 Driving in the Thompson Okanagan Area, Tom Ryan photo
Car TravelThe first section of the drive is through open cattle rangeland with views of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna. But most of the route involves plenty of hills, tight curves, switchbacks and steep drop-offs with few places to pass. Be patient, especially behind snow ploughs. Pay attention to posted speed signs on curves. Enjoy the forest scenery and glimpses of the West Kettle River.
Sections of Highway 33 are marked as deer crossings. Keep a careful lookout, particularly early in the morning and at dusk. Deer-auto collisions are sadly common.
Winter tires or chains are required during the winter season. Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley.
Big White is a pedestrian-friendly resort. Vehicles are restricted to designated parking lots for day visitors and to underground or designated parking areas for guests of chalets, lodges and hotels.
Rental cars are available at several locations in Kelowna and at the Kelowna International Airport.
On-Mountain ShuttleBig White runs a free shuttle with stops every half hour from 7am to 10.30pm (some exceptions). It stops at 12 points around the resort including the Village Centre Mall, Happy Valley, parking lots and accommodations areas. Printed schedules are available at the Activities Desk and most public places around the resort.
Bus TravelA shuttle service links Big White with Kelowna International Airport, as well as the Greyhound Bus Station in Kelowna.
Air TravelKelowna International Airport is the primary gateway with multiple daily flights to and from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and Seattle plus regional airports. Carriers include Air Canada, Central Mountain Air, Horizon Air and Westjet. Charters are also available.
MapsAn information packet is distributed at central check in to visitors who used central reservations. The packet itself is a full-colour resort map indicating the location of public gathering places, food and beverage outlets, shopping, lodgings, parking and chairlifts. It also contains a fold-out trail map of ski runs and lifts.
Large-scale colour resort maps, trail maps, Nordic trail maps and the Big White Visitor's Guide and Map Book are available at the activities desk. These are also widely available at hotel front desks and public locations throughout the resort.
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