Big White Ski Resort is all about snow - 750cm/24.5ft of dry powder on average every year. Ski Canada Magazine repeatedly rates it "Best Powder" and Condé Nast Traveller readers have declared it the "best powder in North America".
Diverse Terrain
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 fresh powder among the snow ghosts (snow-covered trees) is almost spiritual. Big White also provides an unusual amount of glade skiing. Ski 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/2550ft 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.
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 & Board School
Learn to ski or hone those skills with group lessons. Big White also offers programs for kids in 4-6 and 7-12 age ranges along with special group sessions for families (Mom or Dad and Me), 50 Plus skiiers and Ladies Day. Private coaching is tailored to the individual needs and goals of the skier 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
Located in the Thompson Okanagan Highlands, 56km/35mi southeast of Kelowna, Big White is fully focused on winter sports. The ski season reliably starts in late November and runs through until outstanding spring skiing that lasts until mid-April. The resort's moderate base elevation (1755m/5758ft) contributes to comfortable temperatures averaging -5°C/23°F. With the summit at 2319m/7606ft, 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 1147ha/2834ac of skiable 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 24 km/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.