 Kids Centre, Don Weixl photo
Cross-country Skiing Starting in Happy Valley at the foot of the alpine runs, Big White maintains 25km/15.5mi of Nordic ski trails. Weaving through the snowy forest, options include both wilderness and single track trails ranging from gentle green glides to challenging black runs that should only be tackled by advanced skiers. Lessons are available through the Big White Ski & Snowboard School.
Snowshoeing  Learn about the flora and fauna of the sub-alpine on a one-and-a-half to two-hour, mostly downhill, snowshoe tour. Experienced guide Ed Kruger of Monashee Adventure Tours provides snowshoes and instruction (if you can walk, you can snowshoe) and makes frequent stops to examine animal tracks and explain the natural history of the Big White area. Three tour options daily include a sunset walk with headlamps for the return. Make reservations at the Activities Desk in the Village Centre Mall.
Tubing  Tubing - sliding and bouncing down a snowy hill in a giant rubber inner tube - is a full-on adventure on Big White's Mega Snow Coaster. Fly solo, link up in a train or join hands for a big circle ride. Choose lanes groomed for high-speed thrills or take the little ones down at a slower pace. No climbing involved. The specially designed lift zips tubers back to the top. With big-beat music and a fire pit to gather round for hot chocolate, this is a family party place. Located in Happy Valley, the Mega Snow Coaster is open daily from mid-afternoon to 9pm.
Dog Sled Tours Meet the musher – become the musher. Big White dog sled tours are more than a ride through the peaceful, snowy forest (though that's a highlight). These tours also include a meet-and-greet with the dogs, orientation on their lifestyle and work, instruction on harnessing and actually driving a sled. This part is optional for people who just want that peaceful ride. At the end of the run, un-harness and feed the dogs. Tours start at the base of the Magic Carpet lift in Happy Valley most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check in at the Activities desk to book.
Sleigh Ride  Take that forest ride to the tune of Jingle Bells, gliding through the snow on a two-Clydesdale open sleigh. Departing from the Happy Valley Day Lodge, Jim Long drives half-hour and one-hour sleigh rides along forest trails and entertains with his lively chat. He'll even pass over the reins for anybody who wants to give it a try. Hot chocolate is served on the one-hour ride. Reservations can be made at the Activities desk.
Skating Big White's huge outdoor skating rink in front of the Happy Valley Day Lodge is the place to join a pick-up hockey game or take the little ones for their first foray on blades. The rink is sectioned off to keep everybody happy and it's also lit for night skating. Rent skates as well as beginner frames at the lodge.
Snow Biking That's not a misprint. Big White is one of the first resorts to offer the unique experience of snow biking. The hybrid cycles – part ski, part track vehicle – operate pretty much like a normal mountain bike, but they let riders cruise the trails in winter. Ed Kruger of Monashee Adventure Tours supplies the equipment and leads one-hour tours. Book times at the Activities Desk.
Snowmobiling  Snowmobiling at Big White is a safe way to explore the backcountry. Outback Snowmobile Tours operates a fleet of machines that run remarkably quietly. Guided tours depart from the foot of the Mega Snow Coaster at set times daily. Ride with a buddy (or child) or hop on behind a tour guide for one- and two-hour tours with lots of photo stops. Four-hour tours are restricted to intermediate level single riders. A one-hour introduction to snowmobiling is offered for adults and older kids, but the little ones aren't left out. They've got their own Mini-Z machines, designed for children under 90lb/41kg, and a special Mini-Z course. Book tours at the Activities Desk. Buy tickets for Mini-Zs at the Adventure Park office in Happy Valley.
Snow-Limo Non-skiers/boarders join the rest of the family on the slopes and experience the views, glades and open runs without spending a single minute on the bunny hill (beginners' run). Big White's snow-limos are like riding a comfy recliner on skis – complete with chauffeur. Book a ride at the Activities Desk.
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