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Nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Big White Ski Resort sits on the tallest mountain in the Okanagan Highlands in Canada. It is one of over 80 ski resorts in the province. Big White Mountain has a peak elevation of 7,595 ft (2315 m) and a vertical descent of 2261 ft (811 m). Big White Ski Resort has been consistently ranked as Canada’s best family-friendly resort. From having the best ski-in ski-out village in Canada, tons of beginner and intermediate terrain, family-style accommodation, and more, look no further than Big White for a memorable ski vacation. The area has 16 lifts and 65 miles (105 km) of ski slopes. Big White’s ski season lasts from mid-November to mid-April. Big White Ski Resort is also known for its excellent tree skiing, and the gentle gradient to the peak allows skiers of all abilities to access Big White’s summit easily.
One important thing to note is that prices here are in Canadian dollars. Canada is an excellent ski destination for international travelers because US dollars, euros, pounds, and other Western currencies are subject to a favorable exchange rate. As of April 2023, the exchange rate is 75 US cents per Canadian dollar, meaning a lift pass or meal that costs $100 Canadian will only be $75 US.
Big White Ski Resort is in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary of southern British Columbia. It lies within a subrange called the Beaverdell Range. This range is between West Kettle and Kettle Rivers and is oriented north to south. It just sneaks into the west side of the Canadian Rockies. The resort is also within the bounds of the Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve, a protected area full of alpine tundra, fir forest, and freshwater rivers.
The closest city to Big White is Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley. It sits 35 mi (58 km) northwest and is just under an hour’s drive. The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s Napa Valley and home to some of North America’s best vineyards and wineries.
Big White Ski Resort is relatively accessible.
Given that Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is less than an hour's drive from the ski resort, Big White is one of the most accessible destinations for national and international visitors.
Guests can rent a vehicle or take a shuttle 38 mi (61 km) to the ski resort.
There are several rental companies at YLW Airport, which will cost around $100 per day, depending on your chosen vehicle. After leaving the airport, turn left onto Okanagan Hwy / BC-97 S. Stay on this for 2.5 mi (4 km) and take a quick left and right onto Old Vernon Rd / Rutland Rd N. Take exit Hwy 33 E / Kelowna-Rock Creek and follow this to Big White Road which leads to the Big White Ski Resort.
Important: Driving this highway in winter will test your driving abilities and concentration, as regular snow makes this stretch of road incredibly demanding. Winter tires are required.
Big White’s Airport Shuttle runs multiple daily trips between YLW and Big White. A round trip costs $89.25 for an adult and $63.00 for a child (12 years and under).
You can also ball out and rent a limo from Kelowna Limo to fulfill your group's every need. Convenient pickup, luggage handling, and private and luxurious transportation await.
Parking is free if you plan on just visiting for a day trip! Overnight parking will cost you $20 per vehicle, and you must get a parking permit from the Central Mountain Check-In.
Central Mountain Reservations provides complimentary parking for one vehicle for guests staying in their accommodation. I’d recommend carpooling when possible due to the limited availability of extra overnight parking, especially during the holiday season.
The layout of the Big White Village is truly impressive. The entire village is located mid-mountain and is exclusively a pedestrian and skiers village. You can actually ski through the village on the Easy Street green run. Accessing shops, restaurants, bars, and accommodations could not be more convenient. Traversing the village from one end to the other doesn’t take more than ten minutes.
I'd recommend taking a free mountain tour from one of Big White’s expert Snow Hosts. You’ll gain valuable information and local intel on the best runs, where to eat, and what to do.
Additional driving and walking roads branch out from the main village to accommodations and estates. The streets could be better-lit, so make sure you have your phone light on so vehicles can see you. A free mountain shuttle stops at many points around the resort. It’s mighty convenient, and I’d recommend using it, especially to get around in the evening.
The ski season at Big White is similar to most British Columbia ski resorts. It is open from late November to mid-April.
Christmas and New Year's are the most exciting time to visit the resort. Packed with family events, great skiing, and New Year celebrations, the resort is alive and feels like a magical mountain getaway. However, the holidays are also the most expensive and crowded time to visit.
My recommendation is to visit the resort between February and March. By this time, there’s a deep base for groomers and excellent coverage for off-piste and gladed skiing. Snowstorms are consistent, providing you with the best opportunity for powder skiing. Plan to ride on weekdays for less crowded ski runs and lift lines. Weekends are much busier. Avoid Canada’s Family Day weekend, the third Monday of February, as this can be one of the year's busiest weekends.
Big White Ski Resort is aptly named due to the consistent amount of dry and fluffy white stuff. On account of its elevation, storms and cold temperatures are regular here in the winter. Traveling to the resort in the heart of winter, you’ll see trees completely entrenched and immobilized by snow. Skiing through these “snow ghosts” is an exceptional experience.
Big White Ski Resort gets about 24 ft (7.5 m) of snow annually, and it’s the light champagne powder snow that Interior BC is known for. Most years, storms are consistent throughout the year and sometimes rage into the closing weekend in early April.
December and January ski temperatures range around 20 ºF (-7 ºC), with cold snaps of -22 ºF (-30 ºC) possible. It’s best to plan for cold temperatures with several base and mid layers suitable for deep freezes. February and March tend to warm up a bit; however, howling storms still rip through, so it’s best to be prepared.
Big White Ski Resort is a self-contained area on Big White Mountain consisting of the actual ski resort, accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment. With a summit of 7,606 ft (2319 m), a vertical of 2,549 ft (777 m), and various slopes, there’s something for everyone to explore. Prospective visitors can find the Big White Ski Resort map here.
The Village Centre is about a third of the way up Big White Mountain. Here, you’ll find most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants. You can easily walk or ski around this village as it’s pedestrian-only. Watch out during the afternoon because skiers and walkers share the same path. Two lifts (Plaza and Lara’s Gondola) also deliver you to the village from different accommodations below.
This area can be considered the main guts of the ski resort. Snow Ghost and Ridge Rocket Chairs whisk you about three-quarters up the mountain's front face, giving you access to excellent green and blue runs back to the village. From here, you can also ski down to Powder Chair on your left and Alpine T-Bar on your right, which reaches the summit.
The alpine of Big White Ski Resort is unique. It’s one of the only resorts I know of that offers double black as well as green runs from the top. This variety allows even the most novice of skiers to enjoy the sights from the summit at 7606 ft (2319 m). Just make sure you’re comfortable riding a T-Bar lift. To access the summit from the base, ride the Snow Ghost or Ridge Rocket Express and then ski a minute down the green run Rocket Easy Out to the Alpine T-Bar. Upon reaching the summit, you exit to the left for green runs and right for double black expert runs. The two-person Cliff Chair is a must for riders looking to lap the double black zone off the peak.
The far west side of the resort is an advanced skiers' playground. With summit-to-valley black runs, this area will get your legs pumping and your adrenaline rushing. Skiers can access this area from Big White’s summit or a few green and blue runs around mid-mountain. Two chair lifts allow you to access two alpine areas, Sun Rype Bowl and Falcon Glades, which can lead you into some impressive gladed areas. Wind-loaded snow pockets are a regular occurrence in this zone. Exploring the areas around Black Jack is a must for experienced glade skiers. There is also a warming hut at the Gem Lake Express's base, so you don’t have to ski back to the village if you get cold.
Big White’s Terrain Park is accessible from the Northeast part of the village. It has small to extra large jumps and features allowing you safe progression as you improve. The ski resort is also home to one of the best boardercross courses in the province and holds an epic banked slalom competition every spring. The terrain park is also open for night skiing from 3:30 – 8:00 p.m. so you can get jibby under the stars.
On the far right side of the resort lies the Black Forest Express. This area is known for wide open green and blue runs where you can carve with your family. Try the green run Millie’s Mile, an excellent run to start your day.
Big White Ski Resort is known for dependable dry powder, wide and meandering groomed runs, and extensive gladed areas. The resort's fall line is more gradual, catering to beginner and novice skiers, making it an excellent choice for a family holiday. For the more experienced skier, Big White also offers some impressive expert and extreme terrain from the peak.
There are a total of 119 designated trails at the ski resort. 18% are beginner, 54% intermediate, 22% expert, and 6% extreme (double-black). Slope classification is broken into four categories: beginner — green circles, intermediate — blue squares, and advanced/expert — black/double-black diamonds.
Slopes
Ski lifts
Other features and services
An excellent alternative to alpine skiing is Nordic Skiing, one of the most aerobic sports you can participate in. If you are up for the challenge, Big White ski resort offers 15.5 mi (25 km) of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails to explore. These trails range from beginner to advanced, allowing the whole family to get in on the action.
Nordic at Big White is located just below the Village Centre. It is accessible by taking Lara’s Gondola or by parking in the Happy Valley Day Lodge and walking to the learning area. Day tickets cost $15 per person, and rentals cost $34 per day.
The Snowshoe trails are in the same area, with trail passes at $15 and full rentals at $37.
There isn’t much of a backcountry scene in Big White; however, you can access a few areas right off of the resort. The backside of the summit, known as East Peak, can be accessed by the Cliff chair or Alpine T-Bar. There is another area around Gem Lake, but the consensus is that it’s not worth the hassle.
The best opportunity for maximum savings is booking your tickets online at least two days before your visit (saving 25% off window rates).
Online Prices for an adult are Mon - Fri $93, Sat-Sun $111, Peak Season $134. Night skiing costs $30. You can also buy POWder Cards which offer 3 and 5-day lift tickets that you can use any day of the season. They cost $380 for a 3-day and $596 for a 5-day.
Big White Ski Resort
5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna, British Columbia (BC), V1P1P3, Canada
Tel: 250.765.3101, concierge@bigwhite.com
Reservations: 1.800.663.2772, cenres@bigwhite.com
General inquiries: bigwhite@bigwhite.com
A mixture of day lodge cafeterias, sit-down restaurants, bars, and pubs cater to your culinary needs located around the base of the resort.
Dining on Mountain
On-mountain dining is available in three day-lodge locations. Black Forest, Happy Valley, and Gem Lake Day lodges all offer cafeteria-style food that is quick to access and relatively affordable. Happy Valley Lodge is the most extensive option with the most seating. They also have events, live music, and family-friendly activities so it’s worth checking out! Black Forest Lodge is my favorite due to the sweeping panoramic views of the mountains, food choices, and more modern feel.
Dining in the Village
Whether you want a relaxing sit-down meal for lunch or a family-friendly sit-down experience after skiing, you can explore more than 20 restaurants around the Village Centre. With different options like steak and seafood (Black Diamond Bar and Grill), Japanese (Sasquatch Sushi), or fine dining (6 Degrees Bistro), you can’t go wrong.
A new notable mention is Fourth Ace Bar and Smokehouse. This family-friendly restaurant has excellent smokehouse-style food and a wide variety of tasty drinks. There is also a grocery store called “The Market” where you can find all your essentials.
Clocktower Coffee Co is your go-to for award-winning coffee from Kelowna-based coffee roaster, Tug 6.
Accommodations in Big White Ski Resort range from hotels, lodges, chalets, condos, and Airbnb rentals.
Stonebridge Lodge is your luxurious option, located in the heart of the village right beside Bullet Express. This lodge offers one, two, and three-bedroom units with lots of options like lofts, fireplaces, and private hot tubs.
Whitefoot Lodge is an economical option also located in the heart of the village. This lodge offers more affordable one and two-bedroom units and studio suites at reasonable prices.
Bullet ECreek Cabins provides an authentic log cabin experience. Nestled only an 8-minute walk from the Village Centre, it’s quieter and family-friendly if you’re looking for a private option that’s still ski-in ski-out.
Due to the family-friendly atmosphere at Big White, multiple events and attractions occur daily, including firework shows, family skating, games night, tubing, music festivals, and more.
The nearest city to Big White Ski Resort is Kelowna, British Columbia’s largest city in the interior. Known for its sprawling lake country, breweries, and wineries, it’s a frequent stop for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts in the summer. Kelowna is considered the Napa Valley of Canada and produces some of the best wines in North America. The Okanagan country is also known for its exquisite hiking and backpacking adventures.
The nearest ski resort to Big White is SilverStar Mountain Resort. It is another world-class choice for powder hunters with similar snow conditions to Big White and a steeper fall line. SilverStar is a bit more quaint and quiet. If you’re into a more relaxing and chill ski experience, this resort is worth a visit.
