This hidden gem is nestled in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Gifted with an amazing climate, the city of Vernon in the Okanagan Valley has early and late season skiing up in the mountains, including access to some of the best back-country skiing in the world. In contrast, down the mountain, the Okanagan Valley is renowned for the growing of fruit and the production of wine. 

The event motto is “Finishing is Winning,” but there are also some fast skiers at the front of the pack. In its inaugural year last year, over a dozen Olympians lined up at the start line. The event encourages people of all ages and abilities to give either the 21k or the 40k event a go. April 1st, 2023, is the skate day, and April 2nd, 2023, is the classic day. 

The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon consists of 2 great resorts joining together for two days of events, with two distances and two techniques. The format is “Point to Party,” with athletes starting at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club World Cup Stadium and winding their way to the main street in the fantastic SilverStar Village.

SilverStar Mountain has an annual snowfall of approximately 7m, and SilverStar Mountain Resort has 12 lifts that span over four mountain faces in addition to the 50+km of cross-country ski trails. 

Both venues have a depth of experience putting on events of many sizes, including World Cups and World Masters Championships, plus many local and international events. Over 300 volunteers will stand by to ensure S2S 2023 will be another success and a highlight for the participants. The trail systems link to provide 105km of some of the best-groomed trails in the world. The season continues to early April when the trails close, not because of lack of snow, but because by early April, the warmth has started to come to the beautiful Okanagan Valley, and everybody is transitioning to their summer sports. Most years, there are on snow training camps in May hosted by Sovereign Lake Nordic Club. 

The S2S organizers encourage people to come and do the event and then “Stay and Play!” The event has shifted slightly so that both Sovereign and SilverStar remain open for a further week. This makes it possible to do the event and then stay and enjoy some amazing spring skiing. Or join many of the locals in starting to enjoy the spring beauty of the City of Vernon, the Okanagan Valley, and the rest of beautiful British Columbia. 

For more information or to register, visit www.sovereign2silverstar.com/