Big White Ski Resort is all about snow – 750cm/25ft of dry powder on average every year.
More than 70 per cent of the 118 marked runs are rated blue or green with select areas set aside for beginners. But there's no shortage of black diamond action, and nearly 10 per cent of runs are rated extreme with double black diamond adventure in the high powder bowls, especially off the Cliff Chair. While 55 runs are groomed daily, it's always possible to find a stash of hidden powder and regulars say that skiing and snowboarding the fresh powder among the snow ghosts (snow-covered trees) is almost spiritual.
Big White also provides an unusual amount of glade skiing. Descend through the trees just about anywhere on the mountain. Ski Canada has also repeatedly recognized this feature with awards for "Best Tree Skiing" and "Best Glade Skiing."
Around the World is the longest run at 7.2km/4.5mi; the maximum vertical drop is 777m/2,550ft and 15ha/38ac of terrain is lit for night skiing.
For even more variety, Big White has teamed up with its sister resort, Silver Star Mountain Resort, for an inter-mountain day trip with shuttle service between resorts. Check at the Activities Desk in the Village Centre Mall for schedules.
Terrain Park
Beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced lanes are combined with lots of rails and jumps and the boarder/skier-cross course is good enough to tune up for World Cup events. The 2009 SBC Ski and Snowboard Resort Guide rated Big White's Telus Park "Best Place to session a precision terrain park."
Fewer Crowds at Big White
With 16 lifts, including a gondola, a variety of six-, four- and two-pack chairs, T-bar and magic carpets – line-ups are reasonable even at peak times. Mid-week all winter and warm spring days, when downhillers have defected to Kelowna golf courses, it feels like there's nobody else on the mountain.
Ski and Board School
Learn to ski and ride or hone those skills with group lessons. Big White also offers programs for kids in 4 to 6 and 7 to 12 age ranges along with special group sessions for families, 50-plus skiers and ladies day. Private coaching is tailored to the individual needs and goals of the individual or group.
Powder Hounds Adaptive Skiing
People with disabilities join the downhill scene with the help of the Powder Hounds Adaptive Ski Club. This organization has been recognized by Ski Canada Magazine as the "Best Adaptive Ski Club in Canada." To ensure equipment availability, it's best to book ahead through the Big White Ski & Board School. For more information, visit the People in Motion website.
Weather and the Slopes
The season reliably starts in late November and runs through outstanding spring conditions that last until mid-April. The resort's moderate base elevation (1,755m/5,758ft) contributes to comfortable temperatures averaging -5°C/23°F.
With the summit at 2,319m/7,606ft, low-lying cloud sometimes causes poor visibility, but typically only in December. Through most of the season downhillers can count on blue sky and sunshine with the 1,147ha/2,834ac of terrain generally facing south to take maximum advantage of light and warmth.
How to Get There
Take Highway 33 to the Big White Road junction. Follow Big White Road 24km/15mi to the resort. The entire route is paved, but mountain roads suffer from frost heaves and get rough. Winter tires or chains are recommended throughout the season. Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley.
Shuttle bus service is available from Kelowna International Airport.
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