Resort comparison
Sun Peaks vs Big White vs SilverStar
The three big Interior BC ski villages, side by side, from a REALTOR® who covers all three.
Updated October 2026 · by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®
How do Sun Peaks, Big White and SilverStar compare?
Sun Peaks is the largest (4,400 acres on three mountains) and is its own municipality near Kamloops. Big White is the highest and snowiest (2,319 m summit, about 750 cm) and is open to non-Canadian buyers. SilverStar is the closest to a city (20 minutes from Vernon), with a car-free village and 105 km of groomed Nordic trails. Sun Peaks and SilverStar are on the Ikon Pass for 2026/27; Big White is on the Indy Pass.
Last verified October 10, 2026 by Okanagan Lifestyle Real Estate Agent Sean Phillips
Side by side
| SilverStar | Big White | Sun Peaks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest city | Vernon, 22 km | Kelowna, 56 km | Kamloops, about 55 km |
| Skiable terrain | 3,304 acres | 2,765 acres | 4,400 acres |
| Runs | 133 | 119 | 144 |
| Lifts | 10 | 16 | 13 |
| Vertical | 760 m | 777 m | 896 m |
| Average snowfall | 700 cm+ | About 750 cm | About 6 m |
| Groomed Nordic | 105 km with Sovereign Lake | Small network | About 37 km |
| Local government | Regional District of North Okanagan | Regional District of Kootenay Boundary | Own municipality since 2010 |
| 2026/27 pass | Ikon | Indy | Ikon |
| Non-Canadian buyers | Inside ban areas | Outside ban areas | Inside ban areas |
Which one fits you
- You want to live nearby and ski often: SilverStar, 20 minutes from Vernon’s services and the Okanagan lakes.
- You want the biggest mountain: Sun Peaks, with long rolling intermediate runs and lots of sunshine.
- You want the deepest snow, or you are buying from outside Canada: Big White.
- You cross-country ski: SilverStar, by a wide margin.
All three exempt short-term rentals from BC’s principal-residence rule, with provincial registration required. More detail: SilverStar vs Big White, Sun Peaks profile, and the Resort Match tool on chaletsean.ca.
Sources: SilverStar; Big White and Sun Peaks figures as on Sean’s Big White and Sun Peaks resort profiles. Foreign-buyer information per BCREA and the Association of Interior REALTORS® (2026).
Photos from the mountain
Photos: Sean Phillips. Tap any photo to see it larger.
More questions
Which is the biggest ski resort, Sun Peaks, Big White or SilverStar?
Sun Peaks, with about 4,400 skiable acres on three mountains. SilverStar has 3,304 acres and Big White 2,765 acres.
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.
Info Hotline: Sarah, Sean’s AI assistant, 24/7
Sean’s direct cell, call or text
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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