11 reasons Big White Ski Resort is paradise for kids

Big White Ski Resort is the largest entirely ski-in ski-out destination in North America, which means no matter where you stay, quick and easy access from the door to the slopes is a possibility.

Known for the Okanagan Champagne Powder, which is dry and light, Big White has some of the best powder in the world. To top it off, slalom through the spectacular snow ghosts (snow-covered trees) which creates a magical backdrop to this winter playground. Big White is very popular for families, with a wide choice of condo accommodation, a huge range of beginner and intermediate terrain. The ice rink and many family-oriented events off the slopes make for a well-rounded and action-packed family ski holiday destination. Big White Ski Resort is located a 55-minute drive or shuttle bus ride from Kelowna International Airport.

Save at Big White

A great way to save on your Big White holiday is to book direct online. You’ll save 25% off lift tickets, and accommodation. Plus, you can sign up to receive Australian-specific deals. Find out more at bigwhite.com/geo/au.

1. Diverse Terrain

Regardless of your skill, Big White has a run for you. Start small in the Beginner’s Area, with not one, not two, but three magic carpets. With a green run from every lift, families with different skill levels can explore different areas of the mountain together.

The mountain offers wide-open terrain with plenty of nicely groomed runs at varying degrees of steepness. The mountain is graded 18% beginner, 54% intermediate and 28% advanced and expert.

2. Ski-In, Ski-Out

Did you know Big White is home to Canada’s largest entirely ski-in, ski-out village? Nearly every restaurant, accommodation and activity is a short cruise away on your skis – making it super smooth to get around when you have kids in tow, with no cars necessary to get around the village.

3. Okanagan Champagne Powder

Okanagan Champagne Powder is dry and light, giving Big White some of the best powder in the world. Mother Nature blesses Big White with over 750cm of 100% natural, dry and fluffy snow every year, providing endless days of fresh lines and winter fun.

The Okanagan Champagne Powder creates the spectacular ‘snow ghosts’ which are densely snow covered trees, they create a magical backdrop to this winter playground.

4. Ski & Snowboard School

The world-class instructors at the Big White Ski & Board School are well-versed in teaching first-timers, as well as those who just need a little help getting their ski legs back. Kids are fitted with Flaik Real Time Tracking devices to track their progression and for instructors to see where they are at all times.

Big White is the ultimate kids’ playground, a fun and safe environment featuring wide open runs, perfect for learning new skills that can get your children up and around the resort.

5. Big White accommodation is ski-in, ski-out

Be sure to check out Big White’s accommodation with fireplaces, private hot tubs or hotels with a shared hot tub and swimming pool.

Big White has a wide choice of condo accommodation as well as Kids Ski Free lift ticket deals. Accommodation includes some full-service hotels as well as a wide range of condominiums which are well fitted to make you feel right at home. Keep the kids entertained in the pool, while you relax your muscles and unwind after a long day on the slopes in the hot tub.

6. Loose & Lucy Moose

Keep an eye out for the friendly mascots Loose and Lucy Moose. You can spot them hanging out in the village, ready for a hug or high five, or cruising down the lanes of the Tube Park in Happy Valley.

7. Big White dining

With nearly 20 on-mountain restaurants, cafes and food trucks at the resort, there are plenty of options for every palate and budget. Check out the world-famous pink donuts at The Bullwheel, toast your own s’mores table-side at Globe Cafe, challenge yourself to finish a cookie the size of your head at Clocktower Coffee Co., or treat yourself to an iconic Canadian treat – a Beavertail pastry at the food truck in Gem Lake.

To thoroughly enjoy the BC Okanagan Valley’s offerings, be sure to savour some famous local wines. You can also order your groceries and have them delivered to your chalet before you arrive.

8. Ogopogo Trail

Big White’s Ogopogo adventure trail is a must for the photo album. It is guarded by local legend, Ogopogo. Start by skiing through the mouth of the Ogopogo, then go up, down, twist and turn your way through the many trees on this kid’s favourite blue run. Ogopogo is a mythical sea creature that First Nations people believe inhabits nearby Lake Okanagan. You will find the entrance from the Black Forest Express chairlift.

9. TELUS Park progression

The TELUS Terrain Park is awesome for kids. The clear grading of each feature helps riders and skiers work their way up to bigger features. Plus, a team is on hand to help ensure everyone stays safe and has fun. The park has its own chairlift so you can do continuous laps of the rails and kickers. The park was previously known as the Big White Terrain Park.

11. Kid-friendly things to do at Big White

There is so much more fun to be had after the lifts shut down for the day, or if you’re looking to take a day off from the slopes.

Enjoy free skating at Canada’s highest elevation skating rink with rentals available in Happy Valley. Experience an iconic Canadian activity – dog sledding – through the stunning backcountry at Big White. There are firework shows every Saturday night. Or grab a tube and whizz down the slopes as the sun sets in the five-lane Tube Park. Snowmobiling is an exhilarating way to explore the backcountry with kids over 91 centimetres tall able to ride as a passenger and those over 16 can drive.

Big White Ski Resort stats

Skiable area
1119 hectares

Lifts
16

Terrain parks
1

Runs
119

3 years
Minimum age for ski lessons

5 years
Minimum age for snowboard lessons

Child minding for infants

Grading of runs
Beginner: 18%
Intermediate: 54%
Advanced: 28%

Summit height
2,319 meters

Length of season
Late November to mid-April

7.5 meters
Average snowfall

Ski-in/Ski-out

Getting to Big White Ski Resort

Fly into Kelowna International Airport from Vancouver with Air Canada and it is an easy 55-minute shuttle transfer to Big White.

How to save on lift tickets for Big White Ski Resort

The cheapest way to ski at Big White Ski Resort is to purchase tickets online three days prior to arriving, this will save you 25%. Any purchase less than 2 days in advance saves you 15%. Adult daily lift tickets start at $93 and go up to $164.

Youth (13 – 18)  day tickets cost from $81 – $149.

Children (6 – 12) day tickets cost from $63 – $124.

Kids 5 and under and free.

Beginner tickets with access to the Plaza Chair and Magic Carpet are only $29.

Season passes are $1,199 for adults, $749 for youth and $499 for children.

Working at Big White Ski Resort

Imagine living and working at Big White. It is perfect for young adults wanting to spread their wings.

Natalia Jastrzab knows how good it is, having worked at Big White for five years. “It was so much fun, living and working in a place that people visit for their dream ski holidays,” Natalia said. “On my days off, I used to take free lessons with the ski school and managed to improve my skiing so much that I passed my Level 2 Ski Instructor’s course. You get discounts on food and beverages and free and discounted lift tickets for friends and family. The village is so beautiful, and it’s walkable so cars are not a necessity. Plus, you’ve got all these built-in friends. I have never had a busier social life than when I worked and lived there!”

There is a broad range of jobs available to Australians with a Canadian Working Holiday Visa, from cooks to cleaners, lift attendants to ski or snowboard instructors, drivers, marketing and retail.

Keep reading:

• Canada’s Best Ski Resorts for kids
• Inspiration for your Canadian snow holiday

Play

The focus at Big White is to make your holiday as easy and stress-free as possible, with kids clubs, a world class snow school, crèches and après activities aplenty.

On-mountain family activities

Skiing/Snowboarding

Cross-country skiing

Snow shoeing

Fireworks

Family Events (Christmas Eve/ New Year’s Eve)

Off-mountain family activities

Ice climbing tower

Big White tube park

Snowmobile tours/ children’s snowmobiles

Ice skating

Horse drawn sleigh rides

Summer activities

Mountain bike riding

Hiking

Big White Accommodation

Buy direct and save

Big White Central Reservations

Big White Central Reservations is your on-mountain, one-stop-shop for your Big White winter wonderland vacation. It has something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a cozy economical suite or a large private chalet, you can expect quality accommodations, friendly service and great value. Choose between hotels, condominiums, townhomes, vacation homes and luxury cabins to find your perfect home away from home. Big White Central Reservations like to say: Arrive. Unload. Keep it that way. Nothing is more effortless than staying slopeside. This is exactly how great ski vacations are meant to be.

Chalets at Big White

Chalets at Big White is a boutique-style vacation rental service. It manages a wide variety of luxury ski-in, ski-out vacation accommodations. The company strives to ensure guests have a ‘Memorable Mountain Experience.’ The Boutique vacation rentals are fully equipped to provide you with an experience of unparalleled comfort and enjoyment. A stay with Chalets at Big White is a chance to relax, unwind and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Luxury Mountain Vacation Rental

Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals has been in operation at Big White providing rental vacation accommodation for guests on behalf of owners for over 14 years. It has a long history of exceeding guest expectations by providing luxurious, well-appointed vacation rentals. The properties represent many of the best ski-in, ski-out locations on the mountain, with excellent access to all the resort’s amenities.

Stonegate Resort

Stonegate Resort provides on-site amenities for skiers and non-skiers alike. Start the day with a workout in the fitness centre or enjoy a cappuccino at the coffee station. A true ski-in, ski-out experience with access to three chair lifts and ski school right from your door. Relax in the heated pool or whirlpool, join your friends in the lounge for a game of billiards or watch the big screen. Complete the evening with friends in the games room, at the theatre or in your private hot tub.