Photo: Apex Resort Gunbarrel Saloon

"Four seasons of fun" is an ongoing collaboration between Castanet and Visit Penticton showcasing what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch for it every Monday morning.

There’s no better place to enjoy fresh snow than in the South Okanagan, and there are plenty of apres-ski options to explore as well.

Apex Mountain Resort is well underway into their 2024-2025 season, with general manager James Shalman saying the season has been off to a “great start.”

“This was our opening weekend and there are a lot of very happy and excited customers up here,” he said. “The forecast is for a La Nina season which is a higher snowfall than average forecast.”

All lifts are in operation, he added, however some of the steep black diamond terrain is closed until there’s more snowfall.

“We have a very good natural base all over the mountain and Apex, one of the only mountains in BC to have snowmaking from the top of the mountain to bottom,” said Shalman.

“The natural snowbase is consolidated well with the ground and we are set up well for the rest of the season.”

The skating loop and pond open Dec. 20, and lift tickets will soon be found at Costco, Sportchek, Freeride Board Shop and the Penticton Visitor's Centre.

Be sure to check out apexresort.com for more information.

Just up the road from Apex you’ll find Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, a snowy paradise with trails for all ski levels. Enjoy Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, and if you’re new - or a seasoned member - try lessons!

Nickel Plate boasts 45 kilometres of groomed skiing trails and 22.5 snowshoeing trails.

There’s always events and competitions happening, too, so be sure to check out nickelplatenordic.org for more details.

After your outdoor adventure, up at Apex the Gunbarrel Saloon is ready to satisfy any appetite worked up on the hill.

"Voted 10 times in a row as the #1 Apres Ski Bar in Canada, The Gunbarrel Saloon offers the true essence of a slope-side bar. Located in the centre of the village, there is something for everyone to enjoy," reads the Gunbarrel's online description.

The menu boasts everything from burgers to bowls, beers to bistro classics, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. For more information, click here.

Down the hill, check out Time Family of Wines for a sophisticated sip after a day on the mountain.

Orolo Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is located in downtown Penticton, offering local wines and other top-notch bar offerings paired with delicious seasonal plates. For more information, click here.

For more South Okanagan fun, click here