November 23, 2006 – Recently Forbes Traveler Magazine polled members of the US Ski Team about their favorite ski resorts in North America. Favorites were solicited from athletes Andrew Newell, Torin Koos, Andrew Johnson and Kris Freeman; coach Chris Grover; and the team’s Director, Luke Bodensteiner.

The top ten were as follows.

– Silver Star Mountain Resort, British Columbia
– Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Centre, Quebec
– Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Vermont
– Methow Valley, Washington
– Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, California
– Telemark Resort, Wisconsin
– Devils Thumb Ranch, Colorado
– Soldier Hollow, Utah
– Sun Valley Nordic Center, Idaho
– Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont

Unlike many “top resorts” polls, this one comes from racers’ perspectives. But what is interesting is that the top resorts on this list are very similar to those chosen year after year as the best by publications targeted at recreational skiers. Clearly the top racers appreciate many of the same qualities as mere mortals, such as lots of trails, scenic views, good lodging options, etc. While the current trend in ski trail design for racing and training is to create short loops for sprinting and spectator-friendly courses, it appears that the top racers still appreciate the long, scenic trails.

Thanks to a recent agreement with neighboring Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, both pros and recreational skiers have access to over 65 miles (100 kilometres) of track-set trails for skating or classical skiing.

Other interesting Silver Star facts are:

– Silver Star is home to an award-winning downhill (alpine) ski resort, that features 114 trails serviced by ten lifts, and received over 22 feet of champagne powder each year.
– Silver Star regularly receives awards for ‘best weather’ ˆ average winter daytime highs are 27 degrees F. Sunny days and powder-laden trails await!
– Located in the Okanagan Valley, Silver Star is about an hour’s shuttle from Kelowna International Airport (four flights daily from Seattle, with other international flights connecting through Vancouver and Calgary)
– Silver Star has one of the longest Nordic seasons in North America ˆ right now,
– There is overnight accommodation for over 3,500 guests in everything from Victorian-era vacation homes to budget hostels to the newly-opened Snowbird Lodge.
– Right now, Silver Star has fantastic deals with Alaska/Horizon Airlines; including the famous Kids Fly, Ski, and Stay for Free promotion.

Visit www.skisilverstar.com for trail updates, weather information, and event listings – the annual Turkey Trot Loppet will be held this weekend to honor our many American visitors!