The City of Vernon and SilverStar Mountain Resort have come together to celebrate the installation of a new historic chairlift feature in the Silver Star Road Roundabout—a tribute to the region’s deep skiing heritage and the longstanding connection between the community and the mountain. The project has already captured the attention of local media and residents, who have expressed enthusiasm for the unique landmark.
The installation features two retired chairlift seats donated by SilverStar Mountain Resort, each carrying decades of history. Both the yellow and green chairs were fixed grip double chairs manufactured by Mueller Lifts Services Inc. and played meaningful roles in SilverStar’s evolution as one of the Okanagan’s most beloved ski destinations.
The Green Chair—later known as the Summit Chair—was installed around 1970 and initially featured red plastic bucket seats before transitioning to the green slatted style familiar to generations of skiers. It served the mountain until 2017, when it was retired to make way for the SilverStar Gondola.
The Yellow Chair was installed shortly after, around 1972, and remained in service until approximately 2004–2005. Many of its components found a second life at Mount Timothy Recreation Resort in Lac La Hache, extending its legacy across the region.
Phase one of the roundabout feature includes the installation of the tower and chairlift seats. Phase two adds a mountain-inspired base and uplighting to showcase the feature in the evening. Final landscaping work is expected to be completed later this spring. Local artist Nancy Wilde of Wilde Designs designed and constructed the art piece, bringing together historical elements with a modern, sculptural presentation.
The Phoenix Drive and Silver Star Roundabout Project also includes road enhancements such as new curbs, sidewalks, street lighting (including pedestrian crossing flashers) and drainage upgrades. This newly constructed intersection will safely accommodate future pedestrian activity from the Upper Foothills and adjacent development, as well as control the increased Silver Star Road traffic.
The City completed the work within the approved project budget, supported largely through Development Cost Charges and Infrastructure Reserve Funds. SilverStar Mountain Resort further contributed to the project with the donated chairs and a financial donation.
Mayor Victor Cumming says the collaboration highlights the strong partnership between the City and the resort.
“SilverStar has long been part of our community’s identity—economically, culturally, and recreationally,” said Mayor Cumming. “This installation celebrates shared history in a way that is both meaningful and visually striking. We’re grateful to SilverStar Mountain Resort for their generosity and excited to see this project become a lasting landmark for residents and visitors.”
“This installation reflects the deep roots that skiing and mountain culture have in the North Okanagan,” said Ian Jenkins, Director of Sales, Marketing and Events at SilverStar Mountain Resort. “We’re proud to contribute to a feature that we hope becomes a welcoming gateway to the resort and a symbol of the history shared by SilverStar and the City of Vernon.”