Big White

Closed
Jack Lee
SnowPak Local Insider
Jack Lee
Pros
  • Tons of powder
  • Biggest ski-in/ski-out village in Canada
  • Largest night skiing area in Western Canada
Cons
  • Low visibility and can get crowded

Overall

4.5

Big White is Canada’s largest ski in/ ski out resort village, so 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 300 in, 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 ski 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 ski conditions. Prepare for rowdy folks in the village and swarms of fresh faces on the hill, as spring break usually attracts hoards of like-minded 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

Find accommodations around here

Kelowna (35-40 mi)

  • Cheaper accommodation than at Big White
  • An hour drive from the resort
  • Variety of attractions

Find accommodations around here

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 tips

For 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 tips

For 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 tips

Find 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 Favorite 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 ($7 USD) each!

Save up to 36% when you book a Big White package!

View Big White packages

Big White Reviews

Fabulous 4.3 / 5
based on 42 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 19, 2017
NJNolan J.
advanced skier
Big white is known as a great family destination, but also friendly for those adventure seekers that like to delve deep into the trees and find tons of hidden pow stashes!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
DRDaniel R.
advanced skier
Big white has excellent skiing/boarding from top to bottom. At some other mountains I find myself just skiing the top lifts for the good snow. Big white has a great variety of terrain, and lots of it!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
BLBen L.
advanced snowboarder
About 8 friends and I rented a cabin for 3 days in 2016 and absolutely loved it! Although the prices were pretty steep, there was great service and a good vibe throughout the mountain. The lift waiting lines were long but worth it when you get to the top. If the pass and accommodation prices were a bit less expensive I'd visit more often. ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 17, 2017
JJesse
intermediate snowboarder
I love big white, it's the best local mountain and the only one for me for now. I would love to go up every day and spend as much time on the hill in the champagne powder. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 11, 2017
JWJack W.
advanced skier
Love the resort, about an hour drive away, would love to go as much as possible every year. Really enjoy everything about the place. Problem is simply the costs, even though they are always worth the money... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 11, 2017
BBrian
advanced snowboarder
Big white is an awesome resort! i've had a seasons pass for the past 6 years in a row and always go upwards of 20-30 times in a year. Lots of different terrain for every skill level. If only families didn't bring their kids to the gem lake chair, which would really only be for more advanced riders.... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 11, 2017
JDJesse D.
intermediate snowboarder
I've always wanted a seasons pass but can never afford one, big white is the mountain 45 minutes away from my home and I would love to be able to ride there all season.... More
Average!3.1 / 5Nov 11, 2017
JTJon T.
advanced snowboarder
Big White is closest to me on the list. It could be a great hill if it wasn't fogged in all the time. Locals call it Big White Out, but still has some great terrain... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 10, 2017
THTony H.
advanced snowboarder
Long Runs, awesome for beginners and families. Cool bars and restaurants! Nothing like a white Christmas at Big White. Make sure to travel over to the Black forest chair to check out the Easter shoots!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 10, 2017
LBLeo B.
advanced snowboarder
Not the biggest but certainly a very fun resort. Lots of natural features and rollers to play around on. On powder days, there is some awesome tree skiing and also steep terrain at The Cliff. ... More