Resort guide to Big White -
Canada
Great for off piste and powder skiing, with plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation
Big White resort guide - a general overview
We recommend that if you want to ski in these fantastic Interior BC resorts you should consider a two-centre holiday. Ski holidays in Big White are great for learning to ski powder - the slopes are pretty benign and the powder snow is general very good quality (light and plentiful). There is some gladed skiing too which once you have the feel for deep snow skiing is great fun. The mountain can be shrouded in cloud for much of the time though (the locals call it the "Big White Out") so don't expect a sun tan and if you are looking for nightlife you might like to try elsewhere. However, this is a great family resort and good place to cut your teeth on that famous North American powder. As it is quite a small resort and ski area we suggest hiring a car and combining this resort with one or two others such as Silver Star and Sun Peaks.
Airports
- KELOWNA
- (1 hour)
- VANCOUVER
- (5hr 30mins)
Resort stats
2000 acres
1,755m - 2,285m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dinning
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Pros
- Lots of easy off-piste terrain and generally excellent snow for learning to ski powder
- Quiet on the slopes except at weekends
- Convenient purpose built resort with good quality acommodation, much being ski-in ski-out
- Friendly relaxed resort staff makes this a great family resort
Cons
- Very limited apres ski
- Few off slope activities and things to do - you can feel isolated without a car
- Visibility on the upper mountain can be bad when it is cloudy or foggy
Big White Resort Restaurants
Copper Kettle in the White Crystal Inn is recommended. The Kettle Valley Steakhouse at Happy Valley is also a good option with local wines to try. Other popular restaurants include Snowshoe Sam's, Powder Keg, Swiss Bear in the Chateau Big White and Frank's Chinese Laundry.
Big White Mountain Restaurants
There aren't really any restaurants on the mountain, just a few huts to stop for a drink. You have to come down to the base for lunch.
Big White Apres Ski
There isn't much straight after skiing but a few bars later on at night become lively.
Big White Nightlife
Snowshoe Sam's has a great atmosphere with a DJ, live entertainment and dancing. Raakel's in the Hopfbrauhaus has live music.
