Big White ski resort guide Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Big White, BC
Overview
Big White is a purpose built ski-in, ski-out resort in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Lots of terrain, tree-lined slopes, guaranteed snow and pistes suitable for all levels make Big White a very popular winter resort.
Après-ski
The après-ski is lively and fun with some great bars both on and off the slopes. In total, there are 19 restaurants, cafes, bars and delis with some of the pubs such as Snowshoe Sam's hosting live bands in the evenings.
Families
Big White has a reputation for being family friendly and its easy to see why. The Tot Town Daycare nursery caters for children aged between 18 months and 5 years and for the older ones, they will love the "Mini Z" snowmobiles and the tubing park.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1755m |
| Top lift | 2319m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 7355 |
| Longest run | 7 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 14 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Authentic |
Big White ski area guide
With an average snowfall of 750cms, snow is virtually guaranteed enabling you to enjoy the 118+ runs, bowls and gladed tree areas on 105km of groomed pistes. However, with the ski terrian stretched over 3000 acres between 1508m and 2319m giving a max vertical of 811m, it is an incredible winter sports playground for skiers and boarders.
Around 72% of the pistes are graded for beginners and intermediates with the remainder for advanced and extreme riding. Then there is the back country - with a guide, you will discover deep powder bowls and trails that rival the best in Canada. Exploring the vast back-country terrain can be via snowcat, heli-skiing or on touring skis.
Beginners
Absolute beginners normally start out at Happey Valley just below the resort where you will find 2 magic carpets.
After learning the basics, you can go practically anywhere on the mountain as at the top of every lift is a green run that brings you gently back to the resort again - one of the many reasons why Big White gets the thumbs up for family skiing. Its also a good escape route for anyone if the fog suddenly engulfs the mountain which as all skiers know, can happen quickly.
Intermediate
An intermediate's paradise is the best way to describe the skiing at Big White with so many on and off-piste routes from the long cruising blues around Lake Gem to the more challenging runs directly above the resort.
Advanced
With around 25% of the skiing area graded for experts, there is an awful lot of terrain, especially in the off-piste areas such as Cliff bowl with steep gradients.
To the far side of the resort at Lake Gem, you will find the longer runs such as the 7km "Around the World Route" and some more challenging blacks.
Cross-country
Nordic skiing is very popular and there are 14km of groomed trails in the resort. For the more adventerous, you can try off-track cross-country skiing. This involves short climbs before reaping the benefits - wide skis and good edges are required.
Snowcat and heli-skiing
If you can handle most of the terrain at Big White meaning you are a strong intermediate skier/boarder or better then why not try snowcat or heli-skiing. There is nothing better than surfing deep powder in the back-country in virgin champagne snow!
Featured Big White lodges
With a variety of lodging options from ski-in/ski-out condos and lodges to luxury chalets, Big White caters for all budgets and tastes. Many families opt for the convenience of staying in a self catering vacation rental which provides more freedom and flexibility especially with very young children.
See all rentalsOur view on Big White Mountain
A superb resort for all the family with many things to see and do no matter what age. A few suggestions for your ski holidays...
- On those bad weather days where skiing is not an option, there is ice skating at Happy Valley just below the resort, an ice wall plus tubing
- Snowshoeing is getting more popular and is a great way to explore the mountain at a more sedate pace
- Try out some of the treatmets at one of the spa and wellness centres
- Time permitting or even for a twin centre ski holiday, try a days skiing in Big White's sister resort - Silver Star just north of Vernon. It takes around 2 hours to cover the 125km.
If you like family friendly ski resorts, long cruising blues, deep powder bowls and tree lined skiing, similar resorts to Big White in British Columbia include Kicking Horse and Fernie.
