Big White
Big White Ski Resort, usually referred to as Big White, is a Canadian ski resort 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, in the Central Okanagan area of the Okanagan/Shuswap Valley in British Columbia interior. It is the third largest resort in British Columbia after Whistler (also known as Whistler-Blackcomb), and one of the larger resorts in North America.
Understand
[edit]Big White is in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, in Canada. 1 Big White Mountain's summit is at 2,319 m (7,608 ft) with a vertical drop of 777 m (2,549 ft), served by 16 lifts. The mountain receives 750 cm of annual snowfall. It has 2,765 acres (11 km²) of patrolled area of 7,355 skiable acres (30 km²). With 38 acres of night skiing, Big White has western Canada's largest resort night skiing area. It has a central village which comprises accommodation, eateries, bars and shops. The village is 1,755 m (5,758 ft) above sea level. Big White Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the southern Monashees, with over 100 marked runs.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]Big White Ski Resort is 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley.
- From Kelowna, follow Highway 33 for 32 km (20 mi) until you reach Big White Road. Another 24 km (15 mi) and you will arrive in the main village.
- From Vancouver, BC - 438 km (273 mi) - 4½ hrs via Hwy 97C
- From Seattle, Washington - 553 km (345 mi) - 6 hrs via Hwy 97C
- From Spokane, Washington - 453 km (238 mi) - 4½ hrs via Hwy 395
- From Silver Star Ski Resort - 130 km (59 mi) - 2 hrs via Hwy 97 / 33
By air
[edit]You can fly into Kelowna International Airport, then drive from there (see above).
By bus
[edit]Big White Resort Airport Shuttle, ☏ +1-800-663-2772, cenres@bigwhite.com. During ski season offers a shuttle between Kelowna International Airport and Big White. For adults: $54.08 one way and $87.68 return. Lower price rates are available for 6-12 year olds and for 5 and under year olds.
See and do
[edit]
Aside from the amazing ski hills, there is a lot to do at Big White. Big White is known for its winter sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sledding. Since Big White is near the Okanagan Valley, there are many non-winter activities to take part in, such as winery tours, hiking and mountain biking.
Eat
[edit]- 1 6° Bistro, 5227 Big White Rd (Slope-side in Stonebridge Lodge), ☏ +1 250-491-1716. Tu-Su lunch noon-3PM, dinner from 6PM. Features regular wine tastings and events. Reservations recommended.
- 2 The Underground Pizzeria, 5350 Big White Rd (at Trappers Crossing), ☏ +1 250-491-3575. Pizza for eat-in or take-out. Delivery is also available.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Snowshoe Sam's, 5375 Big White Rd, ☏ +1 250-765-5959. Sam's has great pub atmosphere. Meals, après ski, games, DJ entertainment and live bands. The dining room is upstairs and features a big stone fireplace, superb food and the famous 'Gunbarrel Coffee' show.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 The Urban Retreat Hostel, 7470 Porcupine Rd, ☏ +1 250-765-7920. Check-in: 7AM-11PM, check-out: 7AM-11AM. A ski-in, ski-out location in the heart of the Big White Village. Open during the ski season - closes early April. Dorm: $35/night, $210/week, $550-650/month - taxes included. Double room: $85/night, $510/week +$20/night for a third person.
Splurge
[edit]- 2 Chateau Big White, 5335 Big White Road, toll-free: +1 800-663-2772, cenres@bigwhite.com. In the heart of the resort with beautiful views of the village. An outdoor hot tub, the Black Diamond Bar & Grill, free underground parking, and day spa. Each unit has standard features including gas fireplace, microwave, mini-fridge and in-room safes. $182-249 standard double room.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]| Routes through Big White |
| END ← Kelowna ← | W  S |
→ Rock Creek → END |