Ski Hills Near Penticton: The Best Winter Escapes

Winter settles into the Okanagan in a way that feels both calm and exciting. The days get brighter on the mountains, the air turns crisp, and the snow builds up in all the right places. For people in Penticton, that means one thing: it’s time to head for the hills.

With several ski areas within easy reach, you can pick a spot based on snow, terrain, travel time, or simply the type of day you want to have. The ski hills near Penticton offer a mix of steep runs, family zones, long cruisers, terrain parks, and winter extras. Some are small and local. Others rank among Canada’s best-known resorts. Each has its own personality, and each gives you something different to look forward to. Here’s a closer look at the top winter escapes and ski hills near Penticton.

Apex Mountain Resort

Apex Mountain Resort sits about 35 minutes southwest of Penticton, which makes it the closest major ski area to the city.

The drive to Apex is simple, the roads are usually well-maintained, and the mountain has a steady, reliable climate not dissimilar to what you’ll find in Kelowna. Apex is known for its interior powder and cold, dry air. This combination produces light snow, the kind that skiers and snowboarders crave.

The mountain has more than 80 marked runs spread across about 600 skiable acres. You’ll find a mix of groomers, bowls, glades, and terrain parks.

The layout makes it easy to move between areas, and there’s a steady flow even on weekends. Beginners can stay lower on the hill where the slopes are gentle. Advanced riders head into the steeper terrain off the high-speed quad. The vertical drop sits around 600 metres, which means plenty of length on each lap.

Apex also has a snow school that runs daily lessons. Kids’ programs fill up fast during holidays, and adult clinics run on weekends. This is helpful for anyone who wants to sharpen their skills or get back into riding after a long break.

One highlight that stands out is the one-kilometre skating loop. Few ski areas in Canada offer anything like it. It winds through the trees and stays lit at night, making it a fun activity after the lifts close. There’s also tubing, snowshoeing, and a small resort village with places to eat, warm up, and talk about your day.

Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort sits a little farther away. It’s about two hours northeast of Penticton but the trip is worth it if you’re after a full resort experience. It’s one of the largest ski resorts in British Columbia. With more than 2,700 acres of terrain and close to 800 centimetres of snow each year, Big White has a reputation that reaches far beyond the Okanagan.

The terrain spreads across multiple mountains, giving you long cruisers, steep chutes, powder stashes, and plenty of tree skiing. Skiers and snowboarders can spend whole weekends exploring without repeating many runs. The vertical drop sits just under 800 metres, making it one of the bigger descents in the region.

The village is ski-in, ski-out, which adds to the convenience. You can walk everywhere, including restaurants, shops, and après-ski spots. Families also like Big White because the resort sets up activities that aren’t only about skiing. There’s tubing, skating, Nordic trails, sleigh rides, and fireworks on certain nights.

The snow school here is one of the largest in the province. Private lessons, multi-day programs, and specialty clinics run throughout the season. This makes Big White a solid choice if you’re riding with a group that includes new skiers.

Baldy Mountain Resort

Baldy Mountain Resort sits about 90 minutes southeast of Penticton, near Oliver and Bridesville. It’s smaller and quieter than the bigger resorts, but that’s part of its charm. Baldy is known for its relaxed vibe, uncrowded slopes, and affordable lift tickets.

The mountain’s base sits at one of the highest elevations of any ski area in Canada. The snow here is dry and stays fresh longer. You’ll find a mix of open bowls, groomed cruisers, and glades. The vertical drop is just under 400 metres, so the runs are shorter than Big White or Apex, but the natural terrain makes up for it.

Baldy is a good choice if you want something simple, scenic, and easygoing. Families enjoy the slower pace. Locals like the small-hill feel. The snow school is smaller than other resorts, but the instructors are known for being friendly and patient.

There’s also tubing and a few snowshoe trails near the base.

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

If you prefer cross-country skiing to downhill, Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is worth the trip. It’s located near Apex and sits high in the hills at about 1,900 metres. That elevation brings long, consistent winters and excellent snow conditions.

Nickel Plate has around 50 kilometres of groomed classic and skate-ski trails. The routes move through forest, open glades, and rolling terrain. The snow stays light and dry well into spring. Many locals see Nickel Plate as a great training spot, but you don’t need to be experienced to enjoy it. The centre offers beginner lessons, rentals, and warming cabins.

Cross-country skiing is a nice alternative for days when you want something quieter. It also offers a different kind of workout. With so many loops to pick from, you can tailor your day to your energy level.

Choosing the Right Winter Resort

All the ski hills near Penticton have something unique to offer. Apex is close and dependable. Big White delivers on size and variety. Baldy brings the small-mountain charm that many people prefer. Nickel Plate gives you a pure Nordic experience.

If you ride often, you’ll probably end up visiting more than one of these spots. Each hill has its own rhythms and snow patterns. Conditions can change quickly, and some weeks one hill will see a bigger storm than the others. Keeping an eye on snow reports helps you choose the best option for any given day.

Winter in the Okanagan is short enough that you want to make the most of it. Having several ski resorts close to home means you can get out often, even if you only have a few hours to spare. That’s one of the best things about living in a place like Penticton.

Join us here in the Okanagan by purchasing your next home here in Penticton, BC. Whether you’re already exploring homes in the region or simply are curious about living in a community that keeps you close to all these winter escapes, connect with us at Skaha Hills today. We’ll help you find real estate opportunities and properties that provide access to year-round adventure sitting right outside your door.