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Big White Ski Resort
Big White Village Centre - 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
- 7,355 acres/3,052 hectares of resort area
- 2,765 acres/1,147 hectares of patrolled area boundary
- 905 acres/367 hectares of groomed area
- 1,525 acres/618 hectares of alpine and gladed areas
- 38 acres/15 hectares of illuminated for night skiing
Elevation
- Summit: 2,319m or 7,606 ft.
- Highest transport: 2,286m or 7,500 ft.
- Village centre: 1,755m or 5,706 ft.
- Westridge base: 1,508m or 4,950 ft.
- Vertical drop: 777m or 2,550 ft.
- Night vertical drop: 495m or 1,624 ft.
(Tuesday to Saturdays)
Runs
- 118 designated trails
- Novice/Beginner - 18%
- Intermediate - 54%
- Expert - 22%
- Extreme - 6%
- Longest Run - 7.2 Km or 4.5 miles
Transportation
- 16 lifts
- Lara's 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
- 28,000 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.
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
All Canadian Escapes Big White Shuttle
Group Shuttle Charters
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 Big White 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
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
Snowshoe Sam's
Voted Canada's#1 Ski Bar by Ski Canada Magazine and Best Après Ski Venue in North America for 2002-2003 by The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide, Sam's has great pub atmosphere. Meals, après-ski, games, DJ entertainment and live bands — Sam's is the place to go for a night of fun. The dining room is located upstairs and features a big stone fireplace, superb food and don't miss the famous "Gunbarrel Coffee" show.
Phone: (250) 765 1416
Kettle Valley Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Ride the gondola to Happy Valley where you'll find the Kettle Valley Steakhouse. Fine dining at its best from 5:00 pm everyday. Our Executive Chef uses only the finest reserve beef, game, salmon and chicken available, and creates all sauces from scratch. The Steakhouse boasts the largest wine list in the resort with over 140 selections from the Okanagan Valley and around the world. Let our servers pamper you, let our food amaze you. Reservations are highly recommended.
Phone: (250) 491 0130
Moose Lounge
Located in the Happy Valley Lodge and open daily from 11:00 am. “The Moose” offers daily drink specials and an appetizer menu for apres ski. The Moose is also famous for offering live entertainment everyday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and some evenings. Come down and listen to Jon Bos and others. After skiing, after tubing or after skating The Moose is the place to be.
Phone: (250) 491 6154
Coltino's Italian Ristorante
Italian cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Traditional Italian meat dishes, pastas, pizzas and salads. Enjoy selected wines with your meal and a fancy coffee or liquor with your dessert, such as our traditional Tiramisu. Coltino's is located in the lobby of The Dos Hofbrauhaus in the village and is open 7 days a week 5pm to 10pm.
Phone: (250) 765 5611
Swiss Bear
Located in the Chateau Big White in the heart of the Big White village, the Swiss Bear is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for their mouth watering European cuisine and delicious fondues.
Phone: (250) 491 7750
Website: www.swissbearbigwhite.ca
Carvers
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. A fun and casual restaurant located at the Inn at Big White. Enjoy our extensive western and international menu, and pop by to our lounge for great apres ski drinks and appies. Carvers serves wines from Cedar Creek Estate Winery, named Winery of the Year for the second time at the 5th annual Canadian Wine Awards sponsored by Wine Access Magazine.
Phone (250) 491 2009
Pappas Roasters
Located in the Whitefoot Lodge, Pappas Roasters specializes in Fire-Grilled Mediterranean chicken, mouth watering Barbeque Ribs and delicious wraps; Pappas Roasters offers a fresh alternative for the whole family. Take advantage of our fast take-out service and daily specials. Open from 11am daily.
Phone: (250) 807 2407
The Copper Kettle Grille
Located slope side in the White Crystal Inn, The Copper Kettle Grille is Big White's premier fine dining establishment. Specializing in Canadian cuisine, The Copper Kettle is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit the Snow Ghost Lounge for live entertainment on weekends.
Phone: (250) 491 8122
Beano's Coffee Parlor
Located in the Village Centre Mall, Beano's is the perfect place to grab a coffee or hot chocolate while you're waiting for rentals or lift tickets. Beano's also has excellent homemade sandwiches, soups, cookies and snacks.
Phone: (250) 491 3558
The Underground Pizzeria
Located in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall and featuring mouth watering pizza for eat-in or take-out. Delivery is also available.
Phone: (250) 491 3575
Big White Bakery
This on-mountain bakery features fresh artisan breads, pastries and decadent desserts. Located in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall.
Phone: (250) 491 3575
Ridge Rocket Café
Good food fast! Serving hearty breakfasts, daily homemade soups, fresh salads & baked goods as well as burgers and fries. Located at the base of the Ridge Rocket and Plaza chairs.
Phone: (250) 491 5850
Gem Lake Café
Located at the Westridge Warming Hut. Great coffee, fresh sandwiches and baked goods.
Globe Café and Tapas Bar
Enjoy fast healthy breakfasts to eat in or take to the slopes, savour the finest coffee, or enjoy delicious homemade soups and gourmet paninis for lunch. Once the lifts are closed, come for après ski and simply relax with a beer or glass of wine from our local and international selection, or linger for the evening with our menu of globally inspired tapas dishes to share with friends. Open daily from 8:00am 'til late. At Trapper's Crossing.
Phone: (250) 765 - 1501
The Market at Big White
Located in the Whitefoot Lodge The Market at Big White includes a 60 seat deli that provides yet another great place to eat on the mountain.
Phone: (250) 765 7666
2009/2010 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 temperatues 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 2009-2010 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 2009/2010
| Adult | Youth/Senior | Child | |
| Day (8:45 am-3:30 pm) | $71 | $59 | $35 |
| Afternoon (12:30 pm-3:30 pm) | $56 | $45 | $29 |
| Night (4 pm-8:00 pm) | $27 | $27 | $22 |
| Afternoon/Night (12:30 pm-8:00 pm) | $71 | $59 | $34 |
| Day/Night (8:45 am-8:00 pm) | $76 | $64 | $40 |
| 2009/2010 Season's Pass Rates |
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. double chair 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
Tubing - Mega Snow Coaster
The Tubing - Mega Snow Coaster at Big White Ski ResortThe 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
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 and 11am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting)
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.
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.
Grade 5 SnowPass
Kids in Grade 5 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