Travel to Apex Mountain with ski insurance from Essential Travel

The resort of Apex Mountain is located in the South Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, 33kms from the town of Penticton.

The atmosphere at Apex is that of a cosy family-friendly mountain village. One of the advantages of being a small, compact resort is that all amenities are located centrally. Basic shopping needs at the village are provided by: The Mountain Shop, which stocks skis and snowboards, clothing, equipment and souvenirs; a rental and repair shop; and The Trading Post, a general store with bakery.

Sixty-seven runs, covering 450 hectares of terrain, are situated on the two skiable mountain faces at Apex. All levels of skiers are welcomed at the resort, but intermediate skiers have the best choice of pistes with 48 per cent of the runs. Five lifts carrying up to 6,300 skiers per hour provide access to the pistes.

The ski season at Apex Mountain runs from late November to mid-April. The most practical transport options from Canada’s international airports is to take a connecting flight to Penticton and then use the airport shuttle to transfer to the resort.

Skiing in Apex Mountain

The ski resort of Apex Mountain, in British Columbia, derives its popularity from the impeccably prepared runs, fast transportation to the mountain top, and the friendly atmosphere of the compact village.

The skiable area at Apex is 450 hectares, with a longest run of five kilometres. The pistes are split into 16 per cent for beginners, 48 per cent intermediate, 18 per cent advanced and 18 per cent for expert skiers. A total of five lifts (one high-speed quad, one triple chair and three surface lifts), with a capacity for 6,300 skiers per hour, service the mountain. The high-speed quad can reach the top of the mountain in less than six minutes.

The Nickelplate Nordic Center offers 56kms of cross-country trails and has the longest season in Canada. Night skiing is a feature at the resort between December 19 and March 20 (16:30 to 21:00); while over the Christmas period opening hours are extended.

In recent years, this resort has seen huge investment with new runs added and old runs improved. The facilities and slopes are now of excellent quality. Families and skiers of all abilities should find Apex Mountain ski resort to be a genuinely friendly and fun place to be.

Apex Mountain ski resort is open to skiers from late November to the middle of April. A flight to Penticton from any of the major Canadian airports dramatically cuts travel time.

Après-ski in Apex Mountain

Non-skiing alternatives include: outdoor hot tubs, sauna, outdoor hockey and ice-skating rink, snowshoeing, a lit adventure ice-skating loop (one kilometre), sleigh rides and snowmobile tours. For snowboarders, a half-pipe and the Tube Park, with its 12 rails and a huge quarter-pipe, are open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (hours are extended over Christmas). The latest addition to the terrain park is a boarder cross track.

The Snow Sport and Adventure Center is the hub for all resort activities at Apex, and includes the Ski and Snowboard School and the Rippin’ Rascals Kids’ Club. The accommodation at Apex village is located slope-side and is sensibly priced and comfortable, although more upmarket lodges and hotels are also on offer. The Gun Barrel Bar and Restaurant is a top après-ski venue and has been voted the best ‘Rootin Tootin Saloon’ in Canada.

The closest alternative ski area to Apex Mountain is at Mount Baldy, 40kms east of Oliver. Mt Baldy ski area covers 91 hectares, with 17 prepared runs and 40kms of cross-country trails.

Transportation to Apex Mountain

33kms west of Penticton. Flying to Penticton Regional Airport from one of Canada’s international terminals and then taking a ski shuttle to the resort is the most convenient way to arrive here.

By car from Vancouver, the drive takes you along Trans-Canada Highway 1 to the Coquihalla Highway. From there, follow highway 97 to Penticton and Green Mountain road, which takes you the rest of the way to Apex Village (405kms; 4 hours, 30 minutes).

There are various flight options to Apex Mountain resort. Regular scheduled flights from the international airports of Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto take you to either Penticton Regional Airport (a 30-minute drive from the resort) or Kelowna Airport (two hours’ drive from Apex Mountain). Transfer to the resort from the local airports is provided by airport shuttle or hire car.

click here for a holiday insurance quotation