You’ll find a wide selection of ski resorts across Canada of both varying size and amenities, but Big White is ranked in the top three across Canada for a reason. The snow is one of the biggest reasons as to why people flock to ski the runs and buy up Big White real estate. The dry powder and high elevation make it a perfect destination for locals and tourists alike. Aside from the conditions themselves, Big White offers a plethora of activities and good times to be had and contributes to making it the ski resort you can’t miss this winter.
The Huge Selection of Runs for All Levels
Big White’s second largest lift capacity in Canada means you’ll be seeing plenty of people enjoying the runs, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with other skiers and boarders coming down the mountain. The resort has 118 runs, fifteen lifts, five alpine bowls, and the TELUS Terrain Park. This combines into a space of 2765 acres of terrain to explore and conquer.
Unlike other resorts, there’s a green run at the top of every lift for beginners, making it easy to learn the Big White Specific terrain. But for intermediate and advanced skiers or boarders there is still plenty of fun to be had. Everything from moguls, and tree-runs to groomed cruisers ensure your skills are tested at every level. There are even more skill-testing areas on the mountain for experts to enjoy like runs near Gem Lake and the aptly named “The Cliff” terrain section of Big White.
The Mountain Itself Is in a Prime Location
Some ski resorts require that you drive far out of town in order to reach the hill itself, but Big White is perfectly situated. You can reach the mountain in under an hour from Kelowna, and for tourists and travelers Kelowna International Airport has regularly scheduled shuttles to easily reach the resort.
Outside of travel time, and because of Big White’s positioning in BC as a whole, the average temperature during the day is actually relatively mild. It typically hovers around -5°C (or -23°F for our American friends) so you can enjoy your runs instead of shivering your way down the slopes.
The Ongoing Resort Entertainment
Whether you’re at the end of your ski or board day or just about to head out to your first run, Big White offers plenty of family-friendly activities and events. In fact, there are often several free weekly events perfect for both kids and adults the resort regularly puts on.
Aside from events, the mountain offers a wide selection of activities to enjoy as well like ice-skating, playing hockey, tubing, or warming yourself by the bonfire before the fireworks.
There’s Plenty to See and Do in the Village Centre and Surrounding Lodges
Many people already call Big White their home during the winter and there’s good reason for that. There are nineteen different restaurants to experience and enjoy, and each of them have their own unique and delicious dishes. You can also find dedicated boutique shops in addition to a ski and board store to get all the gear you could need.
If you’ve chosen to buy real estate at Big White another great perk of the resort is that there’s actually an on on-hill grocery store you can use to make meals. This way you can get a few more runs in and enjoy a home-cooked meal when you get back home.
Clearly, there are numerous reasons contributing to Big White’s success and year-after-year awards like winning 2019’s Canada Tourism Award. While some factors like the variety of runs and massive space to ski or board make it stand out, it’s really the combination of everything the resort offers that makes Big White Kelowna’s (and much of Canada’s) premier ski resort.