Apex Mountain-Canada

Apex Mountain: North Americas Finest

The Apex Mountain Resort is often considered more than a snowy gem located in the Canadian Rockies. This alpine ski resort is situated just about an easy 30-minute drive away from Penticton which is further located in the interiors of Southern British Columbia. Here at the Apex Mountain ski resort, you will find everything and more that you will typically expect from a quality snow destination. Furthermore, it also offers incredible terrain options, great aspects of traditional hospitality, great weather and other top notch facilities.

Apex Mountain Resort is surrounded by the Okanagan Valley. The geographical features of this valley region facilitate in greater quantities of precipitation and much lower levels of humidity. Now because of these features this region is able to receive the best snow in the world – which is the lightest among its kind. You can see how perfect the snow is through the primal elation which can be witnessed on the faces of skiers and snowboarders. Once you guys get on the open terrain or the glades you by yourselves would not wish to get out. Also, since the Apex Mountain offers night skiing facilities as an added advantage that it has over other skiing destinations you will have enough opportunities to have the time of your lives in and on the best snow in the world.

Apex Mountain Statistics

5,196 feet (of the base)

7,198 feet (of the summit)

Vertical Drop: 2,001 feet

Trials: They can be divided in –

o Beginners: 16%

o Intermediate: 48%

o Advanced: 18%

o Expert: 18%

There are 4 lifts at the Apex Mountain.

The snowfall in this region averages at 600 centimeters on an annual basis and is otherwise, locally known as the Okanagan powder. Each season you can see enthusiasts and even beginners flocking together to this region of the Canadian Rockies filled up with anticipation and excitement, both at the same time. On an average the temperature remains at – 4 degree Celsius and it further enables longer season.

Due to all the reasons mentioned above and many more which will be illustrated below the visitor’s experience on the terrain gets enhanced. Because of the lightness and smoothness of the powder along with steepest of the chutes and streamlined cruisers you are bound to have an incredible experience on the terrain. The resort also claims that a week’s worth of stay here is most of the times not enough to fully explore the region.

To facilitate the magnanimity and vastness of the incredible terrains here you will find modern lifts retrofitted with superior technologies. These lifts are able to generate a vertical lift of about 2000 feet and the travel time over say, the high-speed quad is less than six and a half minutes. The installed capacity of these lifts is about 6,700 riders on an hourly basis. This is also one of the major reasons as to how the resort is able to mitigate crowding on its terrains. If you are of the adventure kind and are crazy about snow then you could very well explore the 1,112 skiable acres either by yourself or in a group. In any case, one must be cautious of the various security measures dictated by the Apex Mountain ski area.

If you have grown past the beginner’s phase and wish to embark upon the intermediate or the expert’s journey then mind you Apex Mountain is in-fact the perfect place to begin this next phase of your training. There is an incredible snow sports school here which is further supported by an amazing staff composition and a unique training method which caters to the needs and scope of every individual. Secondly and rather, more importantly, the terrains that you will find here are specifically categorized in various stages. The sheer variety of the terrains found here is able to cover the wide range of skill sets that visitors often come with. There is an old saying which demands the skiers to respect the terrain and the mountain if they wish to have a great experience and the same goes for the Apex Mountain area.

You can begin by taking a short trip to the southern bowls and then cruise by the glades while exploring the Wild Side of the mountain. If you have the stomach then make sure that you check out the famous steep and deep runs of the Northern Side – most of the visitors tend to get a scare here. However, if you still find yourself to be the master of the snowy universe then you might as well showoff everything that you have at the Pit. Overall the Apex Mountain resort offers 3 different levels of exposures and in the due course of the exploration, everyone tends to find their very own sweet spot.

The Apex Mountain is an ultimate ski area where families and large groups can have fun while feeling right at home. When it comes to the local folks and their sense of hospitality – both are legendary in their own right. Everyone whom you will find on the slopes at Apex Mountain is a by default passionate lover of snow and it furthers a great spirit due to which snow sports has been thriving in the region. Children particularly enjoy the place and if it is their first time then make sure that you take them on the high speed quads which scale up 7,200 feet and also take the time to visit the Famous Billy Goat Hut. Another great opportunity for you whole family comes by the name of the Grandfathers Trail – the longest of the trails measuring 5 kilometers in length. This entire route is surrounded by pristine natural beauties on all sides which by all means will mesmerize you and do spend some time rekindling all the warm family love because this site sure doesn’t come by every day.

The Fun Mountain

Now, if everything that you have just read feels ordinary in any manner then pull up your socks dear folks because the Apex Mountain is not just an ordinary powder destination. To further begin with say, for example, the Tube Park – this is the one complete facility all by itself. The tube park offers an ultimate day and night powder fun options. On the other hand, if you prefer a much quieter option, in that case, you could simply take a tour wearing your snowshoes.

Additionally, options do not just end here. You could also try your hands at skating on a one kilometer long stretch. There are challenging courses involving loops along with options of cross country skiing on any of their 56 state of the art world class trails located at the Nickel Plate Nordic Center.

As and when the lifts close down for the day you also will then have the option to proceed and this time let your bellies get down to business. The Apex Mountain offers numerous possibilities for parties and dining at any of their fantastic restaurants and / or bars. To just lay down a rough picture – you can sit in a hot tub or, wait for it, play ice hockey (on a standardized ice rink).

Do you feel tired after a long, hard day on the slopes? Or, things did not turn out the way you had imagined them to be? Well, in that case, and every other case thereon you deserve to be pampered. Now, remember Apex Mountain is not just another powder resort but one which is especially known for its hospitability and a warm & homely environment. Therefore, keeping all of that in mind, they have been offering what can reasonably be termed as the ultimate pampering experience of all time – a traditional spa treatment. You can book an appointment simply by going to the Apex Mountain Inn. They not only offer great deals for adults and seniors but also have a whole range of programmes listed for kids.

To facilitate the needs of children Apex Mountain presents to you a fully functional and licensed child care facility. Here your children can engage in a variety of activities in and around the resort. Finally, it can surely be said that the Apex Mountain ski area is the ultimate and ideal destination for family getaways.

Numerous magazines and news pieces have reviewed the place to be cosy while providing intimate experiences and being quality oriented. All your otherwise requirements in the form of basic amenities, apparels or emergency supplies among other things can be satisfied quite easily here at the resort. Furthermore, Apex Mountain has five different restaurants which provide some of the most amazing breakfast, coffees and dinner items. Among them the most popular ones are Gunbarrel Saloon and the Tempest Room. In terms of residing options the ski area again will have options such as – cabins, condos, hotels et cetera, all of them intending towards creating an ultimate alpine resort experience. Three is one Apex for everyone so come here and find the one which is yours.

Awards of Appreciation

Apex Mountain has been honored with distinction on numerous occasions over the years. To just mention a few – Canada’s Best Small Destination Resort, Best Weather, Best Lift / Run Ratio, Best Steeps, Best Grooming, Best New Lodges, Best Ski Bar, and B.C. Alpine Resort of the Year, among others. All these appreciations have also motivated them to keep on improving year on year.

Reaching Apex Mountain

The Apex Mountain Resort is situated in the Okanagan Region of British Columbia, Canada. You can easily reach here either by road or air. The closest major cities are: Vancouver – 405 kilometers or 240 miles in its east, Penticton is in-fact the closest at 33 kilometers or 21 miles in the west.

The closest airport is the Penticton Regional Airport. A drive from the airport to the ski area lasts no more than 35 minutes. On the other hand, the other closest airport is the Kelowna Airport and it is approximately 90 minutes away. You will find that all the major airlines of North America provide their services in this region.

Now, if you are taking the road and travelling from Penticton then you will have to follow these directions:

The total distance that you will have to travel will be no more than 33 kilometres and it should take just about 30 minutes from Penticton.
You will have to begin your journey either from the North or South of the town, take the Chanel Parkway.
Then make a turn onto Green Mountain Road while following the Apex signs. This turn off has a bridge crossing the channel, immediately followed by a Super Save Gas station.
Follow Green Mountain Road for approximately 22kilometers.
Turn right at the intersection (Apex Guest Ranch) and drive another 11kilometers to Apex.
Once on Green Mountain Road there will be very few signs & no street lights.
These roads are paved and kept in very good condition. Ploughing and Sanding are done continually as weather conditions require.
Chains are generally not required, but good winter snow tires are needed Oct to April.
For winter driving conditions, check with the weather network for highway conditions.

On the other hand, if you are travelling from Vancouver then you will have to take into consideration the following:

The total drive time is about 4.5 hours but be rest assured there will be numerous scenic and sometimes winding mountain highway.

Trans Canada Highway #1 east to Hope, at the interchange, take Highway #3 towards Princeton and Keremeos.

At Keremeos, turn left onto Highway #3A. From Bear’s Fruit Stand on Highway #3A

Then drive further 11.5 kilometers to the turn off to Green Mountain Road. There is a blue highway sign on your right at which point you will need to move into the left hand turning lane to take the first left onto Green Mountain Road. The turn off is hard to see in the dark. Stay on Green Mountain Rd for 14 kilometer until the intersection with Apex Mountain Rd (at the Apex Guest Ranch). Drive another 11 kilometer to the village entrance. Follow the signs for the Village Centre.

If you are considering travelling from Seattle then there are roughly 2 routes that can be taken. The drive time kind of remains the same which is about 6 hours and the distance that needs to be travelled is about 505 kilometers. Take a look below to know about both the routes:

Route #1: Drive North on I-5 to Bellingham and exit on Highway number 542. Drive northeast through Lynden to cross the border at Sumas. Trans Canada Highway #1 East to Hope, at the interchange, take Highway # 3 towards Princeton and Keremeos. At Keremeos, turn left onto Highway # 3A. From Bear’s Fruit Stand on Highway # 3A drive 11.5 kilometer to the turn off to Green Mountain Road. There is a blue highway sign on your right at which point you will need to move into the left hand turning lane to take the first left onto Green Mountain Road. The turn off is hard to see in the dark. Stay on Green Mountain Road for 14 kilometer until the intersection with Apex Mountain Road (at the Apex Guest Ranch). Drive another 11 kilometer to the village entrance. Follow the signs for the Village Centre.

Route #2: Drive East to Highway # 97. North to Oroville, cross the border to Osoyoos. Stay on Highway # 97 North to Penticton. As you approach Penticton, pass the airport on your left, the next light, turn left onto the Channel Parkway By-Pass. At the first light, turn left onto Green Mountain Road to Apex Mountain Resort. Drive 22 kilometer, turn right onto Apex Mountain Road. Turn right at the intersection (Apex Guest Ranch) and drive another 11 kilometer to Apex Mountain Resort.

Travelling from Spokane is quite easy, just follow these guidelines –

The total travel time is just about 4 Hours and the distance will be no more than 380 kilometers.

Drive West to Highway # 97. North to Oroville, cross the border to Osoyoos.

Stay on Highway # 97 North to Penticton.

As you approach Penticton, pass the airport on your left,

The next light, turn left onto the Channel Parkway By-Pass.

At the first light, turn left onto Green Mountain Road following the Apex signs. This turn off has a bridge crossing the channel, immediately followed by a Super Save Gas station.

Follow Green Mountain Road for approximately 22 kilometer.

Turn right at the intersection (Apex Guest Ranch) and drive another 11 kilometer to Apex.

Also, if you are travelling from any of the following places – Fernie, Nelson, Whitewater, Red Mountain then just follow the mentioned below route:

The total travel time is going to be anywhere between 4 to 6 hours.

Then drive West on Highway #3 to Osoyoos.

Stay on Highway #97 North to Penticton.

As you approach Penticton, pass the airport on your left,

The next light, turn left onto the Channel Parkway By-Pass.

At the first light, turn left onto Green Mountain Road following the Apex signs. This turn off has a bridge crossing the channel, immediately followed by a Super Save Gas station.

Follow Green Mountain Road for approximately 22 kilometers.

Turn right at the intersection (Apex Guest Ranch) and drive another 11 kilometers to Apex.

Finally, from Calgary, the following route is the best suited:

The total travel time is just about 8 Hours and the approximate distance that you will cover will be 710 kilometers.

You can begin by taking the Trans Canada Highway #1 West through Banff and Golden to Sicamous.

Turn left onto Highway #97 South, follow this highway through Vernon and Kelowna to Penticton.

As you approach Penticton, at the second set of lights, turn right onto the Channel Parkway By-Pass.

At the second set of lights turn right onto Green Mountain Road towards Apex Mountain Resort while following the Apex signs. This turn off has a bridge crossing the channel, immediately followed by a Super Save Gas station.

Follow Green Mountain Road for approximately 22 kilometers.

Turn right at the intersection (Apex Guest Ranch) and drive another 11 kilometers to Apex.

All About the Trails

The trails that can be accessed by the Triple Stocks Chair are as follows:

Whipsaw

Finger

Dude-Ney Trail

Village Traverse

Window

Greenhorn Traverse

Easy Out

Stock’s Traverse

Maverick

Stagecoach

Lucky Strike

Sluice Box

Gambit

Lower Gambit

Motherlode

Little Joe

Sweet Louise

Next, the ones that can be accessed by Quick Draw Quad are –

Grandfathers

Ridge Run

Sun Bowl

West Bank

The Pit

Wild Bill

The Great Wall

Toilet Bowl

Essendale

Tooth Tusk

Sweet Sue

Grouse Gulch

Tongue

Hanks

Showboat

Juniper

Highway 97

Highway 97C

Face

Poma

Chute

Magnum

Gromit

Gunbarrel

Twenty Two

Peashooter

Make My Day

Dirty Harry

Buckshot

Winchester

Ben’s Run

Golden Eagle

Next, comes the list of trails that can be accessed by the Wild Side –

Wildly Easy

ShootOut

Gun Slinger

The Cut

Grandmothers

Lower Grandmothers

Hang’em High

Lower Hang em High

Jackpot

Showdown

Bobs run

Glades

When on the Magic Carpet you will be able to access the following trails –

Easy Rider

Tube Park

Next in line are the trails that can be accessed by the T-Bar –

Rookies Trail

Chicken Finger

Spruce Hollow

Old Mill

Okanagan

Claim Jumper

Prospector

Wishbone

Adrians Alley

Okanagan Night Park

Kristi’s Run

Terrain Park

Skier/ Boardercross

Operational Hours

As you have seen above the Apex Mountain has numerous lifts, trails, facilities such as lodges, restaurants, spas, et cetera. Now, when the season comes all of them have to function with respect to a schedule. Please read below to familiarize yourselves with the hours of operation that is observed here.

Lifts: Usually, if primarily the weather permits the operational hours of the lifts on a daily basis are – 9:00 am to 3:30 m.

Night Skiing: It is usually conducted on Fridays and Saturdays between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Christmas Break: That is between the 16th of December and 2nd of January however, it is important to note that between 24th of December and the 31st of December night skiing will not be organized and regular operational hours will be observed.

Spring Break: It takes place between the 17th of March and 25th of March. The last day of sprig also marks the last day of the ski season at Apex Mountain.

Tube Park: Again, depending on the weather conditions, the tube park at Apex Mountain is scheduled to commence its operations on the 17th of December. It remains in service on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm and the night Tube Park hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

o Christmas Break: You can enjoy tubing all throughout the day beginning at 10 am right u to 9 pm between 17th December and 30th December.

Skating Loop or the Hockey Rink: Depending on the weather conditions the Skating Loop and the Hockey Rink begins its services on the 17th of December. It can be enjoyed on all the 7 days of the week.

The Administrative Office Hours: The office of Apex Mountain is open on all the 7 days of the week beginning on the 2nd of December till the 2nd of April from 8:00 am in the morning to 4:30 pm in the evening. However, when it comes to the resort itself it begins working on the 10th of December and then closes on the 2nd of April.

The Village

The Stores

The Mountain Shop: It is centrally located in the Apex Mountain Village and carries an independent owner and management system. Here you will find a wide variety of products and services. The most important feature of this store particularly is the quality orientation that it represents and carries every time with respect to each and every product. Also, if any of your ski equipment is damaged or needs a repair in that case you can very well get them here as the store also has a fully equipped repair facility. The store is also equipped in manners to find the best fit that you require and need along with options for customization and modification. On the other hand, if you require testing drive any of their products before you make a purchase well guess what that too can be done here. They have an entire range of demo products that you can try your hands on.

The hours of operation of this store are as follows – Sunday to Thursdays the store remains in operation between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. On Friday & Saturday, it provides its services between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. You can also contact them by phone on 1-250-292-8777 or email them on mtnshop@apexresort.com.

The Retail Store: The Retail Store on Apex Mountain is also located right in the Village. They have known to stock over 400 different pairs of products which span – regular, high performance and children’s ski sets. Secondly, they have recently updated their brilliant fleet of snowboards. They are meant to accommodate the needs and skill levels of various snowboarders. You can also rent your skates here.

The Trading Post: It is the Central Store atop the mountain. Here you can find everything that you need in general. The Trading Post also has the Rural Agency Liquor Store right next to it. Among the various things that you get here are mostly convenience items such as snacks, fast lunches, groceries, firewood, magazines, games, vehicle items, souvenirs and gifts. Now, more importantly, they have a fully stocked liquor store and in their wine collection, you will find most of the popularly known brands. They also have a DVD collection which is available for renting purposes.

Dining facilities: Take a look below for the various dining options that are made available for you –

o The Edge Bistro: They have a ski-in and ski out coffee shop located right at the base of the ski runs. They have some of the finest coffees freshly brewed which are accompanied by homemade bakery items. They also serve amazing soups, stews, wraps and mouth watering breakfast bagels. They are open daily for breakfast, lunches and après ski.

o The Longshot Cafeteria: This cafeteria is quite conveniently located and offers fast service to its customers. They provide breakfast and lunch items.

o The Gunbarrel Saloon: It has been tagged with the title of the Number 1 Ski Bar in the whole of Canada. Centrally located in the village area of Apex Mountain it is known to offer the best known après ski, lunch and dinner items. Here once in a while, you will also find various events being hosted along with an extensive dinner menu and special treats. One of the most popular items that you must definitely try is their Gunbarrel coffee. Legend has it that just because of this item on their menu most of their customers keep coming back.

They also have banquet facilities for private functions with a capacity of about 200 individuals. Secondly, their bar is also quite large which is able to accommodate 285 individuals.

You can sit and enjoy your favourite meals while soaking in the magnificent scenic beauties. Their operational hours are as follows –

Weekdays: The Bar operates between 11:00 am to 1:00 am.

Fridays and Saturdays: The Bar remains open between 11:00 am and 2:00 am whereas the dining facilities remain open between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

apex-resort-home-landing

The Terrain Parks

The Claim Jumper Park: It is the main park of the resort and it carries L and XL features. Among the other things that you find here are the 10 to 50 feet tables, transfers, flat downs, C boxes, rainbows and tree bonks. With over 30 rails and cat drivers (the best in the region) to build and go creative on snow. They almost every year completely redesign the Claim Jumper Park providing a kind of exclusivity to it.

The Night Park: You can come here for night skiing or just browse around if you like. Here you will find a mix of rails and boxes along with the big and little jumps and more or fewer riders of every skill level can find their very own sweet spot here.

The Prospector Park: Riders usually come here to practice and perfect their existing skill sets.

Ski and Snowboard Cross: Apex Mountain has only recently completely refurbished at the same time improving the various tracks here. You can enjoy by racing or again perfecting your skills.

The Complimentary Mountain Tour

Facilitated by a good number of volunteers the Apex Mountain organizes a complimentary tour of their mountain not only for the first time visitors but also for everyone who is interested. Most of the inducted volunteers hail from the nearby area and therefore they hold an in-depth knowledge of the terrain, slopes and their mysteries. This tour could very well be the ideal way to begin your journey with powder.

The tour is organized in 2 batches the first of which begins at 9:30 am in the morning and the second one at 1 pm every day.

Tickets and its details

Lifts: The rates for the lift tickets can be categorized in the following manner –

o Adults (Between the ages of 19 and 64): These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $78 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $145, for 3 days $199, for 4 days $259, for 5 days $319, for half a day pay just $51. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $15 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o Teens (Between the ages of 13 and 18): These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $64 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $115, for 3 days $159, for 4 days $209, for 5 days $255, for half a day pay just $42. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $15 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o Juniors (Between the ages of 8 and 12): These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $48 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $83, for 3 days $115, for 4 days $149, for 5 days $185, for half a day pay just $11. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $12 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o Seniors (Between the ages of 65 and 69): These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $64 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $115, for 3 days $159, for 4 days $209, for 5 days $255, for half a day pay just $42. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $15 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o Master (Those who are above the age of 70): These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $44 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $76, for 3 days $99, for 4 days $129, for 5 days $159, for half a day pay just $29. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $10 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o University Students: These guys pay in accordance with the number of days. If you wish to purchase lift tickets just for 1 day then you will have to pay $64 and similarly for 2 days you will pay $115, for 3 days $159, for 4 days $209, for 5 days $255, for half a day pay just $42. Secondly, for the Tube Park pay $15 (for 2 hours) and for every additional hour, you will have to pay $4. Finally, charges for the Magic Carpet alone are $20.

o Child (Who is less than the age of 7): These guys will just have to pay $10 for the tube park and the rest of the tickets are for free for them.