Big White Ski Resort is a world-class resort in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada.
With an average of 24.5 feet (7.5 metres) per year of pure, fresh powder and 2,765 acres of skiable terrain, Big White is the second largest ski mountain in British Columbia. Abundant snowfall, mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine make Big White an ideal ski resort for skiers of any level.
For out-of-town skiers, the Kelowna International
Airport is serviced by all of the top Canadian
airlines and several non-stop flights are available
from major departure cities. By car, we are a
convenient 6 hours from Vancouver, Calgary and
Seattle.
Terrain
Stats
- 7,155 acres/2,880 hectares patrolled
area boundary - 2,165 acres/984 hectares ski-able area
- 755 groomed acres
- 1,325 alpine and gladed areas
- 38 acres illuminated for night skiing
Elevation
- Summit: 2,319m or 7,606′
- Highest transport: 2,286m or 7,500′
- Village centre: 1,755m or 5,706′
- Westridge base: 1,508m or 4,950′
- Vertical drop: 777m or 2,550′
- Night vertical drop: 495m or 1,624′ (Tuesday to Saturdays)
Runs
- 107 designated trails
- Novice - 18%
- Intermediate - 56%
- Advanced - 26%
- Longest Run - 7.2 Km or 4.5M
Transportation
- 13 lifts
- Gondola: 1 high speed, 8 passenger Leitner Gondola
- Chairlifts: 4 high speed detachable quad chairs
- 1 fixed grip quad
- 1 triple chair
- 1 double chair
- Surface Lifts: 1 T-Bar
- 1 Children’s Magic Carpet
- 1 Platter Lift
- Tubing Lifts: 2 Leitner Tube Lifts
Lift Capacity
- 23,400 skiers per hour
Webcams & Weather
Weather Report
Big White Ski Resort is well-known excellent snow conditions and great weather. For current weather conditions and snow reports please check the report below.
Daily Snow Report at Big White
Village Centre Webcam
Westridge Webcam
Telus Park Webcam
Getting Here
Kelowna Int’l Airport
Kelowna International Airport is serviced by many Canadian airlines. These airlines are partnered with many international carriers and offer non-stop flights to Kelowna daily from Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Seattle. Connecting flights are available from most international destinations.
- Air Canada (International)
- Jazz (International)
- WestJet (Canada/USA)
- Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines)
- Harmony Airways (Hawaii)
- Regional 1 Airlines (Western Canada)
Airport Shuttle Service
Daily shuttle service is available from the Kelowna International Airport to Big White Ski Resort. If you need to coordinate pick-up from downtown hotels or other Okanagan locations to the Kelowna Airport to meet the Big White Shuttle please contact the Kelowna Airport Shuttle Service.
Shuttle Services
Big White Ski Shuttle
All Canadian Escapes Big White Shuttle
Tourtime Holidays
Okanagan Limousine
Group Shuttle Charters
All Canadian Escapes Big White Shuttle
Falcon Bus Charters
Tour Time Holidays
Inter-Mountain Shuttle
Skiiers wishing to ski at both Big White and Silver Star can do so on Saturdays and Wednesdays via the Inter-Mountain Shuttle Service. For schedule and rates please see the website.
This is a day-trip service only and will only operate if 10 or more guests have requested service. For alternative days of travel between Big White and Silver Star guests can travel between the mountains via the Kelowna Airport.
Big White Village Centre
Big White Village Centre offers all the services and ammenities you would expect to find at a world-class ski resort. Central Reservations is where you need to head for all your ski pass and rental needs.
The Big White Kids Centre, restaurants, two day spas, and numerous shops and pubs are all here to make your stay at Big White Ski Resort an exceptional one.
Kids Centre
Located in the Big White Village Center, Big White Kid’s Center is rated as the “Best Resort Feature for Kids in Canada” by Ski Canada, and one of the “Top five in the world” by the UK London Daily Mail.
Daily learn-to-ski programs are matched to your child’s ski level, and an on-site kitchen provides kid-friendly meals and snacks during the day. The Timbers is only 3 minutes by gondola from the Big White Kids Center providing convenient access for families to this exceptional service. Ages: 2-6
Day Spas
Beyond Wrapture Day Spa
Rejuvenate your muscles and restore your mind with our Spa Specialty Treatments in this first class day spa at Big White. Located in the Chateau at Big White.
Restaurants
Copper Kettle Grille/Snow Ghost Lounge
The Copper Kettle Grille specializes in Canadian and Regional cuisine. The restaurant is located slope side on the White Crystal Inn. Visit the adjoining Snow Ghost Lounge and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and live entertainment on the weekend. Tel: 250 491-8122
Frank’s Chinese Laundry
Frank’s Chinese Laundry is located in the Whitefoot Lodge and offers a packed buffet, with both Chinese favorites and some western style cuisine. Tel: 250 765-7866
Coltiono’s Ristorante
Bring the whole family and indulge in some delicious pasta dishes and other Italian cuisine.
Tel: 250 765-5611
Happy Valley Bar
The Happy Valley Bar features live DJ music (on some nights), theme nights and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Happy Valley Lodge 3 minutes by Gondola from the Big White Village Centre. Tel: 250 765-3101
Kettle Valley Steakhouse
The Kettle Valley Steakhouse is located near the top of the gondola. Menu items feature prime steaks, seafood and more. Choose from a large selection of Okanagan Wines at the stylish wine bar. Tel: 250 491-0130
Powder Keg
Head to the Powder Keg for some tasty Greek dishes and deserts. This restaurant is located in the Inn at Big White. Tel: 250 491-0221
Raakel’s Ridge Pub
Head down to Raakel’s Pub for a pint or two and a fun time with friends. The bar also features many popular Okanagan wines. Tel: 250 765-5611
RidgeRocket Cafe
The Ridge Rocket Cafe is located at the base of the Ridge Rocket and Plaza Chairs. The restaurant is known for providing hearty, daily made-from-scratch soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. Great breakfast items are also available. Ridge Rocket is open from 7:30 a.m. To 3:30 p.m. daily. Tel: 250 491-5850
Snowshoe Sam’s
At Snowshoe Sam’s visitors can cuddle up to the cozy stone fireplace with a warm or cold beverage and a hot meal. The menu resembles that of a pub-style menuburgers, nachos and morewith a twist. Live music and DJ entertainment is also offered regularly. Tel: 250 765-1416
Swiss Bear
At the Swiss Bear, visitors can feast on European style cuisine and great fondues. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel: 250 491-7750
Underground Pizza
The Underground Pizza offers traditional and not-so-traditional pizzas and more. Delivery is also available. Tel: 250 491-3575
2007/2008 Day Pass Rates
Downhill Skiing
Big White averages 24.5 feet (7.5 metres) per year of pure, fresh powder. With 2,765 acres of skiable terrain Big White is the second largest ski mountain in British Columbia. Abundant snowfall, mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine make Big White an ideal place for skiers of any level. Big White was awarded “Best Grooming in the West” by Ski Canada Magazine.
In 2005 Big White added six new runs at Gem Lake and the Cliff Chair. The Cliff Chair accesses Big White’s famous “Cliff Area” leading to many untouched powder stashes. With the expansion on the western side, and addition of six intermediate runs added another 200 acres of skiable terrain.
The Snow Ghost Express is now open beside the Ridge Rocket. This jets skiiers to the top of the mountain in just 6 minutes, increasing skiier capacity to 5,400 skiiers/hour.
Night Skiing
At Big White Ski Resort, you can enjoy night skiing under the
bright lights of the largest night skiing area in Western
Canada. During the 2007-2008 season, the Plaza Lift is scheduled
to be open from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm and the Bullet Chair is scheduled
to be open from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Night skiing also includes TELUS
Park, Big White’s world class terrain park.
Night skiing is free with the purchase of any multi-day lift ticket. Night skiing is available Tuesday through Saturday. Weather permitting.
Big White Lift Tickets 2007/2008
| Adult | Youth/Senior | Child | |
| Day (8:45 am-3:30 pm) | $68 | $56 | $33 |
| Afternoon (12:30 pm-3:30 pm) | $53 | $42 | $27 |
| Night (3:30 pm-8:00 pm) | $25 | $28 | $20 |
| Afternoon/Night (12:30 pm-8:00 pm) | $68 | $56 | $33 |
| Day/Night (8:45 am-8:00 pm) | $73 | $61 | $38 |
Telus Snowboard Park
Telus Park at Big White provides world class snowboarding and skiing facilities accessible to everyone. The park is lit at night for night skiing and snowboarding:
- 1800 ft. lift with 500 ft. vertical
- Park Area: 50 acres
- Food and Beverage facility with large deck
- Intermediate & Advanced Terrain & Rail Parks
- Olympic-size 500 foot-long Super Pipe with 17-foot transitional walls that meets FIS World Cup and X Games standards
- Regular Half Pipe with 12 ft. transitional walls, 400 ft in length
- Boardercross / Skiercross track tuned up for Regional, National and World Cups events and tuned down for everyone to learn at their own pace
- Ski & Snowboard Racecourse
- Snowmaking & Lights for night skiing and snowboarding
Mega Snow Coaster
The Mega Snow Coaster at Big White is North America’s largest resort tubing park. Located next to the Happy Valley Lodge, just steps from The Timbers and a short gondola ride from the village centre, the mega snow coaster is a favorite with all ages and an activity that is not to be missed during your stay at Big White.
Hours of Operation:
Weekdays: 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Weekends & Holidays: 2:00 pm-9:00 pm
Tickets can be purchased from the Happy Valley Day Lodge, Village Centre Mall or at the Cabin located at the base of the tube park.
Nordic Skiing
With easy access from The Timbers to 25km (15.5 miles) of cross-country ski trails, experiencing the natural beauty of Big White Ski Resort has never been easier. For beginners, Big White offers a 2 hour introductory cross-country ski lesson. Cross-country ski rentals are available at Big White Ski Resort.
For more information on lessons contact the Big White Ski and Board School at (250) 765-3101 ext. 238 or e-mail at skischool@bigwhite.com
2007-2008 Nordic Skiing Day Rates
Adult: $20
Youth/Senior: $14
Child: $10
Skating
The outdoor skating rink at Happy Valley Lodge is just steps away from The Timbers, and a favourite pastime for skiiers, and non-skiiers alike. After a day of skiing enjoy a round of hockey with friends or a quiet evening skate.
Skating Rink Hours
11:00am - 9:00pm Daily
2007-2008 Skating Rates
Skate fee: $3.50
Rental skates: $6.50
Snowmobiling
Big White Resort offers guided snowmobile tours on the forest trails and back country of Big White Ski Resort. Guests can drive their own snow mobile or double up with a friend.
Tours depart daily at 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
Drivers must have a current drivers’ license. People under 19 require parent or guardian to sign a waiver. The tour includes safety gear and hot chocolate.(Optional $23 insurance fee with a $500 deductible.)
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe rental is available at Big White Ski Resort for those who would prefer to explore the forest trails and backcountry of Big White on foot.
A 2-hour guided snowshoe tour departs at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. This includes snowshoe rental, refreshments and an interpretive guide.
2007/2008 Snowshoeing Tour Costs
Adult - $28
Child - $22
Price includes snowshoe rental and light refreshments. Other times can be arranged with four or more people.
Grade 5 SnowPass
Kids in Grade 5 (or born in 1997) can ski or snowboard for free at Big White this winter. Apply Online for your Western Canada Snow Pass, and use it for:
- 3 Free Ski Lift Tickets at Big White
- 2 for 1 Mega Snow Coaster Tickets
- 25% off Group Lessons
- 25% off Ski and Snowboard Rentals
*Only available with the Western Canada Snow Pass (not the Eastern Canada Snow Pass)
Website: Grade 5 SnowPass
Okanagan Travel Info & Links
Regional Travel Info
Visit the Okanagan Travel Directory
Kelowna International Airport
Greyhound Canada
Wineries
Mission Hill Winery
Okanagan Wine Festivals
Art & Culture
Okanagan Symphony
Kelowna Art Gallery
Kelowna Cultural District
Okanagan Cultural Corridor
Kelowna Community Theatre
Kelowna Museum