Ski Resort Guide
Big White
Big White Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Big White is one of Canada's largest and most popular ski resorts with a great variety of terrain and reputation for amazing powder.
The resort has grown rapidly in recent years and even outshines Whistler in terms of the number of truly ski-in, ski-out guest accommodation available to visiting skiers and boarders. Although minor roads snake around the resort to allow guest access, the resort's ethos is largely one of pedestrianisation, and its central road, Main Street, is actually a ski piste.
There is a great variety of terrain, so there'll be no problem keeping all members of a mixed group happy. There are also a lot of off-slope activities available and a good range of bars and restaurants too.
The resort has a particularly strong reputation for its abundant, light powder snow and frequently tops magazine polls for the snow that skiers like best. This snow also forms one of the area's more unusual attractions, ‘snow ghosts' - snow encrusted trees which do look quite ghostly in low light.
The resort has grown rapidly in recent years and even outshines Whistler in terms of the number of truly ski-in, ski-out guest accommodation available to visiting skiers and boarders. Although minor roads snake around the resort to allow guest access, the resort's ethos is largely one of pedestrianisation, and its central road, Main Street, is actually a ski piste.
There is a great variety of terrain, so there'll be no problem keeping all members of a mixed group happy. There are also a lot of off-slope activities available and a good range of bars and restaurants too.
The resort has a particularly strong reputation for its abundant, light powder snow and frequently tops magazine polls for the snow that skiers like best. This snow also forms one of the area's more unusual attractions, ‘snow ghosts' - snow encrusted trees which do look quite ghostly in low light.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,755m (5,758ft).
Top elevation: 2,319m (7,608ft).
Base elevation: 1,508m (4,947ft).
Number of lifts: 16.
Number of runs: 118.
Average annual snowfall: 7.5m (24.7ft).
Where in the world?
Big White is located in the Okanagan Valley in central British Columbia, Canada, within the Monashee mountain range.
Hit the slopes
The second biggest ski area in British Columbia has a great snow record which means conditions are normally good throughout the season from late November through to mid-April.
There's great beginners terrain close to the resort centre with dedicated lifts, but nearly two thirds of the resort's ski slopes are graded intermediate standard with runs up to 7.2km (4.5 miles) long. There's all kind of terrain from ultra smooth cruisers to gladed slopes cut through woodland.
Experts will enjoy the double black diamond grade terrain of the back bowl with slope gradients of up to 45%. The half mile long Prudance Bowl is regarded as having the steepest slopes of all.
There's great beginners terrain close to the resort centre with dedicated lifts, but nearly two thirds of the resort's ski slopes are graded intermediate standard with runs up to 7.2km (4.5 miles) long. There's all kind of terrain from ultra smooth cruisers to gladed slopes cut through woodland.
Experts will enjoy the double black diamond grade terrain of the back bowl with slope gradients of up to 45%. The half mile long Prudance Bowl is regarded as having the steepest slopes of all.
Beyond the slopes
If you fancy some time off your skis or board, you can explore the snow covered hills by snowmobile or dog sled instead. You can also explore the resort's back country on cross country skis or snowshoes or take a sleigh ride through the wilderness. For non-skiers there's also a Sno-Limo Service unique to Big White in which a skiing staff member pushes you around the resorts ski slopes and other facilities in a sledge. Many facilities have outdoor hot tubs to soak in and watch the sunset or more luxurious spa treatments are on offer in the Beyond Wrapture Day Spa within the Chateau Big White hotel.
Family fun
As with most major North American ski centres, Big White has superb childcare facilities for virtually all ages. Nursery provision is available from 18 months in the Kids Centre located right in the heart of the village. This is also the base for the early years ski school where children aged three and older can progress through various fun learning levels including Ready Teddies and Jumping Joeys. There's plenty to do in the evenings at the Happy Valley entertainment area located at the base of the resort centre transit gondola. This contains what the resort believes is the biggest tubing park in North America, as well as a giant ice rink. The resort also organises regular family friendly events including carnivals and firework displays.
Retail therapy
There's not a huge choice of shops at Big White, but about a dozen stores should carter for all your holiday needs at least. There are several ski and board shops and grocers and alcoholic drinks are available at the Mountain Mart. There's also a dedicated bakers and a well equipped sweet shop. One shop in the base lodge to visit is boot store Dizzy's, a Mecca for skiers of the world, thanks to its 20 year reputation for ski boot fitting. For a major shopping expedition drive your rental car, or take a bus back down to Kelowna which has a great range of city-scale shops including most major chain stores.
Après ski
Big White has a good selection of lively bars. These are the places to enjoy locally brewed Okanagan beers and world famous wines. For the latter visit the Kettle Valley Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Happy Valley, which boasts the largest wine list in the resort with over 140 selections from the Okanagan Valley and around the world. Snowshoe Sam's is one of the world's legendary ski bars and has a great pub atmosphere, games, DJ's, live bands and the infamous "Gunbarrel Coffee" show.
Eating out
There are about 15 restaurants dotted around the resort with dining options that range from family-friendly to gourmet and with a good choice of international variants too. Pappas Roasters, Whitefoot Lodge, for example, specialises in fire-grilled Mediterranean chicken as well as barbeque ribs and delicious wraps. Coltino's Italian Ristorante, The Dos Hofbrauhaus, serves traditional Italian meat dishes, pastas, pizzas and salads. For fine dining The Copper Kettle Grille, White Crystal Inn, is the place to find the best of Canadian cuisine.
Getting around
Big White is relatively compact so you can walk, and in many cases ski, between all the different areas. It is located on a hillside and the resort centre transit gondola links upper and lower sections. There is also a free shuttle bus which circulates around the resort every 30 minutes throughout the day and evening. Big White's lift pass is also valid for use at Silver Star Mountain Resort which is under the same ownership and located 130km (81 miles) away at Vernon.
Splashing out
The Ultimate III Day Spa Package offered at the Beyond Wrapture Day Spa in the Chateau at Big White is an incredible seven and a half hour experience and includes a sea salt and loofah glow massage, aromatherapy wrap, Gehwol Spa pedicure, drink and lunch followed by spa manicure, then the Beyond Wrapture Signature Aromatherapy Massage and finally a soothing Beyond Wrapture Signature Facial.
Accommodation
Luxury
Chateau Big WhiteLocated right on the Hummingbird run this is one of the best hotels in the resort and features an international restaurant, well equipped rooms and a spa.
Central Village
Tel: (250) 765 8888.
Website: www.bigwhite.com/accommodations
Moderate
White Crystal InnLocated next to the Gondola and Bullet Express chairs, the Inn has spacious rooms and there's a hot tub, sauna, free underground parking and free wifi.
Central Village
Tel: (250) 765 8888.
Website: www.bigwhite.com/accommodations
Budget
Halfmoon HostelA totally ski-in, ski-out hostel, that's clean, has excellent facilities and is a two minute walk from all resort facilities.
7470 Porupine Road,
Tel: (250) 765 7920.
Website: www.samesun.com/Affiliates/Bigwhite/index.htm
Getting there
Nearest airport: Kelowna (YLW).
Distance to resort: 61km (38 miles).
Driving time: 45 minutes.
Distance to resort: 61km (38 miles).
Driving time: 45 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Après ski, Families, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowboarders, Snow reliability, Experts
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