Six Affordable and Fun Things to Do Before the Snow Melts

Some days it may not seem like the worst of winter has yet to come, but temperatures in the Okanagan are expected to warm up in the coming weeks.

While most will jump for joy for the snow to be gone and the sun to return, there are some fun winter activities to take in here in our region. Here is a list of six things you need to do before the snow melts and summertime hits.

If you are looking for a fun activity to do that doesn’t cost a lot of money or take a lot of time to get to, consider heading down to Stuart Park. Every year I find myself saying, I have to try skating at the outdoor ice rink but never do. Well, make this year the year to actually get outside and skate. The outdoor rink is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and is an affordable activity to do, whether you can skate or not. Grab your skates and a thermos of your favourite hot drink and head downtown. You can enjoy lunch right at the rink thanks to the convenient food truck nearby, and if you don’t own skates rentals are available from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at a very affordable price.

Stuart Park Ice Rink (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

Looking for a bit more of a challenge? Why not give cross country skiing a try at the local Telemark Nordic Club. Located a short distance away on the way to Crystal Mountain Ski Hill the telemark location is easy to get to and offers tracks and rentals. First time cross country skiers can take advantage of the non-profit club and learn how to ski, enjoy the spacious chalet and convenient heated washrooms and snack bar. There are over 50 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic and skate cross country skiing to take in for every level. The club is open daily at 9:00 a.m. and open until either 4:00 or 9:00 p.m. depending on the day. A ski pass costs as little as five dollars for a youth or $12 for an adult and it is even cheaper after 4:00 p.m., rentals also start at $15.

Photo Credit: Telemark Nordic Club

Of course snow shoeing is a favourite of many people in the Okanagan and all around BC because it is easily accessible, affordable and perfect for all skill levels. The locations for snow shoeing are endless in the Okanagan and BC interior. Consider heading down the valley to the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre near Apex Mountain, just south of Penticton. High up on the mountain the Centre is located 45 minutes from downtown Penticton and boasts 16 kilometres of marked snow shoe trails.

Photo Credit: Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

The elevation is at 6,000 feet and has one of the longest ski seasons in the western hemisphere. The trails are for all abilities and there is also a warm 4,000 square foot day lodge with kitchen, eating and lounge areas to enjoy. There are even shower facilities along with heated bathrooms if you work up a good enough sweat. Trail passes start at $10 for adults and rentals cost anywhere from $5 for kids and $10 for youth and adults.

Photo Credit: Destination BC

If you are in the South Okanagan and want to go skiing or snowboarding, or even learn how to do it then head to Mount Baldy. The ski resort is open for limited days and a limited season as a new owner takes over the location. That means reduced rates are available as an adult ticket is only $29 and youth $21 for the entire day. Only open from Friday to Sunday it is an affordable way to get on the mountain without breaking the bank, and perfect for the occasional snow bunny. Rentals are available at the Mountain starting at $18 for youth 13 and older for a half day and $12 for those under age 12.

Photo Credit: Mount Baldy Ski Resort

For the more adventurous person there is Fat Biking up at Silver Star Mountain Resort. A little more expensive than the other activities, fat bikes are a fun, exciting way to enjoy the snow. A fat-bike is a bicycle with over-sized tires, typically 3.75” or wider, on wide rims. The frame of the bicycle has been modified to fit these wider tires and rims. They are designed to ride on soft unstable terrain like snow and sand. They were originally designed to ride/race on the snow in Alaska and for touring in the deserts of New Mexico. You can rent the bikes at Silver Star and heads out onto the snow on two specific trails. If you are into night riding the price is even cheaper to take part in the adventure, starting at just $25 per person for a rental. Half day riding will cost around $43 dollars plus five dollars for the path fee. It is recommended that people be of an intermediate level of mountain biking and of reasonable health and fitness to participate.

Photo Credit: Silver Star Mountain

And finally, for the best adventure of the winter heading to Big White Ski Resort to tackle the ice climbing tower is a must. The world class winter sport is a challenge and not for those weak in the knees, or those scared of heights. The 60 foot tower is located in Happy Valley Adventure Park and is constructed out of four telephone poles with three foot thick ice with beginner to advanced options. The tower is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will cost you $25 for a single climb, or $65 for a day pass.

This is what 60 feet of ice looks like @skibigwhite. @photojbartlett captured the resort’s Ice Climbing Tower in all its glory. Would you try this? #skiBC #exploreBC

A photo posted by Destination British Columbia (@hellobc) on Jan 26, 2015 at 3:01pm PST

Is there a favourite pastime that you enjoy partaking in the winter time in the Okanagan? Be sure to share it will us in the comments below.