Apex Mountain Ski Resort
Apex Mountain Alpine Resort is a ski village in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. The closest city is Penticton. Apex is distinguished by its big-mountain terrain with a small-mountain village and vibe. The locals are fervent in their advocacy of the mountain. The lift lines are generally nonexistent but for weekends when the 'city people' come up and take over the slopes, village and parking lot. Unless it is an epic powder day the locals will stay at home on the weekends. Characterized by the 'Cheers' effect (i.e.: everybody knows your name) Apex is without doubt one of the friendliest hills in British Columbia. No one cares about sporting the latest styles in winterwear, rather they care about what's really important: the snow, and getting the most out of their beloved hill.
Get in
[edit]The only method into the village is by road. It is about a 35-45 minute drive from Penticton. Follow Green Mountain Road 20 km from town and turn right at the Apex Guest Ranch. If travelling from Keremeos then turn left at the ranch. You can also take your chances on the Hedley Corkscrew Road which winds down the mountain to Hedley via a system of tight switchbacks perched on steep cliffs. This is not recommended in the winter without a very good 4x4 vehicle (e.g. a Hummer).
Get around
[edit]
Well, you will want to ski of course! You can ski from the upper village to the main part, where the hotels and restaurants are located. Otherwise, you will have to drive or snowmobile.
See
[edit]- 1 Beaconsfield Mountain. View from the top of the mountain. This is also the start of the ski hill. Many days at Apex will have clear blue skies, and you can see a thick blanket of clouds below covering the Okanagan Valley.
Do
[edit]Winter
[edit]- Nordic Skiing.
- 1 Nordic Plate Nordic Centre, ☏ +1 250-809-9985, info@nickelplatenordic.org. There is an extensive network of trails at the Nickel Plate Cross-Country skiing area. Trail maps are available on the Nordic Plate Nordic Centre's website.
- Back country snowmobile tours are available. Afternoon and day excursions. Snowmobile rental and guide.
- Alpine Skiing
- 2 Apex Mountain Ski Resort, toll-free: +1-877-777-2739, Snow@ApexResort.com. Downhill skiing is what Apex is all about. The hill has 67 marked runs spread over 1112 skiable acres serviced by two chairlifts, a T-bar, and a magic carpet in the beginners area. Several gladed areas, a terrain park, and some of the steepest terrain on any lift-serviced hill in British Columbia is available. Terrain mix is 16% novice; 48% intermediate; 36% advanced/expert. As you would expect from a full service hill, rentals and single/group lessons are available. Free Mountain Host Tours are available twice daily; follow a local to the secret powder stash, and learn some local mountain lore. There is also night skiing Fridays, Saturdays and holidays until 9:00PM.
- Play Hockey, or just skate some loops at the NHL sized skating rink. Maintained with a Zamboni. Closed for private functions occasionally. Skate rentals available.
- Go Skating, through the trees on the 1 km long skating loop. Every once in a while there is a bonfire at the side of the loop. Skate rentals available.
- Go Tubing, in the lift accessed tube park. Inquire locally for times.
Summer
[edit]- Mountain biking
- Apex has a brief summer season. Most on-hill facilities are shutdown during the summer, so you may have to make it a day trip from Penticton unless you know someone. Although there are some year-round residents at Apex, in the summer it generally resembles a ghost town.
- Fishing
- You can also go fishing at nearby 3 Nickel Plate Lake. If you plan to fish make absolute sure you have a valid fishing license, as conservation officials are able to confiscate all your gear including boats or vehicles and hit you with a stiff fine.
Buy
[edit]There is not much to buy up at Apex other than food and your lift ticket.
- 1 Trading Post, Strayhorse Rd (located in the bottom floor of the Gunbarrel Saloon), ☏ +1 250-328-3062. Small bakery/convenience store that stocks food/drink, serves coffee, essential toiletries, and a modest selection of Apex souvenirs. This is the only place to buy cold beer, wine, and spirits other than at the Gunbarrel Saloon. Selection is limited, so if you are a discriminating drinker you will want to bring your own booze from town.
- 2 The Mountain Shop. Sells ski and snowboard equipment and clothing. Also handles repairs and service to equipment. Be warned that the location on the hill warrants a 15-20% markup over prices you would pay in town. It is recommended to get the gear you need in town unless absolutely necessary, or you have money to burn. Located above the rental shop.
Eat
[edit]- 1 The Long Shot Cafeteria (located underneath Beaconsfield Lodge.), thegunbarrelsaloon@scorepubgroup.com. Is a good choice for a quick and cheap meal. Features hamburgers/hotdogs, poutine and fries, etc. Only open during the day.
- 2 The Edge Bistro, 310 Strayhorse Rd. Features quick hot sandwiches and soups, pastries and other snacks. Also has a wide assortment of coffee drinks and tea and free WiFi all day. Very friendly owner/operators.
Drink
[edit]- 1 The Gunbarrel Saloon, Strayhorse Rd (located right at the base of the hill), ☏ +1 250-292-8515, thegunbarrelsaloon@scorepubgroup.com. As far as nightlife, this is the only available choice. Has a large selection of food and drink. Mix with the locals and learn some Apex lore or just enjoy yourself by the fire. Check out the DJ booth, which is a gutted snowcat perched high from the rafters. There are a lot of vintage Apex signs, photos, and knick-knacks decorating the walls and ceiling. Pool and fooseball table. Live music most weekends.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Stay At Apex, 100 Strayhorse Rd, ☏ +1 250-328-2186. Arranges accommodations in several different lodges, condos, and cabins. A worthy option for groups. Rates vary by property.
- 2 Apex Mountain Lodge, 360 Strayhorse Rd, ☏ +1 250-385-6955, stay@apexmountainlodge.ca.