Home » Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort
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.
Big White Ski 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 area
- 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 5,757 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
Web Cams & Weather - Big White Ski Resort
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 Center Webcam
Westridge
Telus Park Webcam
Getting To Big White
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 Shuttles 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-Mountian 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
VillageBig White Village Centre offers all the services and amenities 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 Center
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. Please call (250) 448-8899.
Big White Restaurants
Kettle Valley Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Ride the gondola to Happy Valley where you'll find the Kettle Valley Steakhouse. Featuring delectable cuisine in relaxed surroundings, and a stylish wine bar offering world-renowned Okanagan wines - such as 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. A memorable evening awaits.
Phone: (250) 491-0130
Coltino's Ribs and Steakhouse
Voted Best Kids Restaurant by Ski Canada Magazine, this restaurant offers ribs, chicken and steak in a friendly family environment. Featuring Italian and North American dining. Located at Das Hofbrauhaus.
Loose Moose Bistro and Pub
During the day the Loose Moose is the bistro which offers a variety of coffees, pastries, home made muffins, yoghurts, and power bars. The bistro turns into family restaurant at night. A family friendly atmosphere with great variety of foods, the restaurant offers a full kids menu while you enjoy nightly events entertainment. Located at the Happy Valley Day Lodge.
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
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 11:00AM DAILY
Phone: (250) 807-2407
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
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
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
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
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
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 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, last season's addition of six intermediate runs added another 200 acres of skiable terrain.
The Snow Ghost Express will open beside the Ridge Rocket for the 2006-2007 ski season. This will jet 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 (4:00 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
- 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 Mega Snow Coaster at Big White is North America's largest resort tubing park. Located next to the Happy Valley Lodge, just steps from SouthPoint 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:
Monday through Friday:
4pm to 9pm
Weekends:
2pm to 9pm
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.
2009-2010 Mega Snow Coaster Prices - Coming soon!
Below are 2008/2009 prices.
| One Ride | 2 Hours | Full Day Tube & Skate Pass | |
| Ages 13 and up | $4.00 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Ages 12 and under (Under 3 ft tall FREE) | $4.00 | $14.00 | $18.00 |
Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more guests. Please contact the groups department at 1-800-663-2772 ext. 6174 or 6176 or direct (250) 491-6174 or (250) 491-6176 or by email groups@bigwhite.com for further details.
Nordic Skiing
With easy access from SouthPoint 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
2009-2010 Nordic Skiing Day Rates
| Full Day | Half Day(After 1:00pm) | Additional Days | |
| Adult(19-64) | $21.00 | $14.00 | $18.00 |
| Youth(13-18) | $15.00 | $11.00 | $13.00 |
| Child (6-12) | $11.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $15.00 | $11.00 | $13.00 |
Skating
The outdoor skating rink at Happy Valley Lodge is just steps away from SouthPoint, 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 11am to 9pm and 11am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting)
2009-2010 Skating Rates
Skate fee: $4.00
Rental skates: $7.00
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 $1,000 deductible.)
2009-2010 Rates - Coming Soon! Rates below are from 2008/2009.
| Single Rider | With Passenger | Passenger Under 12 yrs | |
| 1 hour | $119.00 | +$49.00 | +$29.00 |
| 2 hour | $169.00 | +$69.00 | +$49.00 |
| 4 hour | $229.00 | +$99.00 | +$69.00 |
| Wiener Roast | $149.00 | +$59.00 | +$49.00 |
Note: 4 hour tour is only available at 8.30am and is condition dependant.
Mini-Z's
Mini-Z's are miniature snowmobiles that are great fun for kids under 90lbs (40kg).
Located at the base of the Happy Valley Gondola
Mini-Z's run daily from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm; on holidays they run daily from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tickets can be purchased from the Adventure Park Office; 10 minutes for $10.00 or 20 minutes for $15.00
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.
Daily Tour Schedule
10:00am - 12pm Good Morning Tour: Meet at the top of the Gondola and snowshoe on a mostly downhill direction to the final destination of the bottom of Lara's Gondola.
1:30pm - 3:30pm Afternoon Adventure Tour: Meet at the top of the Gondola and snowshoe down from Happy Valley, exploring along the way.
4:30pm - 5:45pm Sunset Snowshoe Tour: Meet at the top of the Gondola and snowshoe into the wilderness enjoying the views as the sun sets on another great day. Headlamps will be worn to find our way back in the dark.
This includes snowshoe rental, refreshments and an interpretive guide.
2009/2010 Snowshoeing Tour Costs
Adult - $30
Child under 13 - $26
Sunset Tour - $35
*$6 discount if you bring your own shoes.
FREE Skiing - Grade 5 SnowPass Program
The SnowPass Program, in its 10th year, gives children in Grade 5 the opportunity to try skiing and snowboarding and encourages families to spend quality time together visiting their local ski resorts.
Website: SnowPass.ca
Okanagan Travel Info & Links
- Regional Travel Info
- Visit the Okanagan Travel Directory
- Kelowna International Airport
- Greyhound Canada