Good Times & Light, Dry Snow at Apex

Let’s begin with a bit of history. Back in the 40’s intrepid downhillers began trekking into the region for winter camping and ski holidays. The conditions were good enough to warrant a group of Penticton residents to develop a more easily accessible ski hill in the late 1950s. Because of its more varied terrain, these ski enthusiasts opted to clear the runs on Beaconsfield Mountain.

After a single-lane road was built, Apex Alpine officially opened on December 10, 1961 and featured a poma-lift. Locals enjoyed skiing and hiking beyond the poma to take in some of what has become known as Okanagan Champagne Powder.

Over time, lift capacity has steadily increased at Apex and the poma has been relegated to the distant past. Today, Apex Mountain Resort is serviced by a high-speed detachable  quad chair, a triple chair and T-bar. A Magic Carpet has been added for beginners and tubers.

From the early 1990s, access to the mountain’s steep chutes and south powder bowls were made possible by adjusting lift configurations.

Ideal weather conditions conspire to create incredible, light champagne powder. Apex receives the perfect mix of large amounts of precipitation, combined with low humidity and the dry champagne powder snow we’re famous for, is born! And because Apex Mountain Resort is the only mountain in the Okanagan that faces northeast, those beautiful powder snow crystals are less affected by the sun and the famous light, dry powder snow can survive for days after a snowfall.

With an average of 600 cm of this special snow falling each season, Apex provides the moderate winter conditions and dry power snow craved by skiers and snowboarders alike.

Guests often comment on the quality of the grooming at Apex. Skilled management of the white gold is essential for any ski resort to thrive. To this end, runs at Apex are maintained by a magical melding of man and machine, creating carefully groomed-corduroy. For the latest grooming status of your favourite runs, please check here: Grooming Conditions

Apex also has the most comprehensive snow-making fleet in the region. Apex currently operates 12 snow guns that provide top-to-bottom snow-making capability for over 2,000 ft of vertical. Because of this resource, the resort is able to operate its early season training camps each fall. Apex hosts training for  elite athletes from several countries as they prepare for the World Cup circuit and other top racing disciplines.

Backcountry Skiing at Apex

Backcountry skiing is rapidly growing in popularity. Once you exit the controlled recreation area and ski outside the boundaries of Apex Mountain Resort, there are some important things to know:

Know Before You Go!

• Please check in with Apex Guest Services and complete a “Backcountry Access Trip Itinerary Form.”
• The backcountry is not patrolled. Once you leave the boundary of the resort, you are at your own risk.
• Avalanche awareness and training are required.
• Skiing in multiples (3 people minimum recommended)
• Please visit www.avalanche.ca for further important information
• Be prepared in case of an avalanche! Bring companion rescue equipment such as a:
• Transceiver
• Probe
• ShovelPlease note:
  Apex Mountain Resort (1997) is in no way, liable or responsible once you venture outside the controlled recreation area.

Weather at Apex

Apex Mountain Resort is situated on the west side of Okanagan Lake giving it the perfect blend of sunny skies while also receiving lots of the famous Okanagan champagne powder.
Our geographic location of our mountains contributes to more sunny days with high visibility. Come and discover what the locals already know!

Hours of Operation

Winter Season Opening Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Winter Season Close Date: Monday, March 31, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Night Skiing Starts for the Season: December 21, 2018

T-BAR HOURS
– Friday Nights: 4 pm to 9 pm
– Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm
– Sunday: 9 am to 3:30 pm
Except during holidays, T-Bar runs from 9 am to 9 pm

Christmas & New Years:

Dec 22 to January 6: All lifts running 9 am to 3:30 pm
Night Skiing, Evenings: 4 pm to 9 pm excluding the nights of December 24, 25, 31 and January 6, 2018

Contact:

For additional information, please contact us 1-877-777-2739 or email us Snow@ApexResort.com

Did You Know? Hundreds of hectares of pristine vertical can be accessed from the lifts at Apex. Be prepared, ski with care and welcome to slack country.