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
Very Good!3.9 / 5Oct 15, 2021
QYQueena Y.
intermediate snowboarder
Great family-friendly resort! Lots to do for kids and plenty of ski-in/ski-out options. The tree runs were my favorite! Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for great skiing close to Kelowna.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Big White ReviewsShane C.
intermediate snowboarder
Great mountain with unreal runs. I love the fresh snow here every day. Makes boarding so easy. It is a good place to learn as you will have a pretty soft fall if you bail!!... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Big White ReviewsJoely T.
beginner skier
You are living in Kelowna or near to this beautiful city. Are you a mountain lover and you cannot wait for Skiing or snowboarding this season? So Big White is your best option. This beautiful resort is just an hour drive from Kelowna. I´am Mexican and when I just arrived in this city in January 2019 and asked what was the best of winter here.... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Big White ReviewsMia W.
intermediate skier
An awesome ski resort with $10 Night skiing on Fridays. Its honestly a great place and has some good food options as well! Day passes aren't too expensive and you can get them in town at Costco or Sportchek!... More
Average!3.3 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Big White ReviewsTodd B.
advanced snowboarder
Big white is not that good in my opinion. It really doesn’t have the terrain that an advanced skier or boarder should crave. It’s a beautiful resort with lots of stuck up rich people that’s for sure!... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Mar 22, 2020
Big White ReviewsDanika G.
advanced snowboarder
I've been going to Big White for over 20 years and it has always been a family/friend favourite! Snow is amazing, runs are well kept and the staff is amazing! Highly recommend... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 04, 2019
Big White ReviewsDan J.
advanced skier
It’s great! Friendly staff and fun mountain. Great for beginners to advanced skiers and boarders. Lots of off piste terrain to explore. Great park that is open later on weekends.... More
Very Good!4 / 5Sep 30, 2019
Big White ReviewsSarah S.
advanced skier
They have nice long runs and with hardly anyone there so no line ups. The ski in and out was a bonus. Loved the tubing and the giant fireplace. The gondola was easy to get off and on.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Big White ReviewsKasemer H.
advanced snowboarder
Phenomenal hill for learning. Not the most technically demanding or challenging runs but amazing pow days and lots of untracked territory make Big White unique. The village isn't the biggest or craziest party atmosphere but Kelowna is an hour down the road.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Big White ReviewsJordan G.
intermediate skier
Super fun, good snow and great tree runs. Great ski town that is a pleasure to spend a week at. I would definetly come back for a longer stay next time.... More