Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is one of the most useful ski gateways in British Columbia, especially for travellers heading into the Okanagan. Its biggest advantage is the concentration of major ski areas within a manageable transfer from the terminal. Big White and SilverStar are both around 55 minutes away, while the airport also supports onward transport towards other Interior resorts. For travellers focused on the Okanagan, YLW can provide a much shorter and simpler arrival than starting from Vancouver or Calgary.
Big White Ski Resort is the clearest transfer from YLW. The resort places itself 56 km south-east of Kelowna and gives the drive from Kelowna International Airport as about 55 minutes. Big White also operates a regular door-to-door airport shuttle between YLW and the resort, with advance booking required. Once on the mountain, a complimentary resort shuttle helps guests move around without needing a car, making a car-free ski holiday realistic for many visitors.
SilverStar Mountain Resort is similarly convenient. SilverStar gives the journey from YLW as approximately 55 minutes and offers frequent daily shared shuttle services from the airport, with curbside pickup and drop-off at accommodation in the resort village. This makes Kelowna particularly useful for travellers comparing Big White and SilverStar or planning a longer Okanagan ski trip.
Kelowna Airport’s own transport directory lists seasonal and private ski shuttle operators serving Big White, SilverStar, Apex, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks and other Interior destinations. YLW also has taxis, rideshare services, scheduled buses and car-rental desks inside the terminal. Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz currently operate on-site, giving travellers flexibility for multi-resort itineraries.
Winter road conditions in the BC Interior can change quickly, so drivers should check DriveBC and confirm suitable winter tyres before travelling. YLW is therefore strongest for trips centred on Big White, SilverStar and the Okanagan, where its combination of short transfers, dedicated ski shuttles and rental-car choice gives it a genuine advantage as a regional ski airport.