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Big White Ski Resort
Hogging the highest peak of the Thompson Okanagan Highlands in British Columbia, with fabulous views over the valley - this is one of the biggest and best ski resorts in Canada.
Since it began as a single lodge and T-bar in the sixties, Big White’s name has grown bigger and bigger in the world of snow sports, with Ski Canada awarding it for family offerings and best powder.
The village is ski in, ski out, with footpaths winding their way between the Village Centre Mall (look for the clock tower), Kid’s Centre, hotels, condos, restaurants and ski lifts. Most buildings are chalet-style and brightly coloured, with fairy lights and surrounding pines giving off a festive feel.
Kelowna (the main city in the Okanagan Valley) is 35 miles away, and its International Airport is the nearest place to fly into. Some packages include transfers – if not, there’s usually an airport shuttle taking just under an hour to reach the resort.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Canada, British Columbia
Established: 1963
Open: November - April
Downhill: 105km
View our detailed Big White snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Big White snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Kelowna International Airport (YLW) | 12km, 15 minutes |
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| Top Altitude: | 2319m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1508m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1755m |
| Longest run: | 7.2km |
| Slope Orientation: | South |
| Vertical Drop: | 777m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 105km |
| Beginner slopes: | 18% |
| Intermediate: | 54% |
| Advanced slopes: | 28% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $399-439 (adult 5 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Sun Peaks | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Big White
Beginners aren’t confined to the bottom of the mountain, with some gorgeous greens (we like Whitefoot Trail and Sun Run) flowing down from 2319m at the summit. The blue tree-lined runs here are in plentiful supply, including some lengthy trails down both edges of the ski area.
Work your way over to the top of the Gem Lake Express for a handful of trickier black runs like Black Bear and Cann Cann. On the other side, Cliff Chair serves four black double diamonds – Parachute Bowl, Pegasus, The Cliff and Camel’s Back – which flow into the gentler blue Cliff Ski Out. The longest route is Around the World from the T Bar summit down to Gem Lake, clocking up 7.2km. Local guides will be able to show you the best of the hundreds of acres of powder, glades and bumps that made Sun Peaks famous in the sixties.
Freestylers have the Telus Park with its boarder/ski cross and lanes of different difficulties featuring rails and jumps.
If you’re itching for more slope time by the end of the day, it helps that you’ve got the biggest night skiing area in western Canada to keep you busy – there are 38 acres of floodlit slopes in total.
Big White Apres Ski
The Moose Lounge is a good spot for laid back family après (last time we checked they did free hot chocolates for sprogs between 4 and 6pm). Snowshoe Sam’s makes for a brilliant evening if you like a good party. Find it in the village centre opposite the market and choose between 20 something beers and activities like foosball, pool and video games - you’ll soon see why it won Best Ski Bar in Ski Canada Magazine. The Blarney Stone is an Irish pub serving good old fashioned pub food and craft ales. When it comes to meals, we love the soups at Black Forest Lodge and the steaks at Kettle Valley.
There seems to be no end to the activities on offer here, from dog sledding and horse drawn sleigh rides to ice climbing and snowmobiling. The Happy Valley Adventure centre has snow tubing which is always a big hit with families. If you swap your ski boots for skates, you’ll be skating on Canada’s highest ice rink - seriously scenic with an afternoon bonfire to add to the atmosphere.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Big White
Best time to visit & ski Big White
As you’d expect from a resort named ‘Big White’, this place is no stranger to snowfall. An average of 7.5m of snow falls here each year, with December and March being historically the snowiest months. In terms of temperature, December is usually the coldest month averaging -10.5°C, with April the warmest at -4°C and the months between ranging from -8°C to -9°C.
Peak Dates
Skiing with Santa is one of our favourite things about spending Christmas in Big White. Others include the Christmas Eve parade and its firework display…
Ringing in the New Year in Big White is always exciting, the village is usually buzzing with all ages out enjoying themselves – and the fireworks that light up the mountain are incredible.
There are so many family offerings that taking the extra travel time to spend Half Term in Big White is well worth it. We love the English speaking ski schools and laid back atmosphere (not to mention the snow tubing).
Look out for Easter Egg Decorating in the Happy Valley Day Lodge which usually takes place over Easter in Big White. The Easter Bunny usually makes an appearance too!
Families in Big White
Sample the Okanagan Champagne Powder in a group with friends and family. Last time we checked, there were great lesson and lift pass offers for large groups and there’s certainly enough choice of terrain, restaurants and activities to keep the whole party grinning.
GroupsGroup Holidays Big White
The Big White Kid’s Centre runs a range of lessons for tots aged 3+, including special options for nervous learners who can progress in the company of Mum and Dad. When you need a break from the skis, there’s dog sledding, tubing and mini snowmobiles to enjoy – all adding up to a fantastic week on the snow.
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