Ultimate Big White Ski Resort Ski Trip Planning Guide To Canada’s Favourite Family Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort is an unbelievable place to visit and ski in British Columbia, Canada. And it’s not just because of its world-class ski trails and champagne powder snow.
Thanks to its incredible and diverse ski trails & terrain, suitable for both beginner skiers and advanced skiers and snowboarders, variety of family activities, ease of getting around, ski in ski out accommodations, its delicious Big White restaurants and bars, proximity to Kelowna and the Okanagan, and so much more, Big White is the ultimate ski vacation destination.
This is why Big White Ski Resort has been voted the best family ski resort in North America by multiple publications and associations, among other ski resort awards. In fact, in 2022 Big White Ski Resort was voted in the top 2 best ski resorts in Canada for the 2nd year in a row! One of the best things about Big White is the snow and weather conditions… We get lots of champagne powder snow every year, the ideal snow for skiing and snowboarding! Before you get to Big White, be sure to check out our in-depth Big White Snow Report – that way you will remember to bring your snorkel for those deep powder days!
But planning a ski trip isn’t always easy, which is why we put together this ultimate ski trip planning guide to help you decide where to ski, where to stay and what to do at Big White Ski Resort.
Like the sound of a Big White ski vacation?
Dive into Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals’ Ultimate Big White Ski Resort Ski Trip Planning Guide for all of the insider tips for planning a ski trip of a lifetime.
Big White Ski Resort Trip Planning Guide: Table of Contents
- Big White Ski Resort Ski Runs & Ski Terrain
- Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort
- Big White’s Snow Hosts
- Ski & Board School at Big White Ski Resort
- Night Skiing at Big White Ski Resort
- Big White Activities (That Aren’t Skiing or Snowboarding)
- Big White Luxury Experiences With Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals
- Big White Events Calendar
- Big White Restaurants and Bars
- Understanding The Different Big White Ski Resort Areas
- Big White Ski Resort Ski Trip Itineraries
- Getting to Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort Ski Runs & Ski Terrain
Whether you are a complete beginner skier or a seasoned shredder, Big White Ski Resort has hugely diverse ski runs and terrain that can accommodate the whole family for your ski trip! With 16 lifts (including 9 alpine lifts), 2 magic carpets for beginners, and a terrain park, boasting 119 runs, there truly is something for skiers and snowboarders of any level to explore, and enjoy.
The resort prides itself on being the best family ski resort in North America, which is complemented by the skill composition of its runs: 18% of the runs are beginner ski runs, 54% intermediate, 22% expert, and 6% extreme. The layout of the ski runs is also perfect for the whole family, as the various levels of runs can all be accessed from the same chair, meaning the family can all ride up together and then branch off to ride their preferred ski terrain. After, you can all easily meet up at the bottom of the ski chair for the next lap to keep the family together.
One of the amazing things about Big White Ski Resort is how easy it is to get everywhere! From one of the village chairs (The Bullet or Ridge Rocket), you can easily get to almost every other part of the mountain – the only exception being Gem Lake, which requires you to take one more chair. This means that even if your group gets separated, you’re usually never more than one chair ride away from each other.
Do some of your group love tree runs whilst the rest are keen to carve down a pristinely groomed ski run? No problem! All our alpine lifts give you access to groomed runs with trees on either side, so whether you just want to pop in and out or go exploring deeper into the woods, your group can all ride the way they want. We have 105km of marked ski runs at Big White Ski Resort, with 119 runs in total. The longest single “run” you can do at Big White is the “Around the World” route, which is a whopping 7.2km long!
Big White also boasts a huge diversity of skiable terrain. Want to explore multiple wooded areas, with a mix of steep trees and mellow open glades? Then head on over to Black Forest! This area has some unbelievable tree runs for skiers of all levels. Want to do some carving on wide, immaculately groomed runs? Then The Bullet or Ridge Rocket/Snowghost chairs will be your best friends! There’s a great mix of groomed runs and wooded areas here for everyone. Want to get to the top of the mountain and experience some stunning, wide-open panoramas of Big White Ski Resort and the valley below? The T-bar is the place for you! This will take you almost to the peak of Big White Mountain and grant access to some truly epic, deep bowls for all you powder hunters, with some cruisy open tree runs as well.
If you’re looking for long, heart-pumping, steep runs through woods and some deep powder then you need to check out Gem Lake! Situated on the other side of the mountain from the Village, there are so many areas to explore over there!
Finally, if you are an advanced skier or snowboarder, we have The Cliff and The Falcon chairs – both of which provide access to very advanced terrain and deep powder. The Cliff is a large double black diamond bowl, which gives skiers and snowboarders access to some steep, open runs, and when there has been fresh snow this is where you’ll find all that beautiful champagne powder accumulating! From the top of the Cliff chair, you can also boot pack up to the summit to gain access to over a dozen chutes of varying steepness. The Falcon chair is the place to be if you want steep tree runs with lots of powder – here you can find black and double black diamond glades to test your tight turns in!
Whatever your preferred run type or ability level, there is so much to discover here, and enough to keep you busy so that you can earn that apres ski, night in the hot tub or in front of the fireplace at your Big White accommodation.
View the full Big White Trail Map or download the Big White Trail Map to use on the go during your ski trip.
Big White Ski Resort Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Big White Ski Resort is home to 25 kilometres of combined Nordic and Wilderness ski trails, perfect for Canadian cross-country skiing and snowshoeing! These trails are groomed regularly, and you can pick up Big White ski rentals & equipment rentals in the Village Center Mall. These ski trails are a very picturesque place to explore, set in the forest and away from the crowds!
Big White Ski Resort’s Snow Hosts
If you’re new to the mountain or want to discover some local knowledge of where to ski, then have a chat with one of the friendly Snow Hosts you can find at the top of the Ridge Rocket or Bullet chairlifts, and at the top of the Gondola. You can find them there daily from 9 am to 10 am and they have a wealth of knowledge about Big White Ski Resort and great spots to ski and board. If you are interested in a more in-depth tour of the mountain, then join them daily at 10:15 am in the Village for a free Big White Tour.
Book your free Big White Mountain Tour. You will know the Snow Hosts by their yellow jackets and their welcoming smiles!
Big White Ski Resort Ski & Board School
Big White Ski Resort is home to some of the best ski and board instructors in the world! Whether you are a beginner or advanced, their ski instructors have years of knowledge that can help you achieve your goals. To help skiers and snowboarders that the resort, the ski resort offers its Ski & Board School with a variety of classes for all ages, skill levels and preferences.
If you just want to improve your overall technique, they have lessons for all levels daily from the Village center. Or if you’re looking to improve a particular skill set, they run clinics for areas like riding the park or riding in trees. They can help you achieve the next level in your skiing or snowboarding ventures.
If you have kids that are learning to ski or snowboard, they have a fantastic kids’ centre and some amazing instructors for the younger ones. Drop the kids off in the morning and then enjoy some of the trickier ski terrain on the mountain, safe in the knowledge your kids are learning new skills and having a fun day!
Check out the Big White Ski Resort Ski & Board School to learn more and book ski lessons for your ski trip.
Night Skiing at Big White Ski Resort
Love night skiing? Ski under bright lights in the largest night skiing area in Western Canada!
Big White Ski Resort turns the lights on the Bullet Express and Plaza Chair, giving you access to 2569 hectares (8429 acres) of terrain for night skiing. With a night lift capacity of over 3000 people per hour, the Plaza Chair and the Bullet High Speed Chairs whisk skiers to the top of the longest vertical drop (1955 feet from the top of the Bullet lift) of all night skiing areas in North America. On Friday and Saturday nights, come ride in TELUS Park for more fun night skiing at Big White Ski Resort.
All lift tickets need to be purchased directly through Big White Ski Resort
Purchasing your lift tickets for Big White Ski Resort couldn’t be easier! You can buy all your tickets online ahead of your trip to save you time, and you will also save money as well. All online ticket prices are discounted compared to window prices, and the discount is automatically added so it’s the simplest way to save!
If you want to purchase your tickets in person, then head to the Ticket Desk in the Village Centre Mall (right next to the top of the Gondola).
If you would rather purchase your lift tickets online to save time and money, then head to Big White’s website: https://www.bigwhite.com/tickets-passes/lift-tickets
When buying tickets online, you need to set up an account for everyone that needs tickets. Then, once you have paid for your tickets, you can pick them up at any of the new ticket collection machines Big White have placed all over the mountain. These can be found at: Ridge Day Lodge, Black Forest Lodge, Gem Lake Day Lodge, Central Mountain Check In, and the Village Centre Mall. To pick up your tickets, simply scan the QR code that was emailed to you when you finished purchasing your tickets – make sure the whole QR code is visible, and your phone screen brightness is on maximum when you scan it.
Once you’ve used your ticket, make sure you hold on to it! All tickets can be reloaded online.
Big White also now offers the POWder Card – the most flexible lift ticket you can grab! Purchase a 3- or 5-day flex-card, so that you can make a “morning-of decision” whether you want to ski or board! Days do not need to be used consecutively, and you also save money compared to window prices. There are no black out days for POWder cards, so if you use them over the peak season, you’ll save even more money over window prices! POWder cards can also be reloaded online.If you have any more questions about lift tickets, please contact Big White Ski Resort’s ticket department directly at tickets@bigwhite.com or by phoning +1-250-491-6262.
Big White Activities (That Aren’t Skiing or Snowboarding)
Big White Ski Resort has a whole host of amazing activities, other than skiing and snowboarding, to ensure your time at Big White is unforgettable. Check out all the fun activities you can take part in below:
Big White Activities:
- Big White Ice Skating
- Big White Tubing & Big White Tube Park
- Dog Sledding at Big White Ski Resort
- Fireworks Shows at Big White Ski Resort
- Snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort
Ice Skating at Big White Ski Resort
The resort is home to Canada’s highest-elevation outdoor ice rink. Located in Happy Valley, the rink is free to use for everyone, and you can rent skates at the rental shop next to it. This is a great evening activity for after a day on the slopes – grab some friends and challenge them to a mini-hockey match! There are nets available and you can rent sticks at the shop. It’s also a fun activity for the family or group when you want to switch up your skiing or snowboarding activities.
Photo: Ice skating at Big White. Photo Source.
Big White Tubing & Big White Tube Park
Happy Valley is also home to the Tube Park! Feel the wind in your face as you zoom down our thrilling tube park. The Big White Tube Park offers tons of fun for all ages. No skill or equipment is required – just a sense of adventure and a desire for excitement. The Tube Park has 5 specially groomed lanes that allow thrill seekers to enjoy a high-speed ride down the slopes, even after the lifts close. So, grab a tube and enjoy the ride!
Photo: Big White’s Tube Park is loads of fun with family & friends. Photo Source.
Dog Sledding at Big White Ski Resort
Dog sledding tours at Big White Ski Resort are a great way to get out on an exciting adventure while enjoying the breathtaking scenery Big White has to offer. Experience the thrill of mushing through Big White’s famous backcountry as the enthusiastic and powerful Canadian sled dogs take you on an unforgettable winter excursion. Candle Creek Kennels will begin with an orientation introducing you to the dogs, the sled, and the process of harnessing before heading out on the trails, giving you extra dog sledding insight.
Photo: Dog sledding at Big White Ski Resort. Photo Source.
Fireworks Shows at Big White Ski Resort
At Big White, we don’t believe that fireworks should only be used to celebrate holidays. Throughout the entire ski season, we bring you our famous Fireworks Show every Saturday evening in Happy Valley! Watch from your Big White accommodation, your favourite Big White restaurant and patio or head on down to Happy Valley to enjoy the show from the Big White Skating Rink. A fun and beautiful display that’s a big hit with guests, seeing the fireworks over the beautiful ski resort never gets old!
Photo: Big White fireworks are a truly special thing to see during your ski vacation. Photo Source.
Snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity for everyone. Rent your snowshoes at the Village Centre Mall and choose your own adventure through our snowy trails. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to get out and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. No previous experience is needed – if you can walk, you can snowshoe! With an extensive trail network, get off the beaten track and explore the winter wonderland of our mountain resort.
Photo: Big White’s snowshoeing is a fun activity to try during your visit. Photo Source.
For more information on activities at Big White, view the full list of Big White Activities or check out our trip planning blog.
Big White Luxury Experiences With Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals
If you’re looking to add a truly luxurious experience to your stay at Big White Ski Resort, then we at Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals are thrilled to be offering exclusive experiences to our guests! We are the only vacation rental provider on the mountain to offer these unique experiences to guests staying in our Big White accommodations. From gourmet private chef dinners to soothing massages in your vacation rental, these luxury Big White experiences will make your ski vacation an unforgettable adventure. Working with local businesses to highlight the wonderful offerings on the mountain, we know that these luxury experiences are ones you won’t want to miss.
Here’s the list of exclusive, luxury experiences you can book through your stay at one of our Big White accommodations:
- Private Chef Gourmet Meal Experience
- Private Sommelier Wine Tasting
- Private Massage In Your Big White Accommodation
- Cat Skiing in BC
- Discover Okanagan Tours
- Ride Out West Tours
- White Star Limo Luxury Airport Transfers
We book these experiences as a complementary concierge service for our guests, so you can enjoy these wonderful experiences stress-free! Learn more about each luxury experience below:
Private Chef Experience with Backyard Farm – Chef’s Table
Chef Chris Van Hooydonk and the hospitality team at Backyard Farm offer a unique, curated approach to our culinary service offerings. Tailored menus are designed using many of the ingredients of their two-acre farm, offering the bounty year-round through preservation while including thoughtful sourcing from quality-minded, sustainable farming partners and suppliers.
Seasonal menus are derived by incorporating food and wine pairing, emphasizing a uniquely Okanagan food style. Guests can be assured the engaging experience will encompass elevated hospitality, and creative menu development while being immersed in the story behind the food, and those who produce it. Menu preparation and development are enhanced with food and wine culture at the forefront of every tailored experience.
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals is proud to partner with Backyard Farm to provide guests with an exclusive dining experience to make your trip unforgettable. Add something special to your Big White itinerary and try Backyard Farm through your stay with us.
Book your private chef experience, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Private Sommelier Wine Tasting
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals is proud to partner with Madeleine Hodges to offer guests an exclusive wine and spirits tasting experience. Add something special to your Big White itinerary and book a private wine tasting with Maddie, a skilled sommelier. With this exclusive experience, you’ll get expert knowledge of the wines and spirits you taste, specially tailored to your group’s tastes, and wishes, along with delectable pairings to boost the chosen wine or drink. A fun experience for the whole group to enjoy when you’re not on the slopes, with the opportunity to purchase the wines you like and bring them home after your trip.
Madeleine Hodges, known as Maddie, is a wine, spirit, and beer specialist. She has been in the hospitality industry since 2005 and has worked in a variety of roles in tourism and hospitality in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Austria, before moving to Canada in 2017. Maddie has permanently made Canada her home, where she lives full-time in Kelowna and enjoys close links with Big White.
Her passion for all things wine, spirits and beer began early on, with her father being a keen wine and whiskey enthusiast. All those family vacations to France helped her get a basic understanding of wine, which she has continued to build a career around. She has completed numerous certifications with distinction, including WSET Level 3 Certification for Wines, the WSET 1 Certification for Spirits, and the BarSmarts 2 Certification in Mixology and continues her studies with the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines.
What brings her the most happiness is seeing people enjoy her creations, whether it’s selections for the wine list or the cocktails lovingly crafted to be enjoyed by all. She is passionate about wine and mixology and believes that understanding and knowledge are key to enjoying wine and cocktails. With her passion, knowledge, and extensive experience, she is eager to share, teach and encourage guests to explore their interest in wine and mixology, including aromas, tasting, balance, and food pairing in an open and dynamic way.
Book your private sommelier wine tasting, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Private Massage with Mountain Massage at Big White Ski Resort
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals is proud to partner with Mountain Massage to provide guests with a unique, private massage to make your trip unforgettable and relaxing. Looking for a way to relax after a day on the slopes? Or maybe you need to loosen those sore muscles? Mountain Massage is just what you need!
This Big White massage spa is a mobile massage service that brings deep tissue and relaxing massages into the comfort of your own accommodations. It offers a variety of services including Sports, Relaxation, Acupressure, Hot Stone and Reflexology treatments. Mountain Massage has operated for more than 15 years, helping clients to relax while enjoying their time on Big White. Melissa, the owner of Mountain Massage since it opened, considers herself to be a proud mountain local and an expert on all things relaxation.
Mountain Massage offers a wide range of experiences to enjoy and unwind with. Book your private massage with Mountain Massage, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Cat Skiing with K3 Cat Ski and Big Red Cats
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals has partnered with Big Red Cats and K3 Cat Ski to offer our guests a unique opportunity to enjoy some of British Columbia’s best off-resort backcountry skiing. After popular demand from our guests looking for a unique experience for select members of their party, we’ve put together this memorable adventure for guests to enjoy while staying with us. While Cat skiing may not be for everyone, we offer the best of both worlds. For guests who wish to Cat ski through backcountry terrain, they can partake in this unforgettable outing, while others in the group can remain at Big White and enjoy the trails offered here. Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals can assist with arranging these side trips, including transportation to and from the Cat skiing operations as well as accommodation while group members are away on single or multi-day trips.
Big Red Cats Cat Skiing
Big Red Cats is based out of Rossland, BC. Cat skiing at Big Red Cats is all about the powder! With 19,300 acres and 8 mountains offering some of the best tree skiing and glades in the world, you can choose from separate trips for Expert, Advanced, and Intermediate skiers, and riders (even “Uber Expert” if you dare!) – to get the level of adventure that you’re looking for.
Book your cat skiing experience with Big Red Cats, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
K3 Cat Ski Cat Skiing
K3 Cat Ski offers daily backcountry cat skiing trips located in the Monashee range near Revelstoke, BC. With its convenient location in Revelstoke, only 4 hours east of Big White Ski Resort, you can combine your trip with a visit to this resort as well.
Book your cat skiing experience with K3 Cat Ski, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals. Join us for an amazing day of powder cat skiing!
Discover Okanagan Tours: Specialized Transportation and Okanagan Wine Tours
Our preferred choice for transportation for getting to and around Big White Mountain is Discover Okanagan Tours. Whether you need shuttle services to the resort from the airport, a transfer to take you to another mountain, or a winery, brewery, cidery and distillery tour, they have you covered.
Discover Okanagan Tours offers a personalized and private ski shuttle to the resort. One of their knowledgeable guides will be waiting for you at the Kelowna airport when you arrive to take you and your group to the resort. Their signature service includes a special 1 hour stop for groceries and liquor on the way to the mountain. If you prefer to save time and head straight to your accommodation after a long flight, you can take advantage of their pre-order service for your supplies. They also provide an intermountain shuttle service taking you to other ski resorts, or cat and heli-skiing mountains. If you have an extended stay and need more groceries or liquor, Discover Okanagan Tours will deliver directly to your door at the resort.
If you are looking to experience what else the Okanagan has to offer, Discover Okanagan Tours provides excursion tours from Big White. The Okanagan Valley is known for award-winning Canadian wines, and they offer 3 different winter wine tours for you to choose from. Visit 5 different wineries in either Lake Country, Kelowna or West Kelowna on your full-day adventure. Kelowna also has an amazing craft brewery scene, highlighted on their “Hops and Grains” tour. This day trip of everything craft includes visiting 3 breweries, a cidery and a distillery. They are known to create the perfect Okanagan experience for you and your adventure buddies. With over 200 Five-Star reviews across Google and Trip Advisor, we are sure you won’t be disappointed!
Find out more about Discover Okanagan Tours and book your preferred tour experience, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Ride Out West Tours: Unique Okanagan Tours & Kelowna Events Transportation
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals is proud to partner with Ride Out West Tours to provide guests with unique, exclusive experiences to make your trip unforgettable. Add something special to your Big White itinerary and try one, or more, of the tours offered by Ride Out West Tours through your stay with us. Take a tour of some of the Okanagan’s famous wineries, or add a Kelowna Rockets hockey game to your ski vacation itinerary. Whatever your taste, Ride Out West Tours has a tour for you and your group.
Ride Out West Tours is a locally owned and operated tour company based on Big White Mountain. As on-the-mountain experts who know how to experience Big White and the Okanagan like the locals do, they can take you on unique experiences during your ski vacation at Big White Ski Resort. Specializing in Ski & Board tours that can take you to one of 10 local area ski hills, Wine & Beer tours and sports tours into Kelowna for hockey games, your experience with Ride Out West Tours will be an unforgettable adventure.
As part of your stay, you’ll be able to book these exclusive tours along with your luxury vacation rental. This unique experience is only available as part of your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals. Find out more about Ride Out West Tours and book your preferred tour experience, exclusively through your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
White Star Limo Luxury Airport Transfers & Big White Transportation
Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals is proud to partner with White Star Limo to provide guests with exclusive transportation to make your trip more comfortable and convenient. If you’re in need of comfortable, luxury transportation during your ski trip, then White Star Limo is here to help. With private shuttles that will make travelling to and from Big White easier and more enjoyable for your group, White Star Limo takes the hassle out of getting around the mountain.
Start your ski vacation right with the comfort and convenience of a private shuttle transfer to and from Big White Ski Resort. Enjoy a private transfer in one of our executive SUVs or 14-passenger Tour Buses.
As part of your stay, you’ll be able to book these private shuttles along with your luxury rental. This luxury transportation is only available as part of your stay with Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
To book your luxury shuttle and transportation to Big White, contact our team at Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Big White Ski Resort Events Calendar
Big White Ski Resort also puts on a host of different events throughout the ski season, from Carnival Night (a fun kids event with popcorn) to Trivia Nights, as well as professional ski and snowboard events and more. There’s always something going on at Big White.
At the end of the ski season, Big White even hosts its own music festival! Altitunes is a weekend-long festival and is a great way to end the ski season and enjoy live music.
There are plenty of events that happen yearly here at the mountain resort. For example, local favourite Moose Cruz is an exciting scavenger hunt across the mountain that the whole family can get involved in! Over Christmas, there is a festival in the Village, with games and activities, music, and the night is topped off with fireworks in the Village Centre!
For the wine lovers in the group, Big Reds is a yearly event showcasing the best of local wineries. Pride week is celebrated every year towards the end of the season, so grab your rainbow flag and join everyone on the slopes! Carnival is an event held in the Village centre mall every Saturday, where parents and kids alike can take part in carnival games (with prizes available!) and there’s even free popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, and more!
You can also spectate lots of incredible sporting events here! We host many events such as Snowboard Cross racing, the Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom (which is open to everyone who wants to compete!), the Monster Energy Boarderstyle event (also open to the public, a mix of boardercross racing and obstacles/features) and many more. Theirs is plenty to spectate or get involved in throughout the season.
Finally, as we’ve already mentioned, Big White hosts its own music festival towards the end of the season! Altitunes is a full weekend festival with a spectacular lineup each year! Listen to some great live bands, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, and share some drinks with friends and family! This event has run for a couple of years now and keeps on growing. There’s no better way to enjoy the spring weather up here and see out the end of the season.
View the Big White Ski Resort Events Calendar.
Big White Restaurants and Bars
The ski resort has a plethora of Big White restaurants and bars to keep your group entertained during your stay, all providing a different style of food or atmosphere. From delicious tapas and live music in a cozy bar at the Globe Café & Tapas Bar, to exquisite Mexican food at Cantina Del Centro, or upmarket pub meals and pool at Snowshoe Sam’s, there are lots of places to explore. We even have a sushi restaurant in the Village (new in the 2021/2022 season)!
There are also lots of options for a quick coffee and bite to eat before heading back out in the powder, such as the Globe Café, Clocktower Coffee, or The Bullwheel (perfectly located next to Sun Run/The Bullet chair, and why not try their famous pink doughnuts!).
You can find all these and more in the Village Centre, or if you need a snack whilst out on the mountain, you can find various food trucks and day lodges dotted around. You can be sure you will never go hungry! Read the full list of the Big White restaurants and bars you can look forward to.
Some of Our Delicious Big White Restaurants & Bars:
Understanding The Different Big White Ski Resort Areas
Accommodation at the resort is split into several different unique areas, all with their own benefits and luxuries. However, getting around the mountain is extremely easy, making all Big White activities and events accessible from anywhere!
Wherever you are staying, make sure to check out our ski in ski out videos for each Big White accommodation, exclusive to Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals. We have videos demonstrating the best ski in ski out options for each of our Big White accommodations, showing you exactly how long it takes, and making sure you don’t get lost along the way. Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals are the only vacation rental provider that has these videos – we ensure our guests have all the tools they need to have a fantastic ski trip.
Happy Valley At Big White Ski Resort
Most of our homes are situated in Happy Valley, and there is a wealth of benefits to staying down there. Firstly, Happy Valley is where most of the activities, especially for families, are held. This is where the ice rink is, Canada’s highest outdoor ice rink. You can rent skates and hockey sticks from the shop next to the rink or bring your own – the rink is free to use. So, bring the whole family down for a skate or game of hockey.
Happy Valley Day Lodge is right by the rink, perfect for a drink or bite to eat once you’ve built up an appetite after skating. After that, why not check out the Tube Park – a magic carpet will take you and your tube to the top of the slope, where you can choose from a slow or fast lane. You can even get your whole group going down together with arms and legs linked, and if you ask the Big White Ski Resort staff nicely, they might even give you a good spin or a shove to make it an exhilarating ride! Happy Valley is also host to dog sledding tours, a once-in-a-lifetime activity you can do in our winter wonderland.
Finally, to top off the evening’s festivities, Happy Valley puts on a firework show every Saturday night! The perfect family spectacle, that you can enjoy from the car park to be right in the action or from the comfort of your hot tub. Happy Valley is also well connected as you will always be extremely close (a 5-minute walk or less) to the Gondola, which takes you right to the heart of the Village, providing access to all the restaurants, shops, and rental services.
View Big White Accommodation in Happy Valley.
Big White Ski Resort’s White Forest Estates
We also have several beautiful homes in the White Forest area. This area is the best of both worlds – situated in a picturesque residential area between the Village and Happy Valley. The Village is just a short walk away (less than 10 minutes) for dining and shopping, and Happy Valley is only a 5-minute downhill walk away with all its activities and events! For ski-out, you can either head down to Happy Valley and ride the Gondola up to the Village for access to the Bullet or Ridge Rocket/Snowghost chair lifts. To ski home, you can go down Happy Valley Way and then you’re almost at your doorstep.
View Big White Accommodation in White Forest Estates.
The Village Centre Area at Big White Ski Resort
If you’re set on being as close as possible to the Village, we have homes in Kettleview Road just below the Village Centre, and in Aspens just above, meaning everything is simply a short stroll away. This is great if you plan on eating out most days or intend to kit yourself out with all-new ski gear! And makes picking up your ski rentals and lift passes a breeze. There’s great nightlife in the Village, with Snowshoe Sam’s being voted the #1 ski bar in North America! They have a different themed night and activities most nights of the week and is a great place to hang out with friends and family after a day out on the mountain.
Finally, if you are looking for the experience of a lifetime, then our stunning home above the Village in the Feathertop’s development, named Snow Peaks, will be an experience you will never forget! Situated a short walk away from the Village, this home has the best ski in/ski out you could wish for. Straight out your back door, you have the option to ski down to either the Bullet or Black Forest chairlifts, and from the Bullet you can get to every other chairlift on the mountain barring Gem Lake! To ski home, you can get to your back door from any chairlift on the mountain except Gem Lake (and Plaza chair as this goes to the Village center)! This means you have easy access to a variety of different ski terrain – head down to Black Forest if you want to ski a mix of steep trees and open glades, head to The Bullet if you’re after wide open groomed runs with tree runs to the side, or use The Bullet to access the T-Bar and make you’re way to the top of the mountain for awesome panoramic views. As this home is located high up the resort it boasts stunning views, and the home itself is unrivalled in its luxuriousness.
View Big White Accommodation in the Village Centre, Lower Village and Upper Village.
Ski Trip Itineraries for Big White Ski Resort
1 Week Ski Trip Itinerary
So, you and the crew are coming to Big White Ski Resort for 7 days and are wondering how you might spend your days (apart from hunting fresh powder on the hill) and nights (apart from cozying up by the fire)? Well, check out our recommended itinerary here! There’s always plenty to do and explore at Big White Ski Resort, meaning every day can provide you with a different experience.
Ski Vacation Day 1:
Why not kick off your first day here with some breakfast at The Bullwheel! There’s no better way to prepare for a day on the slopes than a cooked breakfast and a hot drink. Once you’re fueled up, head down to The Bullet chair (conveniently right next to The Bullwheel!) for your first lap of the day. From the top of the Bullet, there is plenty of terrain to explore – from freshly groomed runs to tree runs – and once you’ve had a few laps there The Bullet chair provides easy access to all other areas of the mountain. Take the family up the T-Bar to reach the peak of the mountain and take in the stunning view.
If any of your group are beginners, or even if you’re a seasoned veteran looking to improve your technique, then check out Big White’s Ski School. They have a host of amazing instructors that can help you out! Big White also has great terrain for people learning – start off on the magic carpets in Happy Valley on a very forgiving gradient, then move up to the Plaza Chair for short, easy runs. Then you can move on to the big stuff! If you’re here as a family this is a great way to get your kids started at snow sports, and whilst they are with Ski School all day the parents can go off to the more advanced terrain!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite stop off in the village for a sit-down lunch at one of our restaurants, or just grab a coffee and sandwich to go from The Globe and head back out!
When you’re ready to take those ski and snowboard boots off for the day, you might fancy trading them in for ice skates instead down at Happy Valley, where you can enjoy the ice rink and even have your own game of hockey! Big White’s ice rink is the highest-elevation outdoor rink in Canada. There is always a wood firepit beside the rink to warm your hands and feet, and Happy Valley Day Lodge’s Alpine Express coffee shop is next door for anyone who needs a hot chocolate or coffee.
After that you will no doubt all be ready for some dinner – The Alpine Burger Co. in the Happy Valley Day Lodge is conveniently located steps away from the ice skating rink! Here they have a variety of casual food and drinks available in a nice family setting, including tasty burgers.
Now head home and rest up for some more shredding tomorrow!
Ski Vacation Day 2:
Today you can take the gang over to the Black Forest chair and explore that part of the mountain. Black Forest has fantastic tree runs, however even if you have never ridden in the trees before this is a great place to start as there are both tight advanced tree sections and much more open glades. The glades are great for riding in a group as it’s easy to keep sight of everyone around you.
When you need a break, head into the Black Forest Day Lodge. They provide fantastic hot meals here and a selection of drinks, and the lodge is right next to the chairlift!
If you’re feeling brave, from the top of the Black Forest chairlift you can access Easter Chutes – a steep and tight forest that will test your skills. If there has been snow recently then you are bound to find fresh tracks in here! When you pop out of the forest you will be on a cat track that takes you back to the Black Forest chair where you can meet up with the other members of your group.
For dinner tonight why not try The Globe Café & Tapas in the village, where they have an exquisite dinner menu, and host live music and other events. It’s a family favourite restaurant on the hill.
If you’re looking for an evening activity, check out the Tube Park down in Happy Valley. Grab a tube and head up the magic carpet, where can choose from two lanes to tube down – a slower, mellower lane, or an adrenaline-pumping speed lane! If you ask nicely, the attendant at the top will give you a push for extra speed or whip you into an exhilarating spin. If you’re going as a group, you can all link arms and feet in a ring at the top and the attendant will push you down – this is sure to have you laughing with joy when you reach the bottom!
Ski Vacation Day 3:
Today is the day to check out the Gem Lake chair – this is situated on the other side of the mountain and is a favourite with the locals due to its massively varied terrain and long runs! You can get to Gem Lake from either The Ridge Rocket/Snowghost Express, Powder Chair or T-Bar. From here you can make it all the way to Gem Lake – we recommend taking the Blue Sapphire run, a beautiful, wide and long run with amazing views.
From the top of Gem Lake take a moment to admire more stunning views of the valley, before heading off to explore. You can access so many great runs here – Kalina’s Rainbow takes you all the way around the boundary of the mountain, with lots of tree runs or groomed runs branching off for you.
Gem Lake is also home to Beavertails! No one can resist grabbing one of these delicious treats for a pick-me-up before more laps.
By day 3 you’re no doubt ready for a night in your private hot tub to rest those sore muscles – if you’re staying in Happy Valley then you can even watch the Saturday night firework show whilst tubbing! Otherwise, take the Gondola down and admire the show from the ice rink.
Ski Vacation Day 4:
Need a day off from skiing or snowboarding? Check out the dog sledding tours going on in Happy Valley! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will get to meet the whole dog pack before you start, and then your chosen dog team for the day will take you on a tour of the beautiful forest-lined trails. Be sure to take lots of photos and give the dogs a good pet for doing such an amazing job.
If you want to help your body be ready for hitting the slopes again tomorrow, then why not book a private massage for today. Big White Mountain Massage has a fantastic mobile massage service – they come to you and will get those sore muscles the attention they deserve!
If, however, you get to the evening and you feel like you could hit the slopes, why not try out some night skiing. Big White Ski Resort boasts the largest vertical drop for any night skiing area in North America and the largest night skiing area in Western Canada.
Ski Vacation Day 5:
By day 5 you should be feeling like you know the different areas of the mountain pretty well, so why not have a day of mixing it all up! Everything is so well connected here you can easily ski all the different areas of the mountain in one day. Take yourself down Big White’s longest run – called “Around the World”! This whopping 7.2km run takes you from the top of the T-bar down to the bottom of Gem Lake and boasts some stunning views.
For people feeling brave, they can take on The Cliff chair, aptly named for its extremely steep runs, not for the faint-hearted!
This evening, try dining at The Black Diamond if you are a lover of meat, or Snowshoe Sam’s if you want a varied gastro-pub menu. If you haven’t spent an evening in Snowshoe Sam’s, then stay for a drink and check out the live music they often have on or play a few games of pool – Sam’s is the life and soul of the mountain and has even been voted the #1 ski bar in North America! They host a different themed night each evening, from Open Mic nights, to live DJs, trivia nights, and more!
Ski Vacation Day 6:
Fancy trying out a different sport today? Then head over to the rental shop and pick up a pair of cross-country skis! Big White Ski Resort is home to 25km of combined Nordic and Wilderness trails that are groomed regularly, so there is plenty to explore.
If you fancy more of an idyllic stroll in the forest, then rent some snowshoes instead and go for a wander along the trails in Happy Valley. This is a lovely way to get out into nature whilst giving your legs a rest from skiing and snowboarding.
This evening, check out the local legend that is Jon Bos. He’s a musical master that has been entertaining the mountain for a long time! Playing sets at The Globe and other venues on the mountain, Jon plays an insane variety of music and knows how to put on a show. He will even take requests if you ask nicely.
Ski Vacation Day 7:
It’s your last day, so make sure you get a full day out on the slopes! Tick off any runs that you haven’t tried yet, hit those trees you’ve been building yourself up for, or go for the big one – drop into the Cliff if you haven’t already!
Stop for some lunch at Fourth Ace to try their delicious smoked meats, then head back out. If night skiing is on, why not check out the sunset from the top of the Bullet chair! Or alternatively, grab some Mexican food and margaritas at the Cantina, and make use of the stunning mountain views from their deck to watch the sunset.
If you want to celebrate a fantastic holiday with a fantastic gourmet meal, try out 6 Degrees Bistro – they offer a 6-course, wine-paired evening, a perfect toast to a successful ski trip. Or you can check out Snowshoe Sam’s for your last evening on the mountain – they have themed nights most nights of the week, so you can “go out with a bang” with some wild karaoke, or win big at the weekly trivia.
Getting to BC’s Big White Ski Resort
Wherever you are coming to us from, be sure to check out our in-depth Big White Snow Report before departing so you can pack appropriate clothes for your stay, and get yourself hyped for some Okanagan champagne powder.
Kelowna to Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort is perfectly located to make getting here easy from all over the world! Kelowna is a major city in British Columbia and has its own international airport with direct flights to the USA and Mexico, and connecting flights through Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.
Once in Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort is a picturesque 50-minute drive away! If you’re driving yourself, follow Highway 97 South until the turn-off for Rutland Road North. Then Follow Rutland Road North until you hit Highway 33. Then turn left onto Highway 33 and follow that for 30km. When you see the sign for Big White, turn left onto Big White Road, and follow that for 22km. This will bring you to the ski resort! Just after the “Welcome to Big White” sign, there is a turnoff on the left for Snowpines, or you can continue along Big White Road for Happy Valley or the Village. On your left, you will pass the Ridge Rocket and Plaza chair lifts, and shortly after that you can turn right for Happy Valley or continue straight to the Village!
The drive up to Big White Ski Resort from Kelowna is a beautiful, picturesque drive that will give you a glimpse of the pristine terrain you can experience while here! The road is paved all the way up the mountain, however, if you’re driving your own car, please make sure to check DriveBC for up-to-date road conditions, and make sure you have suitable winter tires. We want to ensure you arrive here safely, so please drive slowly and be cautious of changing road conditions, we are at the top of a mountain after all! If you’re not driving, then sit back, relax, enjoy the views, and picture yourself skiing amongst the beautiful scenery around you.
There are several services providing rides from Kelowna to the resort. One such service is Ride Out West Tours which provides rides to and from the resort, grocery trips, wine tours and trips to see some local hockey games! We are also thrilled to be partnered with White Star Limo which provides luxury rides from Kelowna to Big White Ski Resort – for those that want to arrive in style and comfort!
Driving From the Lower Mainland To Big White Ski Resort
To get to Big White from Vancouver is a 5hr drive door to door. First, you follow the Trans-Canada Highway 1 until you hit Hope, then you take Highway 5 to Merritt, Highway 5A and 97C to Kelowna. From Kelowna, you follow Highway 33 to the turn-off for Big White Road and you’ve almost made it! Hope and Merritt both make great pit stops on this journey, with restaurants, fast food and coffee to keep you and the family fuelled up for the drive! There are also some stunning sections of this journey through the mountains. You will be driving along the Coquihalla (Highway 5) which is a mountain pass, and as such can have rapidly changing conditions and can be heavily affected by snow, so please make sure to check DriveBC for up-to-date conditions and advice and always use suitable tires.
Driving From Alberta To Big White Ski Resort
The drive from Calgary to Big White is 7.5 hours door to door and takes you through some of Canada’s most remarkable scenery. You must follow the Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Sicamous, then the 97A down to Kelowna. From there you can take Highway 33 to the turn-off for Big White Road before ascending the mountain. As with all mountain driving, conditions can change rapidly, so please be prepared and drive slowly. Always ensure you have suitable tires and check 511Alberta and DriveBC to get up-to-date road conditions.
Driving From Washington State To Big White
If you’re coming from Washington State, the drive from Seattle to the Canadian resort takes roughly 7 hours door to door (not accounting for time at the border). Drive North on the I-5 to Bellingham, then follow signs for the border. Once across, follow the Trans-Canada Highway 1 until you hit Hope, then you take Highway 5 to Merritt, Highway 5A and 97C to Kelowna. From Kelowna, you follow Highway 33 to the turn-off for Big White Road and you’ve almost made it. Hope and Merritt both make great pit stops on this journey, with restaurants, fast food and coffee to keep you and the family fuelled up for the drive! There are also some stunning sections of this journey through the mountains. You will be driving along the Coquihalla (Highway 5) which is a mountain pass, and as such can have rapidly changing conditions and can be heavily affected by snow, so please make sure to check DriveBC for up-to-date conditions and advice and always use suitable tires.
Driving From the Prairie Provinces to Big White
If you are coming to us from the Prairie provinces, the drive is very straightforward and of course very flat until you get to the Canadian Rockies. Coming from Saskatoon is a 13.5-hour drive, and from Winnipeg is a 21-hour drive.
Saskatoon to Big White takes you along the SK-7 and SK-44 Highways to get to Calgary. From there follow the Tans-Canada Highway 1 all the way to Sicamous (just north of Kelowna), then take Highway 97 down to Kelowna and join Highway 33 to Big White Road, then you’re on your way up the mountain!
Winnipeg to Big White takes you along the Tans-Canada Highway 1 all the way to Sicamous (just north of Kelowna), then take Highway 97 down to Kelowna and join Highway 33 to Big White Road.
Getting To Big White Ski Resort From Abroad
Kelowna is an international airport, so getting here from other countries is a breeze.
Kelowna has direct flights from the USA (Seattle & Phoenix) and Mexico (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan & San Jose Cabo), and has lots of connecting flights from the main hubs in Canada, such as Calgary and Vancouver. People coming from lots of major cities across the globe can get to Kelowna airport in just 2 flights – the first to Calgary or Vancouver, and then jumping on a connecting flight to Kelowna – not only is flying to Kelowna from Calgary or Vancouver a beautiful scenic flight, but it also only takes roughly 1 hour! So, wherever you are coming to Big White from, you can get here stress free.
Here are some of the major cities that have direct flights to Calgary or Vancouver: London (England), Dublin (Republic of Ireland), Edinburgh (Scotland), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Paris (France), Munich or Frankfurt (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland), Barcelona (Spain), Rome (Italy), Tokyo (Japan), Istanbul (Turkey), China (multiple cities), Singapore, Seoul (South Korea), amongst others!
Also, the majority of states in the USA have cities with direct flights to Calgary or Vancouver!
Big White Ski Resort: Your Canadian Champagne Powder Playground
As one of Canada’s favourite family ski resorts, Big White has plenty to offer for an ultimate ski getaway. Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, looking for a relaxing getaway for just you and your partner, some fun with the family or a group getaway everyone can enjoy, our resort has everything you need, and more.
Looking for more expert local knowledge and ski trip planning tips? Check out the Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals’ trip planning blog. Already itching to book your next Big White ski trip? Browse our luxury ski chalets and Big White rentals and book your next vacation today.