World Class Recognition | Where to Stay | A Taste of Big White | What to Do | How to Get There | Driving Distances

Big White Area Facts

On Mountain

World Class Recognition

Big White Ski Resort was again recognized in Ski Canada magazine’s 2002/2003 winter edition after winning numerous “Best of” awards in the following categories:

Best Opportunity to Ski All-Natural Snow: Big White received accolades for being one of the top ski resorts in Canada for its world-famous, all-natural champagne powder snow.

Best New Accommodations: With its stone, log and timber theme, Big White’s luxurious Grizzly Lodge was named ‘Best New Accommodations’ in Canada.

Best Family Resorts: Both Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort received awards in the Best Family Resort category this year. Both resorts not only offer all ski-in/ski-out accommodations, but also feature world-renowned ski and board schools, kid’s facilities, non-ski activities, various shopping and dining options and a fun-filled weekly event schedule.

Best Bars: Raakel’s ski-in/ski-out pub at Big White Ski Resort received praise as one of the best ski bars in Canada.

Number of Lifts: Big White is ranked third in Canada for number of lifts, after Blackcomb and Big White. Big White Ski Resort has thirteen lifts in total, including four high-speed quad chairlifts, and a high speed eight passenger gondola.

Best Cruisers: Big White’s ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ was named as one of the top cruising runs at a Canadian resort.

Most Vertical in Canada: Big White made the top ten in Canada for the most vertical.

Powder Quantity: Big White Ski Resort ranks high in Canada for the quantity of snow received annually (750cm) followed by Silver Star Mountain Resort, which receives 700cm of dry world-famous Okanagan champagne powder annually.

Best Ski Party: The Helly Hansen Underwear Party at Ski Canada’s Ski Test at Big White Ski Resort last spring was ranked as Best Ski Party in Canada.

Best Strudel: “Behind every big man of the mountain (in this case film producer Klaus Gretzmacher of Big White) is a woman. Britta’s light, flaky, not-too-sweet, not-too-tart apple strudel may be by invitation only, but if you can wrastle Klaus off his personal snowcat by Argo, you may be in for an excellent taste of Austria,” Ski Canada Magazine commented. Britta Gretzmacher of Big White receives the award for Best Strudel!

Where to Stay

With 11,000 guest beds on the mountain, Big White Resort has a wide range of accommodations including hotels, luxury town homes and condos, mountain chalets, log cabins, budget units and youth hostels in a variety of locations throughout the mountain. Big White Central Reservations provides the largest and most comprehensive booking service with accommodations, discounted lift passes, lesson and rental tickets as well as airport transfers. For price and availability, please visit www.bigwhite.com or call 1-800-663-2772.

Alternatively, accommodation information is available at the following:
www.rentchalets.com or 1-877-397-0956
www.ownerdirect.com or 1-888-869-6377
www.chaletsunlimited.com or 1-877-765-6051

A Taste of Big White

Experience culinary temptations from around the world at Big White Ski Resort. Whether your preference is a romantic evening in one of the fireside dining rooms, a swiss fondue, a taste of Greece, Italy or China or good old fashioned Canadian beef, enjoy a relaxing evening of great food and fine Okanagan wines in one of the Resort restaurants. Finish your evening with a famous “gunbarrel” coffee at Snowshoe Sams. For a more casual experience, enjoy pub food in one of the local pubs or a quick lunch in the deli or one of the coffee houses. Finish your evening with live entertainment at one of the mountain bars.

Convenience items, a liquor store and movie rentals can be found at the village store located in the Whitefoot building. An on-mountain bakery specializing in artisan breads, pastries and decadent desserts, is conveniently located in the lower level of the Village day lodge.

What to Do

Big White Ski Resort has been recognized internationally for its’ world-renowned ski and snowboard school. There are a number of adult and youth programs. Regardless of your skill level, Big White offers discover programs aimed at introducing you to skiing or snowboarding up to and including group and private instruction. So, whether your interest is skill improvement or trying a new sport, Big White’s Ski School can help.

There are also a number of programs targeted at kids. Whether it’s child care, ski and snowboard skill development or organized evening activities you’re after, your kids will be well served by the staff at Big White’s famous Kids Centre. It’s been recognized by Ski Canada magazine as the “Best Resort Feature for Kids in Canada”. The UK’s London Daily Mail rated it one of the top five in the world! For more information about Big White’s Ski School and Kids Centre, you’ll find more details at www.bigwhite.com.

After the lifts close, the resort comes alive with an array of activities for kids and adults alike.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village or take a romantic ride on one of the horse drawn cutter sleighs. Head down to Happy Valley for an evening at the Mega Snowcoaster mountain tube park or join friends for a glide on the outdoor ice skating rink. Stop and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate at one of the open fire pits. If your legs need a break after days of fresh powder skiing, enjoy a day on the cross country ski trails, take a dog sled ride, a guided snowshoe tour or go on an exciting snowmobile adventure. There are adult and childrens’ rides. The resort also offers scenic helicopter tours and inter-resort helicopter shuttles to Silver Star Resort.

If you prefer the more relaxing side of winter, indulge yourself in one of the award winning spa facilities with a soothing spa massage or luxurious esthetics treatment.

If shopping is your preference, a variety of specialty and boutique shops, candy and ice cream, gift stores and a snowboard shop can be found throughout the village and at the Happy Valley Day Lodge.

Other Mountain services include a medical clinic and fitness center conveniently located in the Whitefoot Lodge in the village center. Big White also provides a full service rental shop conveniently located in the Village Day Lodge.

The resort also features regular weekly events which include a torchlight parade, fireworks in the village and fun for the kids with carnival night and “pizza and a movie” nights.

Enjoy your Big White mountain experience. Take advantage of the exceptional skiing, great food, lively entertainment and the wide variety of resort activities and services. Enjoy the natural harmony and tranquility of this majestic resort destination.

How to get there

Driving to Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort is 55 km (35 miles) southeast of Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley. From Kelowna, follow Highway 33 for 32 km (20 miles) until you reach Big White Road. Follow Big White Road for another 24 km (15 miles) and you arrive in the main village where you’ll find Central Mountain Check In and the majority of accommodations.

For updated road conditions, click here.

Arriving by air to Kelowna
Kelowna International Airport is serviced by Air Canada, Westjet and Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). These airlines are partnererd with many of the international carriers and fly direct and non-stop to Kelowna from Toronto, Hamilton, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Seattle. Yellow vested resort hosts can be found in the arrivals lounge. Frequent and efficient resort shuttle services are available between the resort and the airport but these services must be pre-booked. Budget Rent a Car has locations at both Big White and Silver Star.

Driving distances