The snow narrowed road climbs and drops, through the towering passages of evergreen trees weighted down by a heavy winter burden. Here and there, cottages draped with pillows of white and chimneys gently puffing plumes of smoke line the roads as you proceed, to reveal a range of mountains surrounding the cozy village. Most prominent to the view are the ant trails of runs, precisely cut and meandering across the white mountainsides. This is the scenery that will unravel itself to your eyes, as your vehicle descends into the village of Apex Mountain, British Columbia.
Apex Mountain Resort is popularly known, as one of southern British Columbia's finer winter destinations and advanced terrain facilities, and has been steadily growing and expanding over the last decade. The mountain is also one of the valley’s original ski hills and today, often hosts training events for many local and professional winter sports teams. Apex hosts a variety of winter and year round sports and activities to entertain all ages and every skill level, including those who might even prefer to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with a good drink and their favorite book, from the warm comforts of the Gunbarrel’s fireplace.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest way to get to Apex Mountain is from the city of Penticton, which is within a one hour drive from the Osoyoos Canadian/ US border crossing or a short plane ride from Vancouver, BC. From Penticton, visitors will want to access the mountain by way of Green Mountain Road, which can be found after crossing the Channel Parkway Bridge at the Fairview crossing onto the Penticton First Nations Reserve. From this point, Apex can be reached in roughly forty-five minutes driving time, to the village. Guests driving from Vancouver on the Hope Princeton can also use the south access of Green Mountain Road, which is located in between the small community of Olalla and the first Yellow Lake Rest Station. Either which way you choose to take, the path is well marked with signs leading off the major road ways and up the hill. Just make sure not to miss the well marked turn at Apex Guest Ranch and you should be able to find the village and Apex Resort easily from there. Don’t forget your snow tires!
WHAT TO DO
Although Apex is primarily a winter destination, as mentioned, it is definitely a place for all seasons. The list of activities and sports one can get involved in on the mountain is left totally up to the depths of the imagination, really... During the winter months, there are trails upon trails of riding for skiers and snowboarders of every level, an excellent cross country facility just around the corner, an ice climbing center, outdoor hockey rinks, a skating trail, snowmobiling, a board park, tube park, and Poma lift for the beginners. For the back country riders and snowmobilers there is hectares of gladed mountains and bowls also surrounding the resort. In the village, some of the amenities include The Mountain Shop, a well stocked rental shop, a general store and several food and beverage establishments, all fully listed on the resort’s website.
During the spring, summer, and fall, the outdoors person will still be able to find a million and one things to entertain themselves with. If it is just a short afternoon hike in the woods, or a ride up the Quad Chair to an adrenaline satisfying rip down the mountain on the seat of a mountain bike, there is something for you at this beautiful mountain destination.
NIGHTLIFE
Years ago, nightlife at Apex was usually associated with a few drinks at the Gunbarrel and riding on trays from the concession, like saucer racers or snowboards, down the closest snow bank you could find. When your friends suggested heading up to “the Gunbarrel”, this meant the cozy little ski bar and restaurant, lodged out and away, from the main village of Apex. This little hideaway was known infamously for the “Gunbarrel Coffee” that was served, flaming into your glass, down the actual barrel of a shotgun by one of their highly skilled coffee makers. Nowadays, the Gunbarrel is found in the heart of the village at the base of one of the resort’s main runs, The Okanagan. A lighted tube park, a T-Bar lift and night riding, several outdoor hockey rinks, and a skating path provide night activities for the whole family to make use of. Once the children head to bed, if you don’t have a house party or warm fire to attend, the village is the place you want to be for the best of Apex’s night life.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several places to stay at Apex Mountain to suit every type of traveler. Whether it be a high zoot hotel you are looking for, a local B&B, or one of the cute little vacation rental cabins found on the mountain, there is somewhere to stay for all tastes. For the frugal traveler, there is also a hostel right in the village. Due to the rising popularity of this winter destination, reservations are best to be made prior to your trip to ensure you will have somewhere to stay.
During your stay at Apex Mountain, make sure not to miss out on the great Okanagan eats that can be found on the mountain, a "Gunbarrel coffee", the Okanagan’s finest world famous wines, and a pint or two, or one of our local brews.
For more information, please visit Apex Mountain Resort, Advanced Ski and Snowboard Terrain.