 Skiing at Big White, Big White Ski Resort photo
Big White Terrain & Ski Conditions The Coast Mountains shield the Okanagan Valley from wet Pacific air and that produces the fluffy dry powder – on average 750cm/24.5ft of it every year. Big White has repeatedly been rated "Best Powder" by Ski Canada magazine and the readers of Condé Nast Traveller have named it the "Best Powder in North America". And Big White's moderate base elevation (1755m/5758ft) contributes to the comfortable temperatures – averaging -5°C/23°F. In spring, look for an outdoor BBQ in the Village Centre or head for the picnic tables at Raakels and soak up the sun as skiers and boarders whiz by on the wide blue-rated, Perfection run. Ski Runs and Glade Skiing  The majority of the 118 marked runs on the mostly south-facing slopes are blue and green with select areas set aside for beginners, but there's no shortage of black diamond action and double black diamond adventure in the high powder bowls. Big White also provides an unusual amount of glade skiing, with almost no place on the mountain where it isn't possible to ski among the trees – a special treat when snow ghosts populate the high slopes. Ski Canada has repeatedly recognized this feature with awards for "Best Tree Skiing" and "Best Glade Skiing". 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. Atmosphere at Big White  Focused around two key activity areas, the Village Centre and Happy Valley (connected by a no-charge gondola), most of the ski-in/ski-out day facilities, condos, hotels and chalets were built in the last 10 to 15 years and significant construction continues. The overall style is modern arts and crafts with predominantly board and batten construction accented by timber, fieldstone and shingles in muted shades of sage, butternut, slate, that looks cozy and inviting against the brilliant white and deep green of the winter mountain face. Nearly all of the staff hails from Australia, giving the resort a "G'day mate" cheery feel. Rock 'n'roll, Motown, R&B and hip-hop playing in the public areas keeps the mood upbeat and fun. It also underscores the multi-generational appeal. Grey hairs ski among snowplowing mini-downhillers while teens carve turns on the open runs or blast the half-pipe in the Telus Terrain Park. While the overall feel is definitely family-oriented, there's no shortage of high-octane activity. When the lifts close those lively Aussies start pick-up games of hockey or snow-soccer and the late night bar scene is buzzing. Family Activities  The ski-in/ski-out design lets parents turn kids loose on the mountain without fear of busy roads and traffic and the variety of terrain gives plenty of scope for beginners to extreme thrill seekers. The daycare accepts little ones from 18 months, while the Kids Centre provides half- and full-day programs for four to 12-year-olds. Skiing and snowboarding are the primary activities, but there's lots more to do both inside and out including relaxing spa treatments, yoga classes, family sleigh rides, dogsledding, Mini-Z snowmobiling and shopping. Riding the gondola between the Village Centre and Happy Valley, expect to see kids popping a carrot nose on a snowman or digging snow forts for a snowball fight. Cafeterias, coffee shops and restaurants cater to all ages and bars like the Loose Moose welcome children, allowing mom and dad to enjoy an après-ski cocktail or glass of Okanagan wine. Every day a slate of new activities and events such as bingo, movie night, Wii, Big White idol and fireworks gives families more to share. Where to Get Started Stop by the activities desk in the Village Centre Mall. The bulletin board lists events and the staff is on hand throughout the day to answer questions, offer suggestions and make arrangements. They've got a variety of full-colour brochures and maps that list the locations of restaurants, shops and services; outline shuttle bus routes and times; detail activities and illustrate ski runs and lifts.
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