Sightseeing gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, festivals, live music, eating and drinking and true ride in-ride out mid-mountain accommodation.
Silver Star resort just outside of Vernon has it all this summer.
Starting today at 10 am, Silver Star opened the lifts to get sightseers, hikers and mountain bikers to the top of the mountain.
With over 125 kilometres of cross-country and downhill trails and 300 jumps, Silver Star's bike park is the second biggest in Canada.
(Whistler is No. 1).
If hitting the bike park sounds a bit too ambitious, take the lift to the top to simply enjoy the fresh alpine air and revel in the stunning views of the Monashee Mountains, Okanagan Valley and lakes below.
From the top you can hike back down to the village or just ride the lift back down for an effortless round trip.
Years ago, ski resorts realized they had year-round potential and many developed and launched summer seasons.
It capitalizes on the natural attributes of sunny slopes and stunning settings combined with existing infrastructure of gondolas and lifts, restaurants, shops and hotels.
As such, to back up the outdoor activities, many of the restaurants (including their outdoor patios), shops and hotels in Silver Star's colourful, Old West-themed, mid-mountain village are open.
Tomorrow is officially the grand opening day for the season.
There's an inaugural community cultural celebration in the village, an Artisan Market from 10 am to 3 pm, live entertainment on the stage starting at 1:30 pm, Slay the Dragon trail race and a beer garden.
"We've got new trails, new events and new adventures this summer and we're so excited to share all the new excitement with our guests," said Silver Star communications manager Chantelle Deacon.
"It's going to be another awesome season up here on the mountain and we're kicking it all off with a jam-packed weekend of fun."
Apparently, no trip to Silver Star is complete without a gnome hunt.
This mystical, gentle and self-guided tour is a playful way to direct you to Silver Star hotspots and views to find reclusive Silver Star gnomes -- yes, those little garden ornaments of an elf-like bearded man with pointy hat.
"Come on up with the family this weekend," continued Deacon.
"Explore our bike park, our many kilometres of hiking trails, or take a scenic gondola. It's the perfect weekend to come on up, escape the heat of the valley and explore Silver Star."
For the rest of the summer, Silver Star also has an array of special events -- Crankworx Bike Festival July 28-31, Summer Wine Festival Aug. 11-14 and Craft Beer & Cider Festival Sept. 10.
Check out DestinationSilverStar.com and SkiSilverStar.com.
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