Superb!4.9 / 5Apr 26, 2018
Kevin W. intermediate snowboarder
Pros
- Champagne powder - one of the best spots for powder skiing
- Western Canada's largest night skiing area 15 ha
- Canada's largest ski-in/ski-out village and very family-friendly
- Closest Ski Resort to Kelowna - just 1-hour drive away
Cons
- Often low visibility - nicknamed "Big Fog" and "Big White Out"
- Terrain on east side can get icy
- Slopes can get crowded
Overall
Buckle up your snow skirt, tuck your face mask under your goggles, and prepare yourself for a seemingly endless supply of champagne powder! No matter what you’ve heard, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking blasts of snow after every turn, stop, and yard sale (we don’t judge). With a whopping annual snowfall of over 762 cm, Big White isn’t shy to brag about their unbelievable climate. Shielded from wet Pacific air by The Coast Mountains of The Okanagan Valley, it’s no wonder why Kelowna's gentle giant continues to win awards for their conditions year after year.
Best month to go
February to March
While a standard season at Big White spans between November and April, the most pristine conditions align in February and March. Late winter and early spring visits will prevent you from losing the feeling in your toes despite them being completely submerged in light, fluffy powder. The days are a bit longer, so you’ll get a little more bang for your buck, and the holiday crowds have already petered off. With that being said, don’t think you’ll be the only one taking advantage of these immaculate conditions. Prepare for rowdy folks in the village and swarms of fresh faces on the hill, as spring break usually attracts hoards of likeminded powder junkies during the first weeks of each month. Early February and March are high season for visits from families of tourists, meaning you may find yourself waiting a little longer in lines, especially if you hang around the east side and main village.
FLY TO
Kelowna International Airport
SHUTTLE TO
Big White (1 hour)
Base of Big White (Walk)
- Ski-in/ski-out village
- Short walk to dining, amentities and lifts
- Wide range of accommodation
Kelowna (56-64 km)
- Cheaper accommodation than at Big White
- An hour drive from the resort
- Variety of attractions
For beginners
Never-evers can start off on the lower east side where there is a beginner learning area with a magic carpet to get them going! For the more experienced, the green runs higher up the mountain on the east side will keep you busy but check out Serwa's on the west side if you want to see the snow ghosts!
More beginners tipsFor intermediates
There is a wide variety of blue runs on the east side but our favourites for intermediates are in Gem Lake area where you can find some knee-deep powder or perhaps a face-shot or two! Frankly we think its some of the best intermediate terrain in the west!
More intermediates tipsFor experts
There are steep black diamonds underneath Gem Lake Express where you can fly through the trees and leap off drops, rocks, and ledges! The double blacks off Cliff Chair are also a real treat!
More experts tipsFind freshies
All over the mountain, that's why its Kelowna's powder paradise! Stashes can be found between the Snow Ghosts (snow-covered trees) and if you like face-shots then Mustang Sally is just perfect!
Ditch the crowds
Most of the crowds ski on the east side which is closer to the village. Avoid them by skiing over at the Gem Lake Area.
Non skiers
Non-skiers won't have a problem staying entertained here. From yoga classes to snowtubing, ice skating and snowshoeing, there is plenty on offer at Big White!
Families
It calls itself "Canada's Favourite Family Resort" and we gotta agree; here's why: a variety of terrain (to suit all abilities), a ski-in/ski-out village for easy accessilbility, endless kid's activities and Friday night bargains such as night skiing, rentals, tubing and dinner, all $10 CAD ($11 AUD) each!
Apex Mountain Resort
| Big White | Apex Mountain Resort | |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | 18 % | 15 % |
| intermediate | 54 % | 30 % |
| advanced | 22 % | 44 % |
| expert | 6 % | 11 % |
| total runs | 118 | 79 |
| ski area | 1,119ha | 182ha |
| summit elevation | 2,319m | 2,175m |
| total lifts | 16 | 4 |
| child lift ticket | Free | $66 CAD ($72 AUD) |
| adult lift ticket | $95 CAD ($104 AUD) | $80 CAD ($88 AUD) |
| uncrowded | ||
| snow | ||
| back country | ||
| value for money | ||
| average total snowfall | 536cm | 282cm |
Big White Reviews
Kevin W. Good!3.6 / 5Dec 06, 2017
WGWilliam G.
Really fun family orientated mountain. Accessibility is pretty darn good, with most places being ski in/out.
Snow can be deep and fluffy, although it can get socked in by cloud. Head to the trees and you will be okay!... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 05, 2017
SDStan D.
The 3rd largest in Canada, and it's a great time always! You NEED to do this place if you snowboard or Ski in Canada! It's a must try and enjoy! Powder days are the best here.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Good!3.6 / 5Dec 05, 2017
JBJohn B.
Pretty good hill overall, many different styles of trails or runs over a wide mountain, best thing about it is small natural features everywhere! Small jumps over the entire resort! Very close to kelowna which is a great city to visit if you are vacationing!... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 28, 2017
TMTerry M.
Great family resort with lots of varied Terrain options with great snow. Plenty of family apres Ski activities. Close to Kelowna international airport and the powder highway. Most accommodations are so in ski out and very acceibke to village centre. ... Moreadvanced skier
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 24, 2017
CCody
Always a blast. Great terrain for all levels. Family friendly and still rad for a boys stag weekend. Sweet powder on groomed runs or in the back country. Hot tubs on every deck in the hotels and the larger house accommodations have every thing you could need. ... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Average!3.5 / 5Nov 23, 2017
JBJeffrey B.
Big White is an excellent all aroubd resort. Despite the frequent inclement weather, a day spent at Biggie is always a good one! Freedom from the crowds during the week and the typical weekend crowds allow you to ride however you may please. Make a friend on the lift and enjoy the dry powder all day, then head to Sam's for a few drinķs with some... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 22, 2017
APAndreas P.
Big White is a North Anerican powder gem. Located close to Kelowna, a bumping and fun-filled town, this mountain offers up some of the best waist deep pow I've ever ridden in. Definitely worth the flight into K-town.... Moreadvanced skier
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 21, 2017
BLBen L.
Really good family resort. Good for beginner and intermediate skiers with lots of blue runs. Some fun tree runs but could get boring for an advanced skier or boarder after a while. Good terrain park for all levels.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 21, 2017
MTMaxx T.
I loved my trip to Big White! My whole family was able to find a suitable run, from my grandparents on the Greens to my sister and parents skiing the "fall down and walk bowl" from the very top! ... Moreadvanced snowboarder