Cat skiing. Champagne powder. A one-kilometre forest skating loop. Cross-country trails under bluebird skies.
These experiences are all doable from Penticton, the city between two ski resorts.
With both Apex Mountain Resort and Baldy Mountain Resort on its doorstep, as well as Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, Penticton offers the ideal basecamp for winter adventure in British Columbia.
It’s no surprise Penticton was recently named the No.1 trending city in Canada for travel searches, according to Skyscanner. Here’s what’s new this winter.
Apex Mountain Resort
Apex Mountain Resort is going big this season, with new snowmaking machines and grooming equipment, a new outdoor sauna and a dedicated ice-skating rental building for easier skate access.
Voted #2 for Families in North America
Just 30 minutes from Penticton, the resort offers terrain for every skill level, from the bunny hill with magic carpet lift to expert double-blacks. Its family-friendly appeal recently earned Apex the No. 2 spot in North America for ‘Best for Families’ in the 2026 Snomad Ski Resort Awards.
Also known for its champagne powder and short lift lines, Apex offers more than 80 runs across 1,112 skiable acres.
Beyond the ski runs, visitors can go tubing, or explore one of British Columbia’s most unique winter attractions: a one-kilometre forest skating loop that winds its way through snow-covered evergreens.
Opening: Dec. 11, 2026 (ice rink dates may differ)
Baldy Mountain Resort
A major new adventure is coming to Baldy Mountain Resort this winter.
Visitors will be able to experience cat skiing directly from the resort, opening up access to an additional 120 acres of terrain and 180 metres of vertical descent.
Cat Skiing Opens New Terrain
Designed for a range of abilities, skiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to explore fresh powder and untouched terrain before skiing directly back into the resort. The cost is $35 per run, in addition to the lift ticket.
Baldy is home to the third-highest base elevations in British Columbia, also known for its champagne powder and short lift lines. Located about an hour from Penticton, it features 600 acres of groomed and gladed terrain, plus terrain parks and snowshoe trails.
Opening: Dec. 11, 2026
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre
This winter is the perfect time to try something new.
Try Cross-Country Skiing
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre will be offering two-hour drop-in cross-country ski lessons, making the sport more accessible than ever. The affordable sessions include equipment rentals and trail access, giving first-time skiers everything they need to hit the trails with confidence.
Located 45 minutes from Penticton, Nickel Plate is home to one of Canada’s longest ski seasons and offers 45 kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, along with 25 kilometres of marked snowshoe trails.
Opening: Tentatively for Nov. 28, 2026
Get Your Tickets
Discounted Apex Mountain Resort tickets are available at the Penticton Visitor Centre and Gift Shop, 888 Westminster Ave W., Penticton. One-day passes are $108; five-day packs are $499.
For pricing and further details on each location, visit:
- Apex Mountain Resort: apexresort.com
- Baldy Mountain Resort: baldyresort.com
- Nickel Plate Nordic Centre: nickelplatenordic.org
Your Winter Basecamp
What makes Penticton unique isn’t just the variety of winter activities available. It’s how close everything is.
After a day of adventure, return to Penticton for an après scene filled with craft breweries, award-winning wineries, extraordinary cuisine, Nordic-inspired saunas and cozy accommodations.
The adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Throughout winter, Penticton comes alive with festivals, live music, cultural events and seasonal celebrations, giving visitors plenty of reasons to extend their stay.
View upcoming events and plan your trip at visitpenticton.com.
0 Comments