Winter adventures await in and around Penticton

Photo: Instagram, Chute Lake Lodge

"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.

The hills around the South Okanagan may already be calling you up for a winter adventure as conditions are already looking spectacular and long-awaited seasonal events return.

And while you’re out exploring, you may be able to check off a few gift ideas as you go.

Case in point: the new consignment store at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, set to be open on Saturdays and Sundays this season.

“It’s off to a slow start, but we’re so excited,” says Nickel Plate’s Tricia Wilson, who is looking for volunteers for the new shop.

She’s also looking for businesses to think outside the box for their holiday parties this season, as a new corporate party package is available.

“We can build it for you, whatever you need and want! We’ve got catering, possible transportation, you can make it a great afternoon,” she says. Details are available online.

Freedom Bike Shop can provide transportation to the mountain where your team will get outfitted, take a lesson, and then enjoy a catered culinary experience – provided by La Cucina, The Nest, or the Grist Mill from Keremeos – in the cozy lodge.

Over summer a major sign project was completed, and Tricia says the snowshoe trails “have been transformed” thanks to volunteers, including Bruce Kay, who would “just take out his chainsaw and work away.”

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is now open, and the countdown is on for the return of some favourite seasonal celebrations nearby at Apex Mountain Resort, plus a new one.

Save the date for the first edition of the Hoodoo Adventure Ski Tour & Snowshoe Festival planned for Jan. 14, 2023 at Apex.

The Festival plans to have snowshoe clinics, avalanche awareness clinics, both beginner and intermediate tours, and an under-the-stars dinner at the Gun Barrel Saloon. The schedule is jam-packed, and to get those on your gift giving list ready, consider a gift card from Hoodoo as a stocking stuffer.

Of course Apex is getting ready to open, and it’s not too early to get some shopping done. Simply email [email protected] or head online for gift cards, visit the Mountain Shop for ideas, or plan on heading to the Artisan Winter Market on Dec. 17.

Meanwhile, Christmas Eve at Apex is making a big, celebratory return with the famous Torchlight Parade down the Okanagan Run.

“Join in the fun, Santa will be there, we’ll have fireworks and at the end we’ll give around 200 gifts to the kids,” says James Shalman, general manager at Apex, adding, “condition are fantastic, we’ll open soon.”

For a slightly more serene adventure, reserve a stay above the clouds at Chute Lake Lodge. Santa plans to pop in on Dec. 3, and you can enter to win a stay for this magical weekend (contest closes at 11:59 p.m., Nov. 28).

With cabins, yurts, or lodge rooms to relax in, choose a Friday Night Romantic Getaway or Sunday Snowshoe and Cheese Fondue package. Either would make a wonderful winter gift.

Learn more at www.visitpenticton.com and on social @visitpenticton.