This Canadian ski resort is a snow paradise for families

For ski-in, ski-out convenience, a village vibe and accessible terrain, Big White Ski Resort is the perfect family snow holiday, writes Joanne Sallay.

On a true bluebird day, my son and I stand at the top of the mountain, about to ski down the Paradise run onto flawless corduroy with snow-ghosted trees, endless groomed lines and spectacular views. The stress of everyday life melts away.

Our family of four is at Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, southeast of Kelowna and just a short drive from Kelowna International Airport. It’s no surprise we’ve returned three years in a row.

A paradise for families

This is where my children first learned to ski when they were five and eight years old. Now the family spans the full range of skiing abilities, from green and blue to black-diamond and expert double-black-diamond runs. The resort offers 119 designated runs across varied terrain. We choose Big White because it gives us one mountain for everyone.

A big part of this success has been Big White’s Ski & Board School, which offers private and group lessons, kids’ camps and, for the youngest, there is Tot Town daycare, accommodating toddlers to school-aged children. Years later, my kids are racing down runs I’d only glance at, but for them everything feels possible. I’m still a little cautious of the winding Ogopogo Trail, which they ski with total confidence. I’m happy to meet them at the bottom. If you don’t want a lesson, explore Big White with the Snow Hosts, friendly volunteer guides who offer complimentary mountain tours every morning, along with tips, restaurant suggestions and fun stories.

A sense of community

This family-owned and operated resort is so welcoming. You can feel the warmth, care and attention to detail everywhere you go. The restaurants are locally owned, there are no fashion boutiques or big chains, and everyone is here for the same reason: they genuinely love to ski. We love the chairlift chats with people from all over. No matter where they’re from, everyone seems to share one thing: they return year after year.

Big White offers plenty of après-ski activities to keep everyone entertained, from tubing and bingo to carnival nights and, of course, a relaxing soak in the hot tub. And if too much skiing is not enough by day, the night skiing is sensational.

Everything you need to know before your first family ski trip to Big White Ski Resort, from booking tips to on-mountain must-dos. Hit play and start planning your adventure with confidence.

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This article was produced with content supplied by Joanne Sallay in collaboration with Big White and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter below.

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