SAM Magazine—Vernon, British Columbia, Nov. 25, 2025—Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) has acquired SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon, British Columbia, from Powdr. PGR’s portfolio now includes six resorts after its acquisition of Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Colorado earlier this year and Jay Peak Resort in Vermont in 2022. 

SilverStar becomes by far PGR’s biggest ski area with 133 trails spread across 3,300 acres of skiable terrain served by 10 lifts. It ranks among the 15 largest ski areas in North America and was recently the #3 Ski Resort in Canada for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. 

“SilverStar is an extraordinary resort with a loyal community and a spirit that aligns perfectly with PGR’s values,” said PGR president and CEO Mark K. Fischer. “In ten years of operating Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island, we’ve developed a deep appreciation for what it takes to thrive in the British Columbia mountain resort landscape. SilverStar is a natural extension of our resort family and reflects our long-term commitment to embracing the mountain culture and the communities that make each of our properties unique.”

Fischer explained that SilverStar fits withing PGR’s strategy for acquiring regional destination resorts with strong local roots. “Our hope is to expand the reach of the resort so more people across Canada and the U.S. can experience SilverStar,” he said.

“We are deeply thankful to Powdr for their stewardship, vision, and significant investment in SilverStar,” said SilverStar general manager Herwig Demschar. “Their commitment to this mountain set the foundation for its continued success. As we look ahead, we’re excited to join Pacific Group Resorts, whose values and operational philosophy align seamlessly with ours. Our leadership team is staying on, and we look forward to reinforcing what makes SilverStar so special while elevating the guest experience for years to come.”

Powdr CEO Justin Sibley said, “SilverStar is a special mountain with a passionate community, and we are grateful for the years we’ve had stewarding this destination. On behalf of everyone at Powdr, I want to thank the SilverStar team and the Vernon community for their partnership and pride in the resort.” 

Fischer, who said he’s known Demschar for nearly 20 years, reinforced that no immediate changes to leadership or operations are expected for the 2025-26 season. “Our approach is to listen, learn, and support the team in doing what they do best,” he said. “We’re happily aligned on the objectives of preserving the charm and character that make SilverStar so beloved while helping it continue to grow.”

In addition, all current season passes, programs, and resort services will continue uninterrupted. All 2025-26 season passes with reciprocal access to the PGR properties will now include five days with blackouts at SilverStar and 20 percent off lodging, subject to availability. 

Powdr put SilverStar on the market in 2024 along with Eldora, Colo.; Mt. Bachelor, Ore.; and Killington/Pico, Vt., which was sold to local investors in August 2024. The company took Mt. Bachelor off the market in April of this year. The town of Nederland is in the final stages of funding its acquisition of Eldora via municipal revenue bonds.