The Vernon Winter Carnival is turning 45! back for yet another year, running from February 4 – 13, 2005. This year’s carnival ‘celebrates the Orient’, so look for exhibits, contests, and events with a decidedly “Far East” flavour!

As a Gold sponsor of the Carnival, Silver Star Mountain Resort is proud to be hosting two major events. The BC Snow Sculpture Competition will bring artists from all across BC and the Pacific Northwest to Silver Star village to create magical sculptures from blocks of snow. This juried competition will commence on the first day of the Carnival, Friday, February 4, and wrap up on Sunday, February 6. The winner represents British Columbia at the National Championship at the Quebec Winter Carnival in 2005.

On the following weekend, Silver Star will host the 25th edition of the Over the Hill” Downhill; North America’s longest-running recreational race for those who feel the ‘need for speed.’ Presented by Concert Properties, this venerable race is a favorite with Masters and recreational racers from all over North America, and takes place on the second weekend of the Winter Carnival, from February 12 - 13.

The OTHDH is a recreational downhill ski race where teams of four compete for the fastest downhill time. Teams are entered in a category based on the combined team age. Team age categories range from 95 to 225+ years. Each team must have one person over the age of 35, one female, and all must be members of the Canadian Masters Association (membership can be purchased on-site). Team registration is $290.00 and includes race entry a fantastic awards banquet, souvenir item, door prizes and the Don Weixl Slide Show. The OTHDH is one run only.

The Canadian Masters Downhill is an individual race being held in conjunction with the OTHD, and participants can take two runs on the famous OTHD course! This is a great opportunity for competitive Masters racers to gain valuable points by competing in a second event. Run one that all important warm up, run Two is for all the marbles - the National Championship! Entry fee of $97.50 includes all the goodies.

Visitors to Silver Star will definitely want to venture down to Vernon and check out the action, which includes a Hot Air balloon fiesta, the annual Pee Wee hockey tournament, the Vernon Winter Carnival parade, the Shriner’s masquerade skating party, and a host of other ‘Orient’ style events.