White better for families?
Both are family-friendly. SilverStar's village is compact and car-free, kids 5 and under ski free, and it is 20 minutes from Vernon. Big White has a covered learning-area lift and a larger lit night-skiing area.
Which gets more snow, SilverStar or Big White?
Big White averages about 750 cm a year and SilverStar 700 cm or more, all natural. Both are known for dry Okanagan powder.
Questions? Call or text
Ask a local before you commit to a mountain property
Sean Phillips lives full time in Okanagan Landing, down in the valley below the mountain, and works SilverStar and Vernon every week. Ask him about a street, a strata, a rental rule or what your place might sell for. Straight answers, no pressure.
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Sarah is an AI assistant who can answer questions about the resorts, current listings and other public information any time. When you’re ready for real estate advice (how to list, pricing, negotiating), talk to Sean. You can reach him any time, but do your research, get your questions answered, and then let’s get together.
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