The Skiers' Guide to Apex Mountain

Tucked away in British Columbia's Okanagan region, Apex Mountain Resort offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of larger ski destinations. Just a 30-minute drive from Penticton, this hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion.

What sets Apex apart is its reputation for light, fluffy "champagne powder" and remarkably uncrowded slopes. As Karen, an expert skier, points out: "One of the best ski-in ski-out villages in Canada for ease of access to lifts. Quiet setting with the friendliest locals I've ever met."

The resort spans from a base elevation of 1584.05m to a summit of 2193.95m, offering a respectable vertical drop and 80 runs served by two chairlifts and two drag lifts. This compact but well-designed ski area delivers quality over quantity.

Our Snomad community gives Apex Mountain an overall rating of 4.32/5, with particularly impressive scores for beginners (5.00/5), family friendliness (4.40/5), and quiet slopes (4.42/5).

Apex Mountain might be small compared to other BC resorts, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to terrain variety. The mountain is divided into distinct areas catering to different ability levels, with the triple chair serving primarily beginner and intermediate terrain, while the quad chair accesses more challenging runs.

One Snomad community member, Randy, warns: "Apex is not a beginner Mountain so to speak. If you like it steep then you are going to have fun." This sentiment is echoed by Josh Singleton, who praises the "amazing tree riding with banger snow" and the "super steep tree lines."

For intermediates, the resort offers well-groomed runs that Nadine describes as providing "beautiful views and not busy at all compared to more popular resorts." Calvin adds that the mountain has "terrain for all abilities" with a "good selection of runs."

Advanced and expert skiers will find plenty to challenge them, particularly in what CJ, an expert skier, calls "some of the most wild glades runs I've ridden in B.C." The resort scores strongly for off-piste terrain (4.24/5) and tree skiing (4.11/5).

The mountain earns solid marks for both groomed runs (4.26/5) and powder zones (4.15/5), offering something for every skier regardless of conditions.

When it comes to dining, Apex Mountain offers quality over quantity with a modest eating out rating of 3.60/5. The village has limited options, but what's available tends to deliver good value and quality.

The Edge Bistro receives particular praise, with Chris noting it "has amazing lunches and a ski-thru outdoor ordering window so you can chug a coffee on the lift!" Meanwhile, the Gunbarrel Saloon features prominently in reviews as both a dining venue and après spot.

Tatiana, an advanced snowboarder, mentions that "the little village is very homie with really good meal prices," highlighting the affordability of eating options. Eric, while enjoying his experience, did note he "would love for there to be more options for food."

The resort's compact nature means you won't find a vast array of dining establishments, but the existing venues focus on hearty, satisfying fare perfect for refuelling after a day on the slopes.

Apex's après scene is modest but lively, earning an après-ski rating of 3.53/5. The Gunbarrel Saloon emerges as the undisputed hub for post-ski socializing, with Kata, an expert skier, describing it as "the place to be for après ski with live music on many weekends, a dance floor and a beautiful patio."

Sandie confirms this, noting that "many nights have live music" at the Gunbarrel, which offers "great eats and great staff." The après atmosphere reflects the overall vibe of Apex – unpretentious, friendly and focused on authentic ski culture rather than glitzy nightlife.

Tina, while enjoying her stay, did mention a "lack of après ski" compared to larger resorts, which is worth considering if a bustling nightlife scene is high on your priority list. However, for many visitors, the low-key atmosphere is precisely what makes Apex special.

The resort's tight-knit community creates a warm, welcoming environment where conversations with locals and fellow visitors flow as easily as the drinks.

Families will find Apex Mountain particularly appealing, with the resort scoring an exceptional family friendliness rating of 4.40/5. The compact layout, uncrowded slopes, and friendly atmosphere create an ideal environment for family skiing.

A standout feature for families is the skating loop through the forest. Leanna mentions that "it also has a skating loop, which is great for other family members that don't ski but would like to visit the hill," while Lana describes it as "an amazing skating loop in the woods."

The ski school receives high marks, with a ski school quality rating of 4.23/5. Emma, an advanced skier who has called Apex home for nearly 12 years, notes there are "well run racing and ski school programs offered."

Judith, an advanced skier, points out that with "only 2 chairlifts, so easy to meet up if the group splits," making logistics simpler for families. She adds that "kids loved to end their day at the saloon for a hot chocolate and wings."

Deanna highlights that it's "not very busy even between Christmas and New Year's which is a peak time," making it easier for families to enjoy their time without the stress of crowds.

Accommodation at Apex Mountain earns an accommodation options rating of 3.72/5. The resort village is small but offers convenient ski-in/ski-out options that put you right where the action is.

The majority of users think the true value of Apex's accommodation is its proximity to the slopes. Katie notes, "The ski in and ski out was nice!" while Karen praises it as "One of the best ski in ski out villages in Canada for ease of access to lifts."

Accommodation consists primarily of privately-owned condos, cabins, and chalets. Many visitors mention using vacation rentals during their stay. Stef, an expert skier, notes there are "on-hill accommodations for reasonable prices."

A point to consider, raised by Leeann: "The biggest complaint is no public accommodations. It's all owned and Air BnB for outrageous prices." This suggests booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak periods.

The village itself is small but charming. Judith describes it as "adorable," while Tatiana calls it "very homie." For those seeking more options, Penticton is just a 30-minute drive away and offers additional accommodation choices.

Apex Mountain Resort operates with a minimal environmental footprint, partly due to its smaller scale compared to mega-resorts. The compact village layout reduces the need for transportation once guests arrive, and the resort's focus on maintaining natural terrain rather than extensive development helps preserve the mountain environment.

The resort makes efficient use of natural snowfall, supplemented by targeted snowmaking only when necessary. This balanced approach helps conserve water while maintaining quality skiing conditions.

Public transport options from Penticton are limited, so carpooling is encouraged for visitors. While Apex doesn't prominently advertise specific sustainability certifications, its operation reflects the ethos of a community-focused mountain experience that values the preservation of its natural surroundings.