SILVERSTAR CANADA

BEST FOR: FAMILY SKIING

Of everywhere we have skied, the best destination for a family starting out is SilverStar Mountain Resort in the Western Rockies. It’s a compact, colourful village that makes an immediate impact, both visually and in terms of its excellent service.

The buildings look straight off the set of a Western with authentic American laid-back charm. Everything takes place within a few hundred metres of the main village, which is especially calm as all cars are parked to the side of the resort. It makes it safe for children, who inevitably want to run wild in the snow.

There is always an abundance of the white stuff here, thanks to SilverStar’s position on the mountain and its elevation (1,600m). The ski school instructors are all well-trained and patient and are fantastic at introducing new skiers to the slopes. The runs are well laid out and easy to navigate, with real opportunity to enjoy the peace and scale of the region.

Lunch is taken back in the village, so it’s a good time for the family to meet up after a few hours split into different groups. Restaurants here (all 18 of them) are of a solid standard, serving hearty takes on US cuisine. Try Den Bar and Bistro 00 250 558 6032, which is famed for its 28-30oz Memphis on the Mountain baby back ribs. SilverStar is just one hour from Kelowna International Airport and there are nine hotels and accommodation lodges on the mountain to choose from, plus there’s a yoga studio and free resort tours.

THE DETAIL One-day packages for first-time skiers, including lift pass and equipment rental, cost £60pp or £530 for six days (maximum eight people). A one-day lift pass costs £56pp or £292 for six days. skisilverstar.com