When it comes to planning your next ski vacation in Canada, two names often rise to the top: Big White Ski Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Both offer world-class skiing, incredible landscapes, and a wide variety of amenities, but each has its unique vibe. Whether you’re a powder hound chasing fresh lines or a family seeking a well-rounded experience, this comparison will help you decide which resort best fits your winter adventure.
Location and Accessibility
Big White Ski Resort is nestled in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, just an hour’s drive from Kelowna and its international airport. Big White’s easy accessibility is a big draw for travelers, especially those flying in from other parts of Canada or abroad.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, located in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges, is more remote. The closest major city is Kelowna, 2.5 hours away by car. Alternatively, Revelstoke is about a 5-6 hour drive from Calgary. From the town of Revelstoke, it’s only about a 10-minute drive to the base of the resort, making it convenient for those staying in town and commuting daily to the slopes.
Terrain and Skiing Experience
Big White boasts a sizable 2,765 acres of skiable terrain, with 119 designated runs. Its diverse slopes cater to all skill levels, including 18% beginner, 54% intermediate, and 22% advanced runs. The resort also offers five terrain parks, ensuring there’s something for every type of rider. Big White is particularly famous for its glades and unique “snow ghosts,” which create an enchanting skiing experience in the winter wonderland.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is larger in scale, with 3,121 acres of skiable terrain. It features the longest vertical drop in North America at 1,713 meters (5,620 feet). The terrain at Revelstoke skews more heavily towards advanced and expert skiers, with 45% advanced runs and 12% rated expert. It also features impressive backcountry terrain, with cat-skiing and heli-skiing available directly from the resort. This makes Revelstoke a dream destination for powder enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, but the resort also has terrain for intermediate skiers, even if beginner options are more limited.
Snow Quality
Both resorts receive ample snow, but Big White is famous for its light, dry champagne powder, which falls at an average of 7.5 meters (24.5 feet) annually. This lighter, fluffier snow is perfect for smooth, forgiving turns and provides great conditions for all levels of skiers.
Revelstoke benefits from even greater snowfall, with an average of 10.5 meters (34.4 feet) of snow annually. The conditions here are often a powder skier’s paradise, especially at higher elevations, though lower sections of the resort can experience heavier snow or even rain during milder periods. Regardless, the high vertical and reliable snowfall create consistently deep powder days.
Accommodation and Village Atmosphere
Big White offers an extensive, ski-in/ski-out village that makes everything from dining to rentals extremely convenient. The village hosts a variety of accommodation options, ranging from cozy, budget-friendly chalets to luxury condos. Its family-friendly amenities, including an ice-skating rink, a tubing park, and a robust kids’ center, make Big White an excellent choice for those traveling with children.
Revelstoke has a smaller, more relaxed resort village, though the town of Revelstoke, located just a short drive away, provides additional dining, accommodation, and entertainment options. The resort village is growing but remains quieter than Big White’s. For those seeking an authentic mountain town experience, the charming town of Revelstoke, with its local restaurants and craft breweries, offers a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Family-Friendliness
For families, Big White stands out as the superior option. The resort’s infrastructure is geared towards making skiing accessible for all ages, with plenty of beginner terrain, group lessons, and non-skiing activities like ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more. Big White also offers reliable childcare services and family-friendly accommodations.
Revelstoke, while expanding its offerings, is generally better suited for more experienced skiers. The challenging terrain and focus on advanced skiing make it less ideal for families with young children or beginners. However, families with more seasoned skiers will appreciate the deep powder, incredible vertical, and access to off-piste adventures.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
Big White has a vibrant après-ski scene, with several pubs, lounges, and restaurants to choose from. The resort doesn’t boast wild nightlife, but during peak season, the après-ski atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Revelstoke, in contrast, offers a more subdued après-ski experience. The nightlife is centered around intimate bars, cozy restaurants, and the town’s craft brewery scene. This low-key vibe appeals to those looking for a relaxing, community-oriented atmosphere after a long day on the slopes.
Other Notable Features
- Big White has Canada’s largest night skiing area, providing 38 acres of lit trails for evening fun.
- Revelstoke offers incredible backcountry access, making it a hub for heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and guided tours.
Conclusion
In the showdown between Big White Ski Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, your decision ultimately depends on what type of skiing experience you’re looking for:
- Big White is the perfect destination for families, beginners, and intermediates looking for easy access, reliable snow, and a wide variety of terrain and activities. The ski-in/ski-out convenience and family-oriented vibe make it a great all-around resort.
- Revelstoke is the dream destination for advanced and expert skiers seeking the thrill of deep powder, long vertical drops, and access to some of the best backcountry terrain in the world. Its more rugged, low-key atmosphere offers a pure mountain experience for those chasing big mountain lines and fresh powder.
Both resorts deliver unforgettable experiences, whether you’re carving through tree-lined runs at Big White or flying down steep chutes at Revelstoke. The choice is yours!
