While the Thompson Okanagan is as close as British Columbia comes to traditional Canadian winter weather, a unique meteorological phenomena sets this region apart from other Canadian winter-scapes: it's called Champagne Snow and due to a combination of seasonal weather patterns, directional winds and high altitudes, it provides the area with some of the finest powder snow to be found anywhere on the continent - all the while delivering characteristically sunny and mild weather. This may be why the Thompson Okanagan consistently features as the poster child for the most popular ski and snowboard magazines in North America. Alpine resorts such as Big White in Kamloops, Silverstar in Vernon, and Sun Peaks in Kelowna do a thriving business every year with visitors coming from all over the globe. The Thompson Okanagan is also an epicenter for other winter sports including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and in particular, snowmobiling. In fact, many of the townships in the region boast their own network of snowmobile trails. Simply put, the Thompson Okanagan is the ideal destination for visitors who are looking for some good, active fresh air during their winter vacation.