More powder is flying at Silver Star this week than ever before as record numbers of skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes.Around 8,500 people a day are taking advantage of the fresh powder conditions this week, said Michael Ballingall, senior vice-president for Big White and Silver Star. Those numbers are fueled by busy accommodations at the resort which will be at 95 per cent capacity before the week is over.“It’s been fantastic; we’re on a record pace,” Ballingall said. “This should be the biggest week in our history.”Silver Star has long been a popular destination for local skiers but with new accommodations added over the past year, more out-of-towners are coming to the resort, 
Ballingall said. The resort is now so full that it is virtually impossible to find accommodation for a five-day stay from now until Jan. 8, he said. There are still some nights available for shorter stays, Ballingall said. Silver Star has added several new ski lifts over the last five years opening up more terrain.The biggest draw is the snow conditions, Ballingall said.“The reason why we think people come back year after year is the continuous snow,” he said.The mountain currently boasts a 140-centimetre base including an additional 11 centimetres that was dumped on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. But all that snow raised some worries that people would be scared away by poor road conditions, Ballingall said.“Today (Wednesday) is not great driving with the snow and treacherous conditions on the roads,” he said. “But the roads are being maintained with plowing and sanding.” As more people hit the slopes runs have to be meticulously maintained so that they aren’t worn down. Ballingall said the resort purchased a $500,000 grooming machine just to keep up with the heavier traffic on the slopes this year.“We make them look brand new every morning,” he said. “I think people recognize our grooming teams are going above and beyond.”Looking to the future, Ballingall said the Kelowna Airport will play a major role in the growth of both Silver Star and Big White resorts. He said that with Horizon Air bringing in larger aircraft in January and more frequent flights from Kelowna to Ontario, Vancouver and other hubs, more people will be hitting the local slopes.“Whatever Silver Star has to offer there’s a thirst for it which is why people are coming in record numbers,” Ballingall said.
Ballingall said. The resort is now so full that it is virtually impossible to find accommodation for a five-day stay from now until Jan. 8, he said. There are still some nights available for shorter stays, Ballingall said. Silver Star has added several new ski lifts over the last five years opening up more terrain.The biggest draw is the snow conditions, Ballingall said.“The reason why we think people come back year after year is the continuous snow,” he said.The mountain currently boasts a 140-centimetre base including an additional 11 centimetres that was dumped on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. But all that snow raised some worries that people would be scared away by poor road conditions, Ballingall said.“Today (Wednesday) is not great driving with the snow and treacherous conditions on the roads,” he said. “But the roads are being maintained with plowing and sanding.” As more people hit the slopes runs have to be meticulously maintained so that they aren’t worn down. Ballingall said the resort purchased a $500,000 grooming machine just to keep up with the heavier traffic on the slopes this year.“We make them look brand new every morning,” he said. “I think people recognize our grooming teams are going above and beyond.”Looking to the future, Ballingall said the Kelowna Airport will play a major role in the growth of both Silver Star and Big White resorts. He said that with Horizon Air bringing in larger aircraft in January and more frequent flights from Kelowna to Ontario, Vancouver and other hubs, more people will be hitting the local slopes.“Whatever Silver Star has to offer there’s a thirst for it which is why people are coming in record numbers,” Ballingall said. 
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